A Guide To Brushing From Birth To Age 6

Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur. Brush your child’s teeth in the morning and before bed time.

For children under the age of 3 use a child-size toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste with an amount no larger than the size of a grain of rice. When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth daily.

For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own, continue to supervise their brushing and remind them not to swallow the toothpaste.