When Should Kids Start Using Toothpaste?
Isabella Cannon
| 3 min read
It’s never too soon to think about your child’s oral health, even from infancy. Practicing proper oral hygiene habits from a young age helps children develop a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. However, there are guidelines for age-appropriate habits.
When do you begin brushing?
You don’t need to wait until a baby’s teeth come in to begin light brushing with a soft, wet cloth or a clean finger over the gumline. This will gently remove bacteria and prevent damage to their baby teeth as they begin to arrive. It also gets the baby used to having their mouth brushed before teeth appear.
Baby’s first teeth
As soon as a baby’s first teeth erupt, you can start with a tiny, grain-sized amount of children’s toothpaste to a finger brush or child’s toothbrush and gently brush their teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends use of a smear of fluoride toothpaste from eruption of the first tooth to age 3. From age 3 to 6, use of a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Monitoring your child’s toothpaste usage
While fluoride found in toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay, excessive fluoride intake in young children can lead to fluorosis, which causes tooth discoloration. Have an adult put the toothpaste on the brush to ensure the child is using a safe amount. Brush children’s teeth thoroughly twice per day or as directed by your health care provider.
If a child cannot spit, tilt their mouth down so that the toothpaste can dribble out into the sink, a cup or a washcloth. Supervise the child to make sure they are not swallowing toothpaste when brushing.
Children’s toothpaste vs adult toothpaste
The main difference between children’s toothpaste and adult toothpaste is the fluoride content. Children’s toothpaste contains a lower concentration of fluoride to accommodate to their developing teeth and gums. Consider flavor and texture when selecting a children’s toothpaste. Toothpaste designed for infants generally have a smoother texture and a milder flavor, while those for older children have a more abrasive texture to effectively clean growing teeth.
Adult toothpaste contains higher levels of fluoride, which is crucial for preventing tooth decay and strengthening enamel. Typically, children are ready to start using a pea-sized amount of adult toothpaste as their permanent teeth come in between the ages of 6 to 8 years.
Talk with your health care provider for personalized recommendations on your child’s oral health and guidance on selecting the best toothpaste based on their specific needs.
Teaching proper toothbrushing techniques
It is important to teach, supervise and encourage children to brush their teeth. Follow this step-by-step brushing technique provided by the ADA:
- Apply the appropriate amount of toothpaste and wet brush with water.
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in circular motions.
- Cover all areas of teeth, including the front, back and chewing surfaces.
- Clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth by tilting the brush vertically and making up-and-down strokes.
- Gently brush tongue to remove bacteria.
Other beneficial oral hygiene habits
- Brush teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled brush.
- Choose an appropriate brush size and shape that fits your mouth.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
- Visit your health care provider and dentist regularly.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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