Brushing Guidance by Age

From the first tooth

 Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a smear of fluoride toothpaste appropriate for their age and a small, soft-bristled brush.

Ages 3-6

Move to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and encourage your child to spit rather than rinse after brushing, to get the most benefit from the fluoride. Supervision is still important at this stage, as most children don't have the coordination to brush thoroughly on their own.

Ages 7 and up

 Most children develop the dexterity to brush independently around this age, though it's worth keeping an eye on technique and encouraging flossing as their teeth come in closer together.

Throughout childhood

 Aim for twice-daily brushing for two minutes, and try to make it part of a consistent routine, many children do better with a timer, a favourite song, or an electric brush with a built-in timer to keep things engaging.