Set your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles with these essential teeth-brushing tips
The best way to keep your little one’s teeth healthy is to start good dental habits early. This involves keeping gums clean, brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and visiting the dentist regularly. These everyday habits can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other dental issues that may affect their growth and development.
Tips for brushing
Children 0-3 years
Oral care should start before your baby has any teeth. Milk and food can leave deposits on the gums, leading to a build-up of bacteria. Clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings using gentle circular movements.
Once teeth appear, usually around six months, begin brushing twice daily with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste. You can start taking your baby to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. NHS dental care for children is free and offers advice on how to prevent tooth decay and identify any oral health problems.
If you want to learn more about caring for your toddler’s teeth, check out our no-nonsense guide.
Children 3-6 years
For children in this age group, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a toothbrush with a small head. Parents should continue to supervise and assist with brushing, making sure that all surfaces of their teeth are brushed for at least two minutes, both morning and evening. After brushing, children should spit but not rinse, so the fluoride stays active on their teeth.
Children 7 years & over
Children aged seven and over should be brushing their own teeth, but it’s still a good idea for parents to supervise to make sure they’re brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Introducing flossing at this age is also important as it helps remove plaque and food particles between teeth where a toothbrush can't reach.
Signs of bad oral health in children
Common indicators include bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, white or brown spots on teeth and complaints of tooth pain. To help maintain good oral health, limit sugar-sweetened drinks and snacks. If your child does have these, serve them at mealtimes and have them brush their teeth afterwards. Avoid letting your little one go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice, as this can cause tooth decay if they don’t brush their teeth after.
To ensure thorough cleaning, consider using the Boots Kids Plaque Reveal Tablets. These tablets use a colouring system to differentiate between newer and older plaque, highlighting areas that need brushing.
What’s the difference between milk teeth & adult teeth?
Milk teeth are naturally very white due to a thinner enamel layer that allows the underlying dentin to show through, giving them a pearly appearance. When adult teeth come in, they often appear more yellow or off-white in comparison as they have a thicker layer of enamel. This colour change is entirely normal and does not indicate poor oral health.
Tips to make brushing easier
We know it can sometimes be tricky to brush your little one’s teeth. Here are some helpful tips:
- Make the experience as fun as possible by using an egg timer, or a two-minute song
- Implement a reward system where children earn stickers for consistent brushing
- Brush your teeth alongside your child to set a good example and make it a shared activity
- Allow children to choose their own toothbrushes featuring their favourite characters or in fun colours
- Use a mirror to help your child see exactly where the brush is cleaning their teeth
By instilling good oral hygiene habits early and making the process enjoyable, you can help children maintain healthy teeth and gums, keeping their smiles decay-free.
