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Caring for teeth from early on is one of the best investments in a child's health and once brushing becomes routine, it stops being a battle. This guide, part of our children's hygiene guide, gathers everything about oral hygiene by age: when to start, how to brush, fluoride toothpaste and the first dental visit.
Note: this article is for information only and does not replace the advice of your dentist, oral hygienist or paediatrician, particularly regarding the use and amount of fluoride toothpaste suited to each age.
When should you start brushing a baby's teeth?
Oral hygiene begins before the first tooth: after feeds, you can clean the baby's gums with a damp cloth or finger brush. As soon as the first tooth appears (usually around 6 months), you should start brushing it with a soft, age-appropriate brush.
How do you brush teeth at each age?
Technique and autonomy evolve with the child:
Babies: parents brush, with a soft brush, morning and night.
Pre-school: the child starts to take part, but parents always finish the brushing.
School age: they gain autonomy, but need supervision until they have the dexterity (usually around 6-7 years old).
Brush with gentle movements, reaching all surfaces of the teeth, and pay special attention to the night-time brushing.
How many times a day and for how long?
The recommendation is to brush twice a day, in the morning and before bed, with the night-time brushing being the most important, because during sleep the natural protection of saliva decreases. Each brushing should last about two minutes.
And fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride helps prevent cavities, but the use and amount vary by age and should follow your dentist's or paediatrician's guidance. So, unlike other tips that circulate, we don't give fixed amounts here: check with the professional who looks after your child.
How do you prevent cavities in milk teeth?
Even though they're temporary, milk teeth are important (for chewing, speaking and guiding the permanent teeth). To protect them: brush twice a day, avoid falling asleep with a bottle of milk or sugary drinks, go easy on sugars and keep up regular dental visits.
When should the first dental visit be?
The first visit should generally happen around the first birthday or when the first teeth appear. Starting early helps the child get used to it and prevents problems. If your child is anxious, see our guide on fear of the dentist.
Frequently asked questions
When should you start brushing a baby's teeth? Before the first tooth, cleaning the gums with a damp cloth; when the first tooth appears (around 6 months), you start brushing with a soft brush.
How many times a day should children brush their teeth? Twice a day, in the morning and before bed, with the night-time brushing being the most important.
How much fluoride toothpaste should I use? It varies by age and should follow your dentist's or paediatrician's guidance. There's no single amount for all ages.
When should the first dental visit be? Around the first birthday or when the first teeth appear.