The short answer
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night. Use a rice-sized smear before age 3 and a pea-sized amount from age 3, and let your child practise while an adult brushes or finishes the job.
In this guide · 7 sections
Keep in mind
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft, child-sized brush.
- Use a smear before age 3 and a pea-sized amount from age 3; local advice may vary.
- Let your child practise, but an adult should make sure all tooth surfaces are cleaned.
How can you brush your child’s teeth?
Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night. Use a smear before age 3 and a pea-sized amount from age 3; NHS guidance advises 1,000–1,500 ppm fluoride for ages 3–6. Let your child practise while you supervise and brush or finish the job. Encourage them to spit, not rinse, and keep toothpaste out of reach.
What if your child resists brushing?
Offer a simple choice, use a short song or let a toy take a turn first. Keep the routine calm, brief and predictable. Offer a simple choice, use a short song or let a toy take a turn first. Keep the routine calm, brief and predictable. Avoid turning brushing into a threat or a prolonged struggle. Repeating the same gentle routine can make it more familiar.
Why do bedtime milk and snacks matter?
Frequent or prolonged contact with sugary drinks and foods can increase the risk of tooth decay. Brush after the final food or milk before bed. Frequent or prolonged contact with sugary drinks and foods can increase the risk of tooth decay. Brush after the final food or milk before bed. If your child is thirsty after brushing, offer water. If they fall asleep with a bottle, ask their dentist or clinician about a gradual change.
What should you discuss at a dental visit?
Ask about cavity risk, fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, pacifier or finger-sucking habits and the next check-up. Ask about cavity risk, fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, pacifier or finger-sucking habits and the next check-up. A dentist can advise on your child’s individual risk and local preventive care; do not wait for pain to ask about routine follow-up.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Ask a dentist for advice about persistent tooth pain, facial swelling, visible decay or a dental injury.
- Ask a dentist or clinician about fluoride supplements or special toothpaste rather than combining fluoride products without advice.
Sources used for this guide
- www.healthychildren.org — regional guidance
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Good Oral Health Starts Early – 17 Nisan 2026
- NHS — Constipation in children
- NHS — Diarrhoea and vomiting
- National Health Service (NHS) — Children's teeth
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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