How do I brush my child's teeth?

How do I brush my child’s teeth?

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Most parents don’t realise you should start brushing as soon as your baby gets their first tooth, this will generally be around 6 months of age, but can be before or after this age.

When starting to brush your baby’s teeth, the best way to do it is to sit them on your lap with their head against your chest. Take a small baby toothbrush and smear a small amount of age appropriate tooth paste on the brush.

If you sit in front of a mirror this will be helpful to both yourself, as you can see what you are doing, but also your baby who will also be able to see what you are doing.

Start off with very gentle circular motion around the teeth and gums. If you don’t have a toothbrush or your baby doesn’t have many teeth, you could use a gauze you wrap around your finger with a small amount of age appropriate tooth paste and following the same idea of very gentle circular motions.

There is no need to get your baby to rinse their mouth out as it is important that the fluoride in the toothpaste stays in the mouth. Most children don’t like having their teeth brushed but as it is important to do at least twice a day, try and make it fun for the child. Make up games or songs that will motivate the child.

Importantly, don’t let your toddler or baby walk around with a toothbrush in their mouth as there is the danger that if they fall they could push it right down into their mouth and cause an injury.