A Complete Guide to When and How Your Children Should Brush Their Teeth: From Newborns to Adolescents
Establishing good oral hygiene habits early is key to ensuring lifelong dental health. As parents, knowing when to start brushing your child’s teeth and how to do it correctly at each stage can help prevent cavities, gum issues, and other dental problems. At Kids Dental Spot, we guide families in Anaheim through every phase of their child’s dental care—from their first dental visit in Anaheim to the teen years when they might consider braces for kids in Anaheim.
In this blog, we’ll provide age-specific advice on when and how your child should brush their teeth, what types of toothbrushes to use, and common mistakes to avoid.
Newborns: Cleaning the Gums Before Teeth Arrive
Even before your baby’s first tooth comes in, it’s important to start cleaning their gums. Doing this helps remove any residue from milk or formula and establishes an early routine.
What to Use:
A soft, damp washcloth or a soft infant toothbrush can be used to gently wipe the gums.
No toothpaste is needed at this stage.
Potential Harm:
Although you’re not using a traditional toothbrush yet, be gentle to avoid irritating your baby’s sensitive gums. Over-cleaning or pressing too hard could cause discomfort.
Infants (6 Months to 2 Years): First Teeth Appear
Once your baby’s first tooth breaks through, it’s time to switch to a baby toothbrush. Around six months of age, babies typically begin teething, and this is when you’ll need to start brushing their teeth twice a day.
What to Use:
A soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head designed for infants.
A tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, no larger than a grain of rice.
Potential Harm:
Brush gently to avoid damaging their tender gums or tooth enamel. Be mindful of overusing toothpaste, as swallowing too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis (white spots on developing teeth). Make sure to wipe off any excess.
Toddlers (Ages 2 to 4): Building Independence
At this stage, toddlers may want to take the reins with brushing, but it’s crucial to supervise them to ensure they're cleaning properly.
What to Use:
A toddler-sized toothbrush with soft bristles.
A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste starting at age 3.
Potential Harm:
Allowing your child too much control too soon can lead to over-brushing or missing areas. Too much pressure while brushing can also irritate the gums or cause damage to the enamel. Make sure you’re still guiding their hand or helping with the brushing to ensure the job is done thoroughly and gently.
Preschoolers (Ages 4 to 6): Learning Good Habits
At this age, kids are learning to be more independent but still need supervision. Ensure they are brushing all areas of the mouth properly.
What to Use:
A small, child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles.
A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Potential Harm:
The main risk at this stage is missing areas of the mouth, especially the back teeth, which are more prone to cavities. Also, kids may still swallow toothpaste, so keep an eye on that. Encourage gentle brushing to avoid harming the gums or enamel.
School-Aged Children (Ages 7 to 12): Building a Routine
By now, your child should be brushing on their own, but it’s still a good idea to monitor their routine occasionally. Ensure they are brushing for the full two minutes and covering all tooth surfaces.
What to Use:
A soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush designed for kids.
A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Potential Harm:
Many children at this age may start brushing too quickly or too hard, which can lead to enamel wear or gum recession. If you notice their gums are red or swollen, it may be a sign they are brushing too aggressively.
Adolescents (Ages 13+): Establishing Long-Term Habits
By adolescence, your child should have developed strong oral hygiene habits. However, it’s a good idea to remind them of the importance of thorough brushing and flossing, especially as they may be more prone to orthodontic work, like braces for kids in Anaheim.
What to Use:
A soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush.
Fluoride toothpaste suitable for teens.
Potential Harm:
Brushing too hard can still cause damage to the gums and enamel, especially for teens with braces. Make sure they’re using proper techniques and paying attention to hard-to-reach areas around orthodontic appliances.
Signs of Improper Brushing: What to Look Out For
At any age, improper brushing can lead to potential harm. Be on the lookout for the following signs that brushing might be too rough or not thorough enough:
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums: This could indicate your child is brushing too hard or not brushing enough.
White spots or discoloration on teeth: This may be a sign of fluoride overuse or missed areas during brushing.
Plaque buildup: If plaque (a sticky film) is visible on your child’s teeth, they’re likely missing areas or brushing too quickly.
Conclusion: Building a Lifelong Routine
Starting early and using the right tools at every stage can ensure your child maintains healthy teeth and gums. From newborns to adolescents, creating a routine of gentle but effective brushing is key to preventing cavities, gum issues, and other dental concerns.
At Kids Dental Spot, we’re here to support your family through every stage of your child’s oral health journey. Whether it’s time for your child’s first dental visit in Anaheim or they’re due for a regular dental check-up for kids in Anaheim, we’re ready to provide the highest level of Anaheim pediatric dental services.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about your child’s brushing routine or need to schedule an appointment at the best pediatric dental services in Anaheim. At Kids Dental Spot, we’re committed to keeping your child’s smile bright and healthy!
Kids Dental Spot is a children’s dental office focused providing pediatric dental services to patients in Anaheim, California. Serving kids, children, infants and adolescents in the heart of Orange County and nearby neighborhoods, such as: Fullerton, Brea, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Buena Park, Placentia, and Orange.
Pediatric dentistry provides dental care for children from infancy through their teenage years. Our experienced children dentists focuses on gentle, kid-friendly treatments that ensure your child’s comfort and promote long-term oral health for our pediatric patients. From routine cleanings and preventive care to emergency dental services, we are committed to keeping your child’s smile healthy and strong. We understand the unique needs of young patients and strive to create a fun, welcoming environment that makes every dental visit a positive experience for Anaheim families.
Written and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Atiya Bahmanyar, DDS (Board Certified - Doctorate of Dental Surgery)