How to Brush – Tips for managing your child's teeth and gums

For toddlers…

  • Teeth cleaning alone is not a guarantee against tooth decay. Diet and feeding practices are also important for your baby's oral health.
  • Clean gums with a clean damp cloth. Ask your dentist if you should rub a tiny dab of toothpaste on the gums.
  • When the first teeth arrive, begin brushing with a small soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. Remember, most children are also getting fluoride from the community water supply.
  • Never give your child a bottle of milk, juice or sweetened liquid as a pacifier at naptime or bedtime.

Try to wean your child off of the breast and bottle at around 12 months to avoid baby bottle tooth decay and teeth misalignment due to sucking. Monitor excessive sucking of pacifiers, fingers and thumbs.

For kids learning to manage their own teeth…

Help them brush at night. This is the most important time to brush because of lower salivary flow and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque.

Let your child brush their teeth first (to build self-confidence) then follow up to make sure that all plaque is removed. By around age five children are generally able to brush their own teeth with proper parental supervision.

Lead by example. Brush together and let your kids watch you brush your teeth.

Toothpaste and fluoride

Babies under 18 months should not use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride is available in most Australian water supplies and the small amount of fluoride your baby takes in from fluoridated tap water encourages strong teeth. 

If babies ingest too much fluoride by using fluoridated toothpaste, it can cause fluorosis (a build-up of white marks on the teeth). Although this affects the appearance of the teeth, it does not usually affect health.

Start using low-fluoride toothpaste when your child is 18 months old. Use a tiny smear and encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste as you clean.

For more information, or to arrange a consultation, contact Gentle Dental Care.

Teeth brushing made fun…

Brush with your child –

It's a nice time together, and your child can mimic your brushing technique.

Cute toothbrushes –

There are lots of great-looking children's brushes available in stores. Be sure to choose a toothbrush that's small enough for your child to hold comfortably, with a small, rounded head and very soft, polished bristles.

Tasty toothpaste –

For children under 4, choose a product formulated especially for children. It's also safe to swallow and non-abrasive. So tooth and gum care is easier and more fun.

Count as you brush –

Count out loud as you brush each tooth: "Tooth number one is all clean! Tooth number two is all clean! Here comes tooth number three!" This is entertaining for your child, and a good way to practice counting.

Bring a friend –

At bedtime, kids may want to invite a favorite stuffed animal into the bathroom to watch as they brush.

Tell a toothy story –

Kids love to hear favorite stories again and again. Try making up a special short story that you tell only during teeth-brushing time. It can be simple and silly… Download "Toothy Story"

Sing a toothy song –

Make up a silly song to sing every time you brush. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Try something like this, sung to the tune of "Old McDonald Had a Farm". Download "Old McDonald Had Clean Teeth"

"Lead by example. Brush together and let your children watch you brush your teeth…"