When should I start brushing my child’s teeth, and how much toothpaste should I use?
Start when the first tooth appears, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Use a rice-grain-sized smear under age three and a pea-sized amount at ages three to six, with adult help or supervision.
Details
Building the routine
Brush gently with a suitable child-sized brush and clean every surface. Make one session the last thing before bed and the other at another convenient time. Young children need hands-on help, not just reminders.
Using toothpaste
Use the age-appropriate amount. Encourage children who can spit to spit out toothpaste without rinsing with water afterwards. Do not let them eat toothpaste or lick it from the tube. Ask a dentist for help if brushing is difficult or your child has additional needs.
The first dental visit
Introduce dental visits when the first teeth appear, and by the first birthday. This allows discussion of cleaning and early decay prevention without waiting for a problem.
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