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When to Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth: A Guide for Parents
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts, usually around 6 months old. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste for infants and toddlers, increasing to a pea-sized amount by age 3.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 1Start wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth even before teeth appear.
- 2Begin brushing with a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts.
- 3Incorporate tooth brushing into the nightly calming routine, such as after bath time.
What to say
- “Let's brush your teeth to keep them shiny and healthy!”
- “This little toothbrush helps keep your smile bright before bed.”
- “I know it feels funny now, but brushing helps your teeth grow strong.”
What to practice consistently
- Brushing teeth twice daily, especially before bedtime.
- Supervising and assisting brushing until the child can do it well alone (usually around age 6-7).
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups starting by the first birthday.
What to avoid
- Using adult-sized toothbrushes or large amounts of toothpaste.
- Delaying brushing until many teeth have erupted.
- Using brushing as a punishment or forcing the child aggressively.
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Begin brushing with a soft infant toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under 3 years old.
- Brush twice daily, especially before bedtime, to remove plaque and prevent cavities.
- Gradually increase toothpaste to a pea-sized amount by age 3, supervising brushing to minimize swallowing.
- Establish a consistent routine to help the child become comfortable with brushing.
- Schedule the first dental visit by the child's first birthday or within six months of the first tooth eruption.
Related questions
The first dental visit is recommended by the child's first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears.
Use a smear about the size of a grain of rice for children under 3 years, increasing to a pea-sized amount by age 3.
Incorporate brushing into a calming routine, use songs or stories, let the child hold the toothbrush, and offer praise for cooperation.
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From around the web
Oral Health Tips for Your Child
Guidance on starting dental care and brushing for infants and young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth
Information on preventing tooth decay and establishing oral hygiene habits.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthy Teeth for Your Baby
Research-based advice on infant oral health and early dental care.
NICHD