How to Brush Your Child’s Teeth Properly
Toothbrushing is the single most important thing you can do to protect your child’s teeth, but doing it properly makes all the difference between effective cleaning and simply going through the motions. Many parents are unsure about the correct technique, the right amount of toothpaste, or how long brushing should take — and with so much conflicting information available, it is easy to feel uncertain. The good news is that effective toothbrushing does not have to be complicated, and once you have the basics right, it quickly becomes second nature for both parent and child. Our children’s dentist team at Gorgie Road Dental Practice is always happy to demonstrate technique at appointments, but this guide provides everything you need to get started at home.
The NHS recommends that brushing should start as soon as the first tooth appears and should happen twice a day — once in the morning and once last thing at night before bed. According to NHS guidance on children’s teeth, parents should continue to brush or assist with brushing until their child is at least seven years old, as younger children lack the dexterity to clean their teeth effectively on their own. The bedtime brush is particularly important because saliva flow decreases during sleep, reducing the mouth’s natural defence against acid and bacteria.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
Before getting into technique, it is worth ensuring you have the right equipment. For babies and toddlers, use a small-headed toothbrush with soft bristles designed for young children. The brush head should be small enough to reach all areas of the mouth comfortably without causing discomfort. Many high street pharmacies and supermarkets stock toothbrushes specifically designed for each age group — look for one labelled for your child’s age.
Electric toothbrushes are suitable for children from around age three and can be a good option, particularly for children who resist brushing, as many children find the buzzing and vibration novel and entertaining. There is also evidence that electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes. If your child uses an electric toothbrush, the technique is slightly different — you guide the brush slowly from tooth to tooth rather than scrubbing, as the rotating or oscillating head does the cleaning work.
Replace your child’s toothbrush (or the brush head on an electric toothbrush) every two to three months, or sooner if the bristles become splayed. Worn bristles are significantly less effective at cleaning teeth.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is essential. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and actively helps to reverse very early-stage tooth decay. The amount and concentration of fluoride should be appropriate for your child’s age:
- Under 3 years: Use a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1000 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride — roughly the size of a grain of rice.
- Ages 3 to 6: Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing at least 1000 ppm fluoride.
- Ages 7 and above: Use a pea-sized amount of standard adult toothpaste containing 1350 to 1500 ppm fluoride.
Many toothpastes marketed at children contain lower fluoride concentrations than is recommended, so always check the label. Avoid “training” toothpastes or fluoride-free toothpastes for everyday use, as these do not provide the protective benefits of fluoride. Children’s toothpastes that meet the fluoride requirements and simply taste milder or have appealing packaging are fine and can help with compliance.
The Step-by-Step Brushing Technique
Good brushing technique covers all surfaces of every tooth and takes a full two minutes to complete. Here is a clear, step-by-step approach that works for children of all ages:
Step 1: Position the brush correctly. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, with the bristles pointing towards where the tooth meets the gum. This angle allows the brush to clean just beneath the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate.
Step 2: Use small, circular movements. Move the brush in small, gentle circular motions rather than scrubbing back and forth. Scrubbing can damage enamel and irritate the gums over time, particularly if firm pressure is applied.
Step 3: Cover all surfaces. Brush the outer surfaces of all upper teeth, then all lower teeth. Then move to the inner surfaces — the side of the teeth that faces the tongue and the roof of the mouth. Finally, brush the biting surfaces of the back teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion.
Step 4: Do not forget the gums and tongue. A gentle brush along the gum line helps remove bacteria. You can also give the tongue a gentle brush to remove bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
Step 5: Spit — do not rinse. After brushing, encourage your child to spit out excess toothpaste but not to rinse with water. Rinsing washes away the fluoride that has been deposited on the teeth, significantly reducing its protective effect. This is one of the most commonly overlooked tips and one of the most impactful changes you can make.
Step 6: Brush for two minutes. Use a timer, a two-minute song, or a toothbrushing app to ensure the full two minutes is completed. Most brushing apps for children have engaging visuals or characters that help maintain attention for the full duration.
Age-by-Age Brushing Guide
| Age | Toothpaste Amount | Fluoride Level | Level of Parental Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 years | Smear (grain of rice) | At least 1000 ppm | Parent brushes entirely |
| 3 to 6 years | Pea-sized amount | At least 1000 ppm | Parent brushes, child may have a go first |
| 7 to 9 years | Pea-sized amount | 1350 to 1500 ppm | Child brushes with parent supervising and checking |
| 10 years and over | Pea-sized amount | 1350 to 1500 ppm | Child brushes independently, occasional checks |
Practical Tips for Making Toothbrushing Easier
Getting young children to accept toothbrushing can be one of the more challenging parts of a bedtime routine. Here are some strategies that many parents find helpful:
- Make it a two-person job: Let your child have a go first, then you do it properly afterwards. Children enjoy the sense of autonomy, and you can ensure thorough cleaning once they have had their turn.
- Use a mirror: Standing at the bathroom mirror and showing your child what you are doing makes the process more interactive and helps them see where the brush is cleaning.
- Brush together: Children are more likely to accept toothbrushing as normal if they see their parents doing it at the same time. Making it a shared activity rather than something that is done to them can make a big difference.
- Offer choice within limits: Letting your child choose their toothbrush colour or their toothpaste flavour gives them a sense of control over the process without compromising on what matters.
- Stay consistent: Toothbrushing works best when it happens at the same time each day as part of a predictable routine. Children thrive on consistency, and a predictable routine reduces resistance over time.
- Praise good behaviour: Acknowledge and celebrate when your child brushes well. Positive reinforcement is far more effective than nagging or threats.
What About Flossing?
Flossing is not typically necessary while young children still have gaps between their baby teeth, as brushing can reach the spaces between them. However, once teeth begin to touch — which often happens with the back teeth in older children — flossing becomes an important part of the oral hygiene routine. Interdental brushes, floss picks, or water flossers designed for children can all be useful tools. Your dentist can advise on when to start and the best method for your child.
Diet and Its Role Alongside Brushing
Even the best brushing routine cannot fully compensate for a diet that is high in sugar or acidic foods and drinks. Toothbrushing removes the plaque that bacteria use to produce acid, but the sugar and acid from food and drink also directly damage enamel. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes, offering water or milk rather than juice between meals, and avoiding sweet or sticky foods before bed all support the work that brushing does.
One common mistake is brushing immediately after eating or drinking something acidic, such as fruit juice or fizzy drinks. Acid temporarily softens enamel, and brushing immediately afterwards can cause abrasion. It is better to wait around thirty minutes after consuming acidic food or drink before brushing.
Regular Dental Visits to Complement Brushing at Home
Home brushing is the foundation of good oral health, but it works best when combined with regular professional care. A dentist can identify areas that are being missed during brushing, apply fluoride varnish for additional protection, check that teeth are developing correctly, and offer tailored advice based on your child’s specific needs. Check-ups every six months are recommended for most children, though your dentist may suggest a different frequency based on their individual risk.
At Gorgie Road Dental Practice, our team is always happy to demonstrate brushing technique and answer any questions you have about your child’s oral care routine. If you would like to book a check-up or speak to someone about your child’s dental health, please call us on 0131 337 3936 — we would love to help you keep their smile in great shape.