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Not sure what to do? Have an urgent question?

If your child is having symptoms or you don't know the exact substance or amount swallowed, call the Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

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My Child Ate Toothpaste

Q: My child ate toothpaste. Is toothpaste toxic?

Toothpaste is minimally toxic in small amounts. If your child swallowed more than twice the amount used for brushing or is vomiting, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222 .

Toothpaste is minimally toxic .

If your child swallowed more than twice the amount used for brushing or is vomiting, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

What to know: Toothpaste

Toothpaste includes brands like Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne, Pepsodent, Close-Up and others.
Most types of toothpaste contain fluoride, an ingredient that can be toxic when ingested in large amounts.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My child ate toothpaste. Is toothpaste toxic?

Toothpaste is minimally toxic if ingested in small amounts. Fluoride, however, can be toxic in large amounts.

Toothpaste contains a low concentration of fluoride, so ingestion of a small amount is unlikely to be toxic to children.

Symptoms of Poisoning

If your child is not having symptoms, give them a few sips of water and watch for nausea or vomiting.

If your child experiences continued vomiting, or if they ate twice the amount of toothpaste normally used for brushing, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222.

Eye Exposure

Toothpaste may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.
If your child got toothpaste in their eyes, rinse by pouring clean, lukewarm water across the affected eye(s) for 15 minutes.

For more instructions, please see our page on eye exposure information.