When Can Kids Brush Their Own Teeth?
Teeth brushing should be part of children’s lives from the day their first tooth erupts, and they’ll need a grown-up’s help until they’re old enough to brush confidently by themselves. This is usually around the age of 7, but kids may be ready earlier or later depending on the individual, and it’s still recommended to supervise their brushing to make sure they’re keeping their teeth as clean and healthy as possible.
Read these top toothbrushing tips for kids of all ages, and contact our dentists in Brisbane if you have any other questions about your child’s teeth or they’re due for their 6-monthly check-up.
Age 0–3 years
You should start brushing a baby’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears, usually around 6 months. Dentists recommend:
- Brush twice daily, ideally in the morning and evening
- Use a small children’s toothbrush that fits comfortably in their mouth
- Use plain water only until age 18 months
- From 18 months to 3 years, apply a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste
- Make sure they don’t swallow or lick the toothpaste
- Don’t rinse toothpaste off their teeth so they can benefit from long-term fluoride protection
Starting toothbrushing as soon as possible can help to instil good oral hygiene habits for life.
Age 3–6 years
From age 3, children may be encouraged to practise brushing their teeth, but you should still take over to make sure all parts of their mouth are being cleaned. To help your child brush properly:
- Use a pea-sized amount of children’s toothpaste
- Instruct them to spit out toothpaste and avoid swallowing
- Guide your child’s hand to teach them the correct brushing action
- Hold a mirror so they can see where they’re brushing
- Use a timer to make sure they’re brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day
Age 7+
Children aged 7 and older are often able to brush their teeth by themselves, but they could still benefit from your encouragement and supervision to make sure they’re doing it properly.
By this age, kids should switch to standard fluoride toothpaste, still using a pea-sized amount and taking care not to swallow. If they find it hard to keep their teeth clean using a standard toothbrush, they could find an electric toothbrush more convenient or appealing.
When should children visit the dentist?
Infants should have their first dental visit by the time they turn 2, but visiting sooner improves the chance of any problems being caught early. Attending regular dental check-ups from a young age can also help children feel more used to visiting the dentist, which may help to lower their oral health risks as they grow up.
It’s recommended that children visit the dental clinic every 6 months so their dentist can monitor their rapidly-growing teeth and respond to any issues as early as possible.
Need a family dentist in Mosman?
If your child’s due for a check-up, or you have any questions or concerns about their oral health, our family dentists at Mosman 3D Dental are here to help. Get in touch today on (02) 9969 8610 or book an appointment online.