In short: Start brushing as soon as your baby's first milk tooth comes through – twice a day, the last time just before bed. Use a fluoride toothpaste with at least 1,000 ppm fluoride: a tiny smear for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount from 3 to 6. Your child should spit the toothpaste out but not rinse with water, and an adult should brush or supervise until at least age 7.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 September 2026
When should you start brushing your baby's teeth?
Start as soon as the first milk tooth comes through, usually at around 6 months. Even before that you can gently wipe your baby's gums after feeds with a clean, damp gauze or a soft silicone finger brush – it gets them used to something in their mouth and makes a toothbrush easier to accept later.
- How often: at least twice a day, morning and evening.
- In the evening: brushing should be the last thing before sleep – afterwards, nothing but water.
- How long: about two minutes, so every surface of every tooth gets cleaned.
How much toothpaste and how much fluoride?
Fluoride strengthens enamel and is the most effective everyday protection against tooth decay. Because young children swallow some toothpaste, what matters is the right amount – not a fluoride-free paste. The NHS advises a toothpaste with no less than 1,000 ppm fluoride; the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) gives similar guidance:
| Age | Fluoride in toothpaste | Amount | Who brushes |
|---|---|---|---|
| first tooth to 3 years | at least 1,000 ppm | a tiny smear (grain of rice) | parent |
| 3–6 years | 1,000 ppm or more | pea-sized | parent, child learns with help |
| over 6 years | 1,350–1,500 ppm | pea-sized to a full brush head | child, parent supervises |
You'll find the fluoride level (ppm F) on the tube. Keep toothpaste out of your child's reach and never offer it as a treat.
How to brush a child's teeth: step by step
- Sit your child on your lap or lay them down with their head in your lap, so you can see all the teeth and support their head.
- Put the right amount of toothpaste on a dry, soft-bristled brush with a small head.
- Use small, gentle circles to clean the outer, inner and biting surfaces of every tooth and along the gum line.
- Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out but not rinse – rinsing washes the fluoride away.
- Rinse the brush and store it upright to dry. Replace it every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles splay.
Keep helping until you're sure your child can do it well themselves – normally until they are at least 7. A good compromise is “you first, then me”: your child has a go, then you finish off properly.
Which toothbrush should you choose?
- Finger brush: for massaging gums and cleaning the first teeth, such as the Mushie silicone finger brush with textured nubs for sore gums.
- Silicone training brush: extra-soft bristles and an easy-grip handle your little one can hold (e.g. Mushie).
- Soft children's toothbrush: the three-sided Fridababy brush cleans the front, back and biting surface of each tooth at once.
- Electric toothbrush for older children: the Neno Fratelli is designed for ages 6+ and has a 2-minute timer.
Find toothbrushes and accessories in our oral care collection. Once your toddler is standing, a learning tower or sturdy step stool helps them reach the sink.
The first dental visit
The NHS suggests taking your child along to your own dental appointments so they get used to the idea, and booking their own check-up once the first teeth have come through. Many paediatric dental associations recommend a first visit by around the first birthday, followed by regular check-ups even when there are no problems.
- Talk about the dentist in a calm, positive way, without threats (“if you don't brush, it will hurt”).
- Play dentist: count a teddy's teeth, then your child's.
- Book a time when your child is rested and fed.
How to motivate your child to brush
Almost every toddler resists the toothbrush at some point. It helps to make brushing a predictable, pleasant part of the day:
- A fixed routine: always at the same time, in the evening as part of the bedtime routine (bath, pyjamas, teeth, story).
- Lead by example: brush together – children love copying parents and siblings.
- Let them choose: the colour of the brush or cup; feeling in control reduces resistance.
- Two minutes of fun: a short song, a sand timer or a “hunt for hidden crumbs”.
- A toy helps: “brush” a teddy's or doll's teeth first, then your child's.
- Visible progress: a sticker chart where your child adds a sticker after every brush.
- Praise, not sweets: praise the effort and don't use sweets as a reward.
Diet and healthy teeth
After brushing, cutting down on sugar does the most for your child's teeth: limit sweets, sugary drinks and grazing between meals. Offer water between meals and don't put your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. For a healthy start with food, read our guide Weaning: when to start.
FAQ
Can I use fluoride toothpaste for my baby?
Yes. A toothpaste with at least 1,000 ppm fluoride is recommended from the first tooth, but only a tiny smear under the age of 3.
What if my child swallows toothpaste?
The recommended amount is small, so swallowing a little now and then isn't dangerous. Gradually teach your child to spit and keep the tube out of reach. If they swallow a large amount, speak to a doctor.
When can my child brush their teeth alone?
They can hold the brush and have a go early on, but help and supervise until at least age 7, as they can't yet clean every surface properly.
How often should I replace a child's toothbrush?
Every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles splay or get chewed.
When should my child first see a dentist?
Once the first teeth have come through, ideally by around the first birthday, then for regular check-ups.
Sources
- NHS – Looking after your baby's teeth
- EAPD – Guidelines on the use of fluoride for caries prevention in children (2019, PDF)
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician or dentist.
