Tooth brushing
Brushing and flossing at home
Children’s mouths and hands are different from adults’, so they should use toothbrushes designed for children. Both children and adults should use a soft-bristled toothbrush for gentle, effective cleaning. Replace toothbrushes about every three months, or sooner if the bristles become worn.
Caring for infants and young children
Before teeth come in, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, moist cloth or gauze. Once teeth begin to erupt, you can start cleaning them with a soft child’s toothbrush.
Use only a small amount of toothpaste. Until your child is able to spit it out reliably, use just a pea-sized amount or the amount recommended by your dentist. Too much fluoride toothpaste can lead to staining as teeth develop.
By age two or three, many children can begin learning to brush, but they will still need help brushing thoroughly.
How to brush
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the teeth and gums
- Use gentle, short back-and-forth strokes
- Brush the inside and outside surfaces of each tooth
- Brush the chewing surfaces
- Gently brush the tongue
- Floss between teeth once a day
When to begin brushing
As soon as your child’s teeth begin to appear, you can begin cleaning them daily. As more teeth come in, continue using a soft child’s toothbrush and make brushing part of your child’s regular routine.
Making brushing easier for toddlers
For many toddlers, tooth brushing can take a little patience. A few ideas that may help:
- Brush your teeth at the same time
- Let your child choose a toothbrush they like
- Let your child brush first, then help finish the job
- Read books about brushing together
- Make brushing part of the family routine
- Keep the same brushing schedule each day
- Sometimes it can also be helpful to show your child why brushing matters by letting them see food or drinks on their teeth and then brushing them clean.
Creating a consistent brushing routine and sticking with it each day can make the process feel easier and more natural over time.