A woman smiling while her daughter brushes her teeth

Key Takeaways

  • Parents should start brushing their child’s teeth when their first tooth comes in.3
  • Parents and caregivers can start teaching their child to brush their teeth around age three.1
  • Hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle (aimed toward the gums) and move the brush in gentle circles over all sides of the teeth for two minutes.3
  • Consider using prizes or music to motivate your child to brush their teeth.4 

The Right Way to Brush: Teach Kids How to Brush Their Teeth

Your child’s oral health is connected to their overall health.1 Learn how to teach healthy brushing habits to children and get brushing tips for toddlers.

Why Is Dental Hygiene Important for Kids?

Just because your child’s baby teeth are temporary doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Good oral health starts in childhood.2 Teaching your child to brush their teeth helps:2

  • Prevent gum disease and tooth decay
  • Makes good oral hygiene a daily habit for your child

When your child has good oral health and healthy teeth, they can:1

  • Speak clearly
  • Chew better
  • Avoid tooth pain and loss

Poor oral health can even cause your child to miss more school days and potentially affect their academic performance.1 

When Can Kids Start Brushing Their Teeth?

Parents should start brushing their child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth comes in.3 You can start teaching your child at around age 3 to brush their teeth.1 Your child will need your help until they are 8 years old.3 Usually, a child is okay to brush their teeth on their own when they can tie their shoelaces.3

Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Before teaching your child to brush their teeth, make sure you have the right oral care products on hand. For your kid’s oral hygiene routine, you’ll need:3

  • A toothbrush made for children. Look for a toothbrush with soft bristles, a small head and a thick handle that’s easy for your child to hold. Don’t forget to replace their toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.2 
  • A toothpaste with fluoride to prevent cavities. Children’s toothpaste  comes in fun flavors like Berry Twist. Let your child choose their favorite toothpaste flavor.

Teaching Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

Your child should brush their teeth twice per day—typically after eating in the morning and before they go to bed.3 Follow these steps to teach your child to brush their teeth:3

  1. Put a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush if they’re 3 or under. Use a pea-sized smear of toothpaste on their toothbrush if they’re 3 through 6.
  2. Hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle (towards the gums). Brush gently in circles over each side of their teeth.
  3. Brush for two minutes.
  4. Ask your child to spit out the toothpaste when you’re done brushing their teeth. Your child should never swallow fluoride toothpaste. Don’t ask your child to rinse with water after either, as it removes the fluoride that’s protecting their teeth.
  5. If your little one can’t spit, let them dribble the excess toothpaste into a cup, a washcloth or into the sink. 

Brushing Tips for Toddlers

Getting your child into the habit of brushing their teeth twice daily can be challenging.4 If your kid doesn’t want to brush their teeth:4

  • Try brushing your teeth with them. Children learn from their parents and siblings, and brushing your teeth with your child shows them what a proper dal hygiene routine looks like.
  • Play fun music. Turn toothbrushing time into a party. Choose upbeat songs that will motivate your child to brush their teeth.
  • Use rewards. Consider what your child loves and use that as a reward to encourage them to brush their teeth. For example, if they love books, tally up points they can earn each time they brush their teeth toward a new book.

Promoting healthy brushing habits now can help your child have healthy teeth in the future. Up next, explore tooth-healthy snack ideas for kids to help protect your child’s teeth. 

Source Citations:

  1. Oral Health for Young Children. Health Resources & Services Administration. https://www.hrsa.gov/oral-health/young-children. Accessed 7/31/2025.
  2. Brushing Your Child’s Teeth. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000769.htm. Accessed 7/31/2025.
  3. Toothbrushing Tips for Young Children. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Toothbrushing-Tips-for-Young-Children.aspx. Accessed 7/31/2025.
  4. Getting Kids to Brush. MouthHealthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/fun-ways-to-encourage-kids-to-brush. Accessed 7/31/2025. 

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