Children need help with brushing until about age 7–8 — the manual dexterity to clean every surface well doesn't fully develop until then. Building the habit early is just as important as the technique itself.
Quick reference
- For under-3s: use a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. For ages 3–6: a pea-sized amount.
- Brush together — parent first, then let your child finish. Make it part of the morning and bedtime routine.
- A small, soft-bristle brush sized for kids works much better than an adult brush in a small mouth.
- Aim for two minutes — a song, a timer, or a brushing app can keep little ones engaged.
- Bring your child in by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth, so we can monitor development early.
