However, available research tells a different story. Children will attempt to do as they are told or,possibly, they mimic what their parents show them and attempt to spit out as much toothpaste as they can. In any event, they are making it look like they are spitting out their toothpaste. However, it is well documented that young children do not have the capacity to spit out all their toothpaste. This is something that develops over time, when muscles and nerves are more mature and have the capacity to accomplish this task.