How to Brush Kids’ Teeth by Age

Summary

Wipe your baby's gums with a damp washcloth before teeth come in, then brush as soon as the first tooth appears. Help toddlers brush, and keep supervising as your child learns to brush well for the full 2 minutes. If you choose an electric toothbrush, pick one that's right for your child's age.

Developing a good oral hygiene routine early on can help them build a lifetime of healthy habits for a brighter, stronger smile. Here’s how to brush baby teeth, protect toddlers’ growing smiles, and strengthen teeth for kids ages 6 and up.

How to brush baby teeth

There's a lot to learn, but these basics are a great place to start.

• Clean a newborn baby's gums gently with a damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth appear, brush twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Gently massage your baby's gums and brush baby teeth with an extra-soft baby toothbrush.
• Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or juices that contain sugar as this can lead to baby bottle tooth decay or dental caries.
• Gingivitis, decay and cavities are just a few oral care issues to watch for as your child grows. Plan your child’s first dental visit by their first tooth or first birthday.

Teeth Brushing for Kids 3+

Showing by example and making it fun is the name of the game. When everyone brushes at the same time, it becomes a family ritual that kids look forward to.

Follow these steps when brushing your child’s teeth:

1. Brush your child's teeth along the gum line for 2 minutes, twice a day.
2. Gently brush using circular motions as you move from one tooth to the next.
3. Brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of teeth.
4. Have your child spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
5. Avoid rinsing with water right after brushing so the fluoride can stay on the teeth a little longer.

Additional kids’ brushing tips to keep in mind:

• Use a 'smear' of toothpaste for children from 2-3 years old.
• Want to help your child brush for 2 minutes? Try a song, timer, or brushing app to make the routine more engaging.
• Kids can start brushing with an electric toothbrush at age 3. Kids Electric Toothbrushes have lots of designs and some even feature their favorite superhero and fairytale characters.
• Usually by age 3 or 4, all 20 primary, or baby teeth, have appeared. Baby teeth impact the alignment of adult teeth, making it that much more important to properly care for them. Permanent, or adult teeth, appear by age 6 and may continue to emerge into their teen years.
• If you have a toddler who is afraid of the dentist, you might make your little one more comfortable by letting them sit in your lap during the exam.

Teeth Brushing for Kids 6+

As kids get older, they often want more independence. Taking care of their teeth is part of growing up, but most still need reminders and supervision to build strong brushing habits.

Follow these steps to show your child how to brush their teeth all on their own:

• Use a “pea-sized” amount of toothpaste for children aged 3 to 6 years.
• Have your child hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
• Let them glide the brush across their teeth as the electric toothbrush does the work for them—there's no need to scrub!
• Make sure they cover all teeth surfaces including the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
• Have your child brush for the full dentist-recommended 2 minutes with the 2-Minute Music Timer—you'll know they're done once the music stops!
• Let them gently brush their tongue to remove more plaque and keep their breath fresh.
• Have them spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
• Avoid rinsing right after brushing to retain the oral health benefits of fluoride.
• Reward them for a job well done!

Make Independent Brushing Fun

Around age 6, many kids are ready to take a bigger role in brushing, but most still need reminders and supervision.

Try these tips to make brushing more fun for kids ages 6 and up:

• Family Time: Show them how it's done by brushing and flossing your own teeth alongside your child. By doing so, you can set a good example and demonstrate the correct brushing and flossing techniques that will last a lifetime.
• Power Up: Features such as favorite characters and colorful handles may help make brushing more appealing. Choose a toothbrush your child is comfortable using and use it as directed.
• Adapt to Them: As your child gets older, choose age-appropriate oral care tools based on their needs, and ask a dental professional for guidance if they have braces or tooth and gum sensitivity.
• Reward Them: Kids should brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily, so keep track with a calendar or sticker system and reward them for a job well done!

How to Floss Kids' Teeth

Flossing is an important lesson to teach. You might also want to ask your dental professional about sealants or fluoride treatments for added protection against tooth decay in kids.

Start flossing your little one’s teeth as soon as two teeth are touching each other. From there, continue to floss your child’s teeth for them until they’re about the age of 8 and are able to pick up the proper flossing technique on their own.

• Gently glide the floss between two teeth.
• Form a "C" shape with the floss around each tooth.
• Gently slide the floss up and down against the tooth.
• Floss below the gumline to remove trapped plaque and debris.
• Use a fresh section of floss as you move across each tooth.
• Have your child rinse and spit after flossing to remove any loosened plaque or leftover food.

How to Rinse Kids' Teeth with Mouthwash

Ask your child's dentist whether an anticavity mouthwash is appropriate for your child once they are old enough to rinse and spit reliably.

Important considerations when adding a kids' mouthwash to their routine:

• Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash that’s specifically designed for kids.
• If your child’s dentist recommends an anticavity mouthrinse and your child can rinse and spit reliably, it may help prevent cavities when used as directed.
• Show them exactly how much mouthwash to swish with—usually about a capful, but check the instructions on the bottle for proper use.
• Let them gently swish the mouthwash around their mouth for about 30 seconds.
• Make it fun by adding a timer or a song as they rinse.
• Make sure they spit out the mouthwash completely and never swallow it.
• Follow the mouthrinse label directions and your dental professional’s guidance on timing of use.
• Make sure they avoid eating or drinking immediately after rinsing with mouthwash.
• Monitor your child as they swish to make sure they’re rinsing correctly and safely.

Kids Oral Care Recommendations

Complete Your Child’s Oral Care Routine

• Use a 'smear' of toothpaste for children from 2-3 years old, a “pea-sized” amount for children aged 3 to 6 years.
• You may introduce a kids’ electric toothbrush at age 3 if it is labeled for that age and used with adult supervision.
• Pair their toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste labeled for your child’s age to help prevent cavities when used as directed. Encourage healthy habits with the Disney Magic Timer App to make brushing more fun.
• For big-kid brushing at age 6 and up, encourage your child to brush for the full dentist-recommended 2 minutes. Some Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes for kids include a vibrating timer to help keep brushing on track.
• Follow your child’s dentist’s recommendations for the timing of checkups and professional cleanings.

Choose age-appropriate oral care products based on your child’s needs and their ability to brush and spit safely.