Topic Overview
When your child’s first teeth come in, start cleaning them with a soft cloth or gauze pad. As more teeth come in, clean teeth with a soft toothbrush. Because too much fluoride can be toxic and can stain a child’s teeth, ask your doctor or dentist if it’s okay to use fluoride toothpaste.
Brush your child's teeth twice a day. When your doctor or dentist says it's okay, use a
dab of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a green pea. Brush your child's teeth from behind.
- Kneel down behind your child and have him or her
stand between your knees, facing away from you.
- With one hand,
gently press your child's head against your chest.
- With the other
hand, brush his or her teeth. You may also push away the upper and lower lips
to make it easier to get to the teeth.
- Pay special attention to
where the teeth meet the gums.