Brushing Your Child's Teeth

Brushing is one of the main ways you can keep your child's teeth healthy. You should brush your child's teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice each day to help prevent tooth decay (cavities). Begin brushing as soon as your child's first tooth begins to show.

Tips for brushing your child's teeth

• Brush your child’s teeth after breakfast and before bed.
• Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.
• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other professional organizations recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste for all children.
  • For children under age 3, use no more than a smear or rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • For children ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Young children like to do things by themselves. It’s good to let children brush their teeth while an adult watches. However, children under age 7 or 8 cannot brush their teeth well yet. Until they're old enough to do it well by themselves, an adult needs to brush the child’s teeth too.
• Find a position where your child is comfortable and you can see your child’s teeth while you brush. For example, sit on the floor with your baby’s or young child’s head in your lap. Or stand behind your child in front of the mirror.
• Gently brush your child's teeth using small circles. Brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the insides and outsides.
• After brushing, have your child spit out the remaining toothpaste but not rinse. The small amount of toothpaste that stays in your child’s mouth is good for their teeth.
• If you are having trouble brushing your child’s teeth, use a timer, a counting game, or a song while brushing. You can also ask the staff at your child’s dental clinic for help.

Use a smear for children under age 3.

Use a pea-size amount for children ages 3 to 6.

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Last Updated: December 26, 2024