When Should I Begin Brushing My Child’s Teeth and What Type of Toothpaste Should My Child Use?

When it comes to brushing, the sooner the better! When the first teeth erupt, we recommend that you clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or washcloth twice per day. For children under four years old, use a small smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Many children under 4 are not able to spit their toothpaste out and swallow most of what is in their mouth. For children over four years, a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used. Most children under eight years of age do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively, so help with your child to establish good brushing habits. Many children still need their parents to help them brush at ages 5, 6, and 7 in order to remove all of the plaque.