It can be challenging to brush your baby's or toddler's teeth but it is a very important step to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy.

Brushing Basics

  • Brush twice a day (after breakfast and before bedtime) for at least two minutes.
  • Choose a soft toothbrush that is small enough to reach all your child's teeth. Non-slip grips can be easier for your child to hold.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste: a pea-sized portion for children over three years of age and a smear (size of a grain of rice) for those under three. Teach your child to spit the toothpaste out.
  • Brush your child's teeth until they are 7 or 8 then brush with them until you are sure they can brush properly on their own.
  • Do not share toothbrushes among family members.
  • Replace your child’s toothbrush every three months, after a cold or illness, or when the bristles lose their shape.
  • Make brushing a routine part of your family's daily activities. Brush at a consistent time and place each day. Lead by example and take care of your own teeth.

Brushing Tip Sheets

Knee-to-Knee Brushing Technique

Vancouver Coastal Health's Children's Dental Department demonstrates the knee-to-knee brushing technique for children under three.