Teaching your child to care for their teeth is one of the most important habits you can instill. Good oral hygiene begins early, even before the first tooth appears, and lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. But many parents aren’t sure when to start brushing or how to make it effective and fun. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to brushing your child’s teeth from infancy through the early years.
Start Early, Even Before Teeth Erupt
Oral hygiene begins before your child has teeth. You can clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush after feedings. This removes bacteria and helps your child get used to oral care from an early age.
Once that first tooth appears, usually around six months, it’s time to begin brushing.
Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Use a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush with a small head that fits comfortably in your child’s mouth. Many baby and toddler toothbrushes come with fun colors or characters to make brushing more enjoyable.
For children under 3, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. For ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount. Fluoride helps protect against cavities, but children should be supervised to ensure they don’t swallow too much.
Brush Twice a Day, Every Day
Just like adults, children should brush twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Make brushing part of the daily routine and try to keep it consistent. Nighttime brushing is especially important, as it removes food and sugars that can feed bacteria overnight.
How to brush:
- Gently brush all tooth surfaces: front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Use small circular motions.
- Don’t forget to brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Each session should last about two minutes, even if that means brushing only a few teeth at first and gradually increasing time as more teeth come in.
Make It Fun
Brushing doesn’t have to be a chore! Turning it into a fun, positive experience will make your child more likely to cooperate and develop good habits.
Try these tips:
- Use a timer or play a two-minute song.
- Let your child choose their toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth together to model good behavior.
- Offer a sticker chart or small rewards for consistent brushing.
Supervise and Assist Until Around Age 7
Even though kids may want to brush on their own, most don’t have the coordination to do a thorough job until they’re around 7 or 8 years old. Until then, continue to help or closely supervise brushing. Check that they’re using the right amount of toothpaste, brushing all areas, and spitting, not swallowing.
Brushing your child’s teeth is a daily act of love that sets the stage for a lifetime of good dental health. With the right tools, techniques, and a little creativity, you can make brushing fun and effective from the very start.
About the Author
Dr. Ivan Huynh is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, where he also completed his specialty pediatric training. Today, he is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and stays current in the dentistry field as a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Need preventive care for your little one? Dr. Huynh and our team have years of experience treating children, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best care possible. Schedule your appointment online or call (636) 265-6073.