Dental and oral development

The Importance of Brushing Teeth Starting at a Very Young Age

Discover why starting dental hygiene early is crucial for your child's oral health and development. Learn tips for building a brushing routine from a young age.

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The Importance of Brushing Teeth Starting at a Very Young Age

Reviewed by Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS · Last updated August 28, 2026

Dental health is an important part of overall health, and establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age is essential. As parents and caregivers, we are responsible for teaching our children the importance of brushing teeth, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Experts agree that good dental care can prevent a host of issues, from cavities to gum disease, reducing the risk of systemic health problems associated with poor oral hygiene.

Key Takeaways

  • Tooth brushing should begin as soon as a child's first tooth emerges, which typically happens around six months of age.
  • The American Dental Association recommends brushing a child's teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, ideally after waking and before bed.
  • Most cavities in baby teeth start between the teeth, so flossing is essential even when a child's teeth do not touch.
  • Children should be supervised while brushing until around age seven or eight to ensure they brush correctly and use the right amount of toothpaste.
  • A child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than the first birthday, with regular check-ups every six months after that.

When to Start Brushing a Baby’s Teeth, and Why It Matters

Brushing teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth emerges, which typically occurs around six months of age.5 

The first years of a child’s life are instrumental in developing long-lasting habits, and oral hygiene should be no exception. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that parents brush their child’s teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, ideally when they wake up and before bed.6

Children who do not develop proper brushing techniques and routines may experience tooth decay and cavities at an early age, leading to tooth pain, missed school days, and costly treatments that are unpleasant for the child as well as parents. Moreover, teaching children to view oral hygiene as a normal part of their daily routine is key to instilling lifelong practices.

Habits take longer to settle than most people expect. In the study the two-month figure comes from, the median was 66 days, and individual people ranged from 18 days to 254 days7. If a parent develops a routine of brushing their child’s teeth every morning, and brushing and flossing every evening, it will be easier for the child to maintain good oral health. 

“Cavities develop when bacteria in plaque processes sugars from things like candy, soda, and juice, as well as carbohydrates from foods like cereals, crackers, breads, and chips, and then releases acid, which dissolves teeth. If there is no plaque, the chance of a cavity developing is very low. Parents often don’t realize that most cavities in baby teeth start between teeth, because parents are usually a lot better at brushing than they are at flossing their child’s teeth. When plaque bacteria sits between teeth, it releases acid, which dissolves the minerals out of the tooth and results in a cavity” said Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS. 

“The first “toothbrush” can simply be a soft cotton washcloth used to wipe the first few teeth after each feeding.”
— Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS CEO, Sacramento Holistic Dentistry

Early Signs of a Cavity in Children: What White Spots Mean

Cavities start as a whitening of a tooth, usually as little white spots or white lines; these are called “white spot lesions.” If bacteria sits on these white spots, the enamel eventually caves in and creates what we call a cavity. These spots are often along the gumline, and between teeth. A dentist is best at spotting these early changes to the structure of a tooth, and can help with recommending way to remineralize the affected tooth structure. If you notice any white spots on your child’s teeth, it is very important to make a dental appointment right away. Often times these spots are invisible between teeth, and X-rays are needed to check for any cavities happening between teeth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and American Dental Association (ADA) recommend fluoride toothpaste for all children and limit the amount of toothpaste used by children aged <3 years to a “smear” the size of a grain of rice5,6.
— Thornton-Evans et al., MMWR, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention4

Three Myths About Children’s Dental Hygiene, Corrected

Myth

Baby teeth don’t matter.

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play an essential role in a child’s development. They help with speaking, eating, and maintaining space for permanent teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can lead to infections that may impact adult teeth if not addressed.

Myth

If you brush, you won’t get cavities.

While it may seem logical that brushing will prevent all cavities, if a child snacks on carbohydrates or eats sticky sweet things like candy, soda, and juices, the child may have weak enamel, as the minerals may leach out of the teeth due to acidic pH in the mouth. Brushing and flossing go hand in hand with a healthy diet that exposes the mouth to carbohydrates only during meals and never during snacks.

Myth

Flossing isn’t important until all adult teeth are in.

Just as cavities can happen on the front, back, and top surfaces of our teeth, they can happen between a child’s teeth even if their teeth don’t touch. Flossing is the best way to remove plaque between teeth, whether the teeth touch or not.

How to Get a Child to Brush Their Teeth: Five Strategies That Work

Getting children to brush their teeth can often feel like a challenging task, but with the right strategies, it can become a fun and engaging routine. Here are some effective tips to encourage your child to embrace tooth brushing:

  1. Make it Fun: Turn brushing into a game. Use a timer to see how long they can brush, or play their favorite song during the process. You can also incorporate colorful toothbrushes or toothpaste with fun characters to make the experience more appealing.
  2. Set a Good Example: Children often mimic their parents’ behaviors. Show them how you brush your teeth daily and discuss why it’s important. This can help instill good habits in them as they see you prioritizing your dental health.
  3. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child when they brush their teeth well. Consider establishing a reward system where they earn stickers or small rewards for consistent brushing routines.
  4. Create a Routine: Setting a specific time for brushing teeth, such as after meals and before bedtime, can help establish consistency. A clear routine helps children know what to expect and integrates brushing into their daily lives.
  5. Engage Them in the Process: Let your child pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste flavor. Giving them a choice can increase their interest and investment in the task.

Encouraging good dental hygiene habits early in life will help ensure that your child maintains a healthy smile as they grow, promoting both their dental and overall health.

What to Do If Your Child Has a Toothache: Six Steps

If your child is complaining of tooth pain, it’s essential to take prompt action to relieve their discomfort and determine the underlying cause. Here are some steps to consider:

  1. Assess the Pain: Ask your child to describe the pain, including its location and the intensity. This may help identify whether it’s a deep cavity, gum issue such as teething or another dental concern.
  2. Schedule a Dental Appointment: Regardless of how you manage the pain, it is crucial to make an appointment with your child’s dentist right away. Toothaches often indicate deep cavities that have reached the nerve, a dead tooth nerve that is infected, a gum infection, or other dental issues that require prompt professional assessment and treatment.
  3. Clean the Area: Gently rinse their mouth with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and keep the area clean.
  4. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relief medication may be administered according to the dosage instructions for their age if it is not possible to see a dentist right away (if the pain is at night or on the weekend). Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about which medication is suitable for your child.
  5. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can help reduce swelling. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth to prevent skin irritation.
  6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on additional symptoms such as fever, swelling, or persistent pain. If these occur, seek medical attention immediately as they often indicate a more serious condition.

Taking these steps can help manage your child’s toothache effectively while ensuring they receive the appropriate care to maintain their dental health.

Mouthwash for Young Children: When It Is Safe to Start

“Generally, mouthwash is not recommended for children under six. If you decide to use it when they’re older, choose an age-appropriate, fluoride-free version and ensure they can spit it out instead of swallowing”, states Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS.

“A mouthwash with hydroxyapatite can help to remineralize teeth.”
— Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS CEO, Sacramento Holistic Dentistry

Fostering good dental habits in children from a young age can pave the way to a lifetime of healthy smiles. By establishing routines around brushing and flossing, addressing common myths, and staying proactive about dental visits, caregivers can maximize their children’s oral health. Ultimately, teaching the importance of dental hygiene equips children with the tools they need to maintain their oral health and overall well-being for years to come.

What the Dental Guidelines Actually Say About Brushing, Fluoride, and First Visits

Four things on this page come from published guidance rather than custom, and they are worth stating exactly, because each of them is commonly repeated in a slightly wrong form.

  • Start before there are teeth. Wipe the gums with a soft cloth or infant brush and water from birth. Brushing proper begins with the first tooth.
  • Fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, in the right amount.2 A tiny smear, about the size of a grain of rice, twice a day for infants and toddlers; a pea-sized amount from about age three. The amount is the part people get wrong in both directions.
  • The first dental visit is at the first tooth, or the first birthday, whichever comes first. Not at six months, which is simply when many children get their first tooth.
  • Fluoride varnish is recommended in primary care.3 The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends applying it to the primary teeth of all infants and children from the eruption of the first tooth — which means a pediatrician can do it, and it does not have to wait for a dental appointment.

If brushing is a daily fight rather than a routine, it is worth asking why before pushing harder. A child who gags on the brush, cannot tolerate the taste of toothpaste, or reacts to the texture may be dealing with oral sensitivity rather than being difficult, and the fix is different. The dental and oral development section covers what else changes in these years, and how bottle use affects oral development is the other half of the early-years picture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I start brushing my child's teeth?

Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, usually around six months old. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of toothpaste.

How much toothpaste should I use for my child?

For children under three, use a smear about the size of a grain of rice. For children aged three to six, a pea-sized amount is recommended.

How can I get my child to brush their teeth?

Make brushing fun with games, timers, or favorite songs, set a good example by brushing alongside them, and use positive reinforcement like praise or a sticker reward system. Creating a consistent routine and letting your child pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste flavor also helps.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is specific: a child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than the first birthday, whichever comes first. That can feel early, but it is the point of it: the first visit is largely about showing a parent how to care for the teeth and what prevents cavities. After that, check-ups every six months.1

What should I do if I see white spots on my child's teeth?

White spots or white lines, called white spot lesions, can be the early stage of a cavity, so it is very important to make a dental appointment right away. A dentist can spot these early changes and recommend ways to remineralize the affected tooth structure, and X-rays may be needed to check for cavities between teeth.

Is mouthwash safe for young children?

Mouthwash is generally not recommended for children under six. If you choose to use it when they are older, pick an age-appropriate, fluoride-free version and make sure they can spit it out instead of swallowing.

Should I supervise my child while brushing?

Yes. Until around the age of seven or eight, children should be supervised to make sure they are brushing correctly and using the right amount of toothpaste.

What brushing technique should I teach my child?

Teach gentle circular motions with the bristles angled toward the gums, covering every tooth surface, for two minutes at least twice a day. A song or a timer makes the two minutes easier to sit through.

What if my child is afraid of the dentist?

Build the positive association before the appointment rather than during it: use positive language, read books or watch videos about dental visits, and consider a pediatric dentist who specializes in working with young children.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Frequently Asked Questions: first visit “when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday”; a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste twice daily as soon as teeth erupt, increased to a pea-size amount at ages three to six; gums cleaned from birth.
  2. Clark MB, Keels MA, Slayton RL. Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention in the Primary Care Setting. Pediatrics. 2020;146(6):e2020034637. The AAP clinical report on fluoride toothpaste amounts and varnish.
  3. US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening and Interventions to Prevent Dental Caries in Children Younger Than 5 Years. JAMA. 2021;326(21):2172–2183. The recommendation that fluoride varnish be applied in primary care from the eruption of the first tooth.
  4. Thornton-Evans G, Junger ML, Lin M, Wei L, Espinoza L, Beltran-Aguilar E. Use of Toothpaste and Toothbrushing Patterns Among Children and Adolescents — United States, 2013–2016. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2019;68(4):87–90. The source of the quotation above, and of the finding that more than 38 percent of children aged three to six used more toothpaste than recommended.
  5. American Academy of Pediatrics. Teething and dental hygiene. HealthyChildren.org. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics. Wiping the gums from birth, and brushing from the first tooth.
  6. American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. Fluoride toothpaste use for young children. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2014;145(2):190–191. The ADA recommendation of fluoride toothpaste twice daily from the first tooth.
  7. Lally P, van Jaarsveld CHM, Potts HWW, Wardle J. How are habits formed: modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology. 2010;40(6):998–1009. The study behind the “two months” figure: a median of 66 days to automaticity, with a range of 18 to 254 days. It measured adults forming their own daily habits, not parents brushing a child’s teeth, so read it as the shape of habit formation rather than a figure for this task.

Disclaimer. This page is for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.