Gentle habits today lead to healthy smiles tomorrow.
Good oral hygiene starts early — even before your child’s first tooth appears! Teaching your child how to care for their teeth from a young age helps prevent cavities, reduces anxiety around the dentist, and sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits.
Here’s a simple, age-by-age guide to help you clean your child’s teeth the right way — with tips to make it fun, easy, and effective.
👶 For Infants (0–12 months): Before Teeth Appear
- Use a clean, damp cloth or soft infant finger brush to gently wipe your baby’s gums after feedings, especially before bedtime
- This removes milk residue and gets your baby used to the idea of oral care
- Once the first tooth appears (usually around 6 months), begin brushing with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice)
🍼 For Toddlers (1–3 years): When Baby Teeth Start Coming In
- Brush twice a day — once in the morning, once before bed
- Use a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush
- Use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Brush all surfaces: front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth
- Sit or stand behind your child and gently tilt their head back for better access
- Your child will want to “help” — let them, but you do the main brushing until they have the skills to do it thoroughly on their own (around age 6–7)
🟢 Tip: Make it fun! Sing songs, use a timer, or play a toothbrushing video to keep your toddler engaged.
🧒 For Preschoolers & School-Age Children (4–8 years)
- Continue brushing twice daily for 2 full minutes
- Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Encourage your child to brush, but supervise and assist to ensure they’re reaching all areas
- Start introducing daily flossing once teeth are touching
- Consider using floss picks or child-friendly flossers for easier use
🟢 Tip: Use a sticker chart or small reward system to build consistency and motivation.
🦷 When Should Kids Start Flossing?
- As soon as two teeth touch, it’s time to start flossing
- Most children need help with flossing until about age 8–10
- Daily flossing helps prevent cavities between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach
💬 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 🚫 Letting kids brush alone too soon (they often miss spots)
- 🚫 Using too much toothpaste — a pea-sized amount is enough
- 🚫 Brushing too hard — use gentle circles, not scrubbing
- 🚫 Skipping brushing after sugary snacks or before bed
👩⚕️ When Should My Child See the Dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing.
Regular check-ups every 6 months help:
- Monitor development
- Prevent early decay
- Build comfort and trust with dental visits
Final Thoughts
Learning how to properly clean your child’s teeth is one of the best gifts you can give them. Start early, make it fun, and work as a team — and you’ll help your child build a lifetime of healthy smile habits.
Need help or want to book your child’s first visit? Contact our friendly dental team today — we’re here to support your family every step of the way.