American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Recommendations
Birth
Even before the first tooth erupts, you can begin early dental care by gently wiping your child’s gums with a wet cloth or gauze after every feeding.
First Tooth to Ages 2-3
When your child’s first tooth appears, begin gently brushing with a “SMEAR” of fluoridated toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice.
Ages 3 and Up
When your child is able to spit out toothpaste, we recommend using a “PEA” sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste during brushing. Parents should assist their child with brushing until they are able to effectively clean their own teeth which typically corresponds to when a child is able to tie their own shoelaces.
Every child’s development is different, so please share any questions you may have with our experienced team.
When helping your child brush their teeth, teach your child to spend 30 seconds in each quadrant, making sure to brush the front, back, top, and sides of each tooth. The above video can be used to help your child gauge the amount of time they should spend brushing their teeth. Most children under the age of 12 years of age should be supervised with brushing and flossing.