Brushing Your Child's Teeth — When to Start, Which Toothpaste and How Much

Dr. Sandip Gupta

90% of parents make mistakes in cleaning children's teeth, which leads to cavities. This video explains when and how to clean a child's teeth. When to start: Start brushing when the child's first tooth comes. How often: Brush twice a day. Which brush: The brush head should be small, the bristles should be soft, and the toothbrush should be colourful. Which toothpaste: 6 months to 2 years – use a toothpaste without fluoride, because children under 2 cannot spit the toothpaste out, so a non-fluoride toothpaste is better. Above 2 years – you can use a toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride. How much toothpaste: 0 to 3 years – a rice grain sized quantity. 3 to 6 years – a pea sized quantity. Above 6 years – an adult sized quantity. Also: Along with brushing twice a day, tongue cleaning should also be done. Relevant for: parents asking when to start brushing a baby's teeth; parents choosing a toothbrush for a toddler; parents asking whether fluoride toothpaste is safe for a child and at what age; parents wanting to know how much toothpaste to use at each age; parents worried about cavities in small children; and parents asking whether tongue cleaning is needed. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist if your child has cavities, stains, tooth pain, or any dental concern.