Children’s Dental Care: A Parent’s Guide
Looking after your child's teeth from an early age can have a huge impact on their oral health for years to come.
As a Dental Hygienist and Therapist, I regularly see children of all ages and help families develop healthy habits that protect teeth from decay and encourage positive dental experiences. While visits to the dentist are important, the majority of your child's oral health care happens at home.
In this guide, I'll explain how to care for your child's teeth at different stages of development, when to start brushing, how much fluoride toothpaste to use and how to help your child build healthy habits that could last a lifetime.
Watch Our Video: Children's Dental Care Advice
Children's Dental Care by Age Group
0–3 Years: Building Healthy Habits Early
One of the questions I am asked most often is:
"When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?"
The answer is simple: as soon as the first tooth appears.
Most babies begin developing teeth between six and twelve months of age, although every child develops at their own pace.
As soon as teeth become visible, begin brushing twice daily using:
- A soft baby toothbrush
- A smear of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride
Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and protects developing teeth against decay.
Making Brushing Fun
Babies and toddlers are not always cooperative, particularly during teething periods.
Try to keep brushing positive by:
- Singing songs
- Using favourite toys
- Brushing your own teeth alongside them
- Counting teeth together in the mirror
- Using age-appropriate brushing videos
Children often learn through imitation, so seeing parents and siblings brushing regularly can be very encouraging.
When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
We recommend bringing children to the dentist as soon as their first teeth begin to appear.
Early visits help:
- Check teeth are developing normally
- Familiarise children with the dental environment
- Build confidence from an early age
- Establish positive dental experiences
At this stage, appointments are usually very relaxed and often involve a simple visual examination while sitting with a parent.
3–6 Years: Developing Good Brushing Habits
Children in this age group become much more aware of why brushing is important and often enjoy becoming involved in their own routine.
However, they still need supervision.
Many children simply do not yet have the dexterity needed to clean every tooth effectively on their own.
A good approach is to:
- Let your child brush first.
- Follow up by helping or checking their brushing afterwards.
- Ensure all tooth surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.
How Much Toothpaste Should Children Use?
At this age, children should use:
- A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- At least 1,000ppm fluoride
Encourage them to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing but avoid rinsing with water. This allows the fluoride to stay on the teeth for longer and continue protecting against decay.
How Long Should Children Brush For?
Children should aim to brush:
- Twice daily
- For two minutes each time
Timers, songs, brushing apps and reward charts can all help make brushing more enjoyable and encourage consistency.
Limiting Sugary Foods and Drinks
Even excellent brushing can struggle to protect teeth if children frequently consume sugary snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Try to:
- Keep sugary treats to mealtimes where possible
- Limit fizzy drinks and fruit juices
- Encourage water and milk as the main drinks
- Avoid bedtime drinks containing sugar
Reducing the frequency of sugar exposure can make a significant difference to your child's oral health.
7 Years and Over: Caring for Adult Teeth
Around the age of six or seven, children begin losing baby teeth and developing their adult teeth.
These permanent teeth need to last a lifetime, making this an important stage for developing long-term oral health habits.
Most children are capable of brushing independently at this age, although parents may still need to provide occasional supervision and encouragement.
Children aged seven and above should generally use a toothpaste containing approximately 1,350ppm fluoride.
This helps strengthen newly erupted adult teeth and provides increased protection against decay.
Always check the packaging if you're unsure about fluoride levels or ask your dental professional for advice.
Electric Toothbrushes for Children
Many children enjoy using electric toothbrushes.
They can be particularly helpful because:
- They are less technique-sensitive
- Built-in timers encourage two-minute brushing
- They can make brushing feel more engaging
Age-appropriate electric toothbrushes can be a great way to encourage consistent oral hygiene habits.
How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?
Most children should attend regular dental check-ups at least once a year, although some may benefit from more frequent reviews depending on their individual needs.
Regular examinations allow us to:
- Monitor dental development
- Identify early signs of decay
- Offer preventive advice
- Build confidence and familiarity
The earlier any problems are identified, the easier they are usually to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
As soon as the first tooth appears.
Should I help my child brush their teeth?
Yes. Most children need supervision and assistance until around the age of seven.
Should children use fluoride toothpaste?
Yes. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Is an electric toothbrush suitable for children?
Many children benefit from using an age-appropriate electric toothbrush, particularly once they are able to use it safely and correctly.
Healthy Habits for a Lifetime
While the advice changes slightly as children grow, the foundations remain the same:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Attend regular dental check-ups
- Encourage positive dental experiences
Helping children develop good oral health habits early can give them the best possible chance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.
Regular dental visits are an important part of that journey. We also offer children's dental care plans that help families spread the cost of preventive care while supporting healthy smiles as children grow.
If you have any questions about your child's oral health or would like to arrange a dental examination, our team will be happy to help.
Give Your Child the Best Start to a Healthy Smile
Regular dental visits help children build confidence, develop healthy habits and keep their teeth and gums in great condition as they grow. Our friendly team welcomes children of all ages and focuses on creating positive dental experiences from the very beginning.
