Children · Brushing
Children’s dentistry
Brushing your child’s teeth, done well.
Getting brushing right in childhood protects teeth for a lifetime. Here are the six things that matter most, how much toothpaste to use, and answers to the questions parents ask most.
The six things that matter most
- Use a fluoride toothpaste (1,000–1,500ppm).
- Brush twice a day — last thing before bed, and one other time (ideally first thing).
- Aim for two minutes; with younger children, take what you can get.
- Brush the insides, outsides and biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.
- Spit, don’t rinse, so some fluoride stays behind to protect the teeth.
- Supervise brushing until at least age 7.
How much toothpaste
- Under 3: a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- 3–6: a pea-sized (petit pois) amount.
- 6 and over (and adults): a garden-pea amount.
All children should use a fluoride toothpaste of 1,000–1,500ppm. If you live in an area with fluoride in the water, 1,000ppm is fine; without fluoridated water, use an adult-strength 1,450ppm. Choose a toothpaste your child will tolerate — children’s versions are milder, though some contain less fluoride.
Text and further advice adapted from dentalchoices.org.
Watch
See how it’s done
A short film demonstrating good brushing technique for children.
Common questions
Children’s brushing — your questions answered
Should children use adult toothpaste?
They can, if it’s the right fluoride strength for your water supply — but children’s toothpastes have milder flavours that are easier to tolerate.
What strength fluoride should my child use?
1,000–1,500ppm: 1,000ppm in fluoridated-water areas, 1,450ppm elsewhere.
What toothbrush is best?
An age-appropriate head that fits comfortably. Electric is fine — use a children’s model or head.
What does supervised brushing mean?
An adult brushes for younger children and watches older ones, until about age 7, checking they brush well and spit rather than rinse.
Should children use mouthwash?
They don’t need to, and it’s no substitute for brushing. Only if they can be trusted to spit it out.
Do children need to floss?
No — focus on brushing. The dentist will introduce flossing when needed, usually in the teens.
When should children first see a dentist?
Soon after their first teeth come through — around six months old.
How often should they have a check-up?
At least every six months, or every three months for higher-risk children.
To download
A printable brushing chart
Reward good brushing with a chart on the bathroom wall.
Build the habit early
A good routine now protects your child’s teeth for life.