At what age should a child brush their own teeth

Even before your child's teeth have come in, it's important to start mouth care. Using a damp washcloth or piece of gauze, gently rub it over your infant's gums to help clean the mouth. Brushing your child's teeth should begin when the first tooth appears.

Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, on a soft-bristled toothbrush. When your child is about 3 years old, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

When to start brushing baby teeth with toothpaste

Your child will need help brushing his or her teeth until the age of about 7 or 8.

The importance of brushing

The single best way to remove harmful plaque from teeth and gums is to brush teeth regularly and correctly.

Plaque is a thin, sticky film loaded with bacteria.

What is the correct method for teeth brushing?

Every mouth is different, and there is more than one effective way to brush. Deciding which way is best for your child depends largely on your child's teeth positions and gum condition.

Talk with your child's pediatric dentist or primary care provider to decide w

how long should kids brush their teeth

how often should children brush teeth