Parent Guide: Looking after your little one's teeth

Brushing your child’s teeth isn’t always straightforward.

Whether you’re starting from their very first tooth or navigating the ups and downs of brushing with a toddler or preschooler, it’s normal to have questions.

Parents often ask:

• When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

• How do I brush them properly?

• What if my child refuses?

This guide covers everything you need to know about looking after your little one's teeth

When should I start cleaning my child's teeth?

Oral care starts earlier than many parents realise.

Before teeth appear:

• Clean your baby’s gums once a day using a clean, damp cloth or a soft infant gum brush.

When the first tooth appears:

• Start brushing straight away using a baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Establishing this early routine helps your child get used to toothbrushing as part of their daily care.

How much toothpaste should I use?

• Under 3 years: A smear of fluoride toothpaste

• Ages 3–6 years: A pea-sized amount 

Children don't need to use special children's toothpaste. Children of all ages can use family toothpaste, as long as it contains 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride.

Children aged 3 and under who don't have tooth decay can use a lower strength children's toothpaste, but make sure it contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride.

How should I brush my baby’s teeth?

• Brush twice a day (morning and before bed is ideal but you can adjust to what fits your schedule best)

• Cover all surfaces of the teeth using small circular movements

• Encourage your child to spit out toothpaste (no need to rinse afterwards, as this removes fluoride)

Positioning tips:

• Babies: Sit them on your knee with their head resting against your chest

• Toddlers: Stand behind them and gently tilt their head back

Encouraging independence with toothbrushing

As your child grows into a toddler and preschooler, they’ll naturally want to do more things by themselves—including brushing their teeth.

Encouraging independence is important, but at this stage, your child will still need guidance and support to make sure their teeth are being cleaned properly.

Here’s how you can support both:

• Let them start, you finish

  Allow your child to brush their own teeth first, then take over to make sure all areas are cleaned thoroughly.

• Build it into a routine

  Having a consistent morning and bedtime routine helps your child understand that toothbrushing is a normal part of their day.

• Use gentle guidance

  Talk them through what you’re doing—“let’s brush the back teeth,” “now the front”—so they begin to learn the process.

• Keep it positive

  Praise their efforts, even if they’re still learning.

• Supervise at all times

  Children should be supervised while brushing until they can do it effectively on their own—usually around age 7.

Supporting your child’s independence while staying involved helps build both confidence and healthy habits that last.

What if my child refuses to brush their teeth?

This is very common. The key is consistency and making it a positive experience.

Make it fun and familiar

• Let them choose their own toothbrush

• Allow them to “have a go” first, even if you correct afterwards

• Make brushing part of a predictable daily routine

Use play and imagination

• Brush a favourite toy’s teeth first

• Use silly voices or role play (dentist and patient games work well)

• Copying and pretend play helps children feel more comfortable

Use music

• Sing a favourite song or use a toothbrushing timer song

• Aim for around 2 minutes of brushing time

• Try roaring like a lion or singing with an open mouth for extra fun

Use mirrors and funny faces

• Make exaggerated faces together while brushing

• Use the mirror to keep them engaged and distracted

Dental check-ups are important

It is recommended to take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears (or by their first birthday, whichever comes first).

This helps them:

• Get used to the dental environment early

• Build positive associations with dental care

• Receive personalised advice from a professional

You can also take your child along to your own dental appointments so they become familiar with the experience.

In the UK, NHS dental treatment is free for children.

To find a dentist, you can use the NHS service finder or contact NHS England directly on 0300 311223 or email england.contactus@nhs.net.

Building good oral health habits early supports lifelong dental health. Even if it feels difficult at first, consistency is what makes the biggest difference!

Additional resources

Foreo - 10 ideas to make brushing teeth fun

Oral B - Brushing tips

NCT - Parent guide to baby teeth care

Raising Children AU - Toddler dental care guide