Children should use a fluoride-free dentifrice until?

The most relevant answer is that children should use a fluoride-free dentifrice until they can effectively spit it out. This is important because fluoride can be beneficial for dental health, but if ingested in large amounts by young children, it can lead to dental fluorosis, which affects the appearance of teeth. Until they develop the motor skills and understanding necessary to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing, using a fluoride-free option helps minimize the risk of swallowing fluoride. The consensus among dental professionals is that around the age of 2, many children are usually able to start managing this process, but the key factor is their ability to properly handle the toothpaste rather than just their age alone.