Track Your Child’s Brushing Time

Begin brushing your child’s teeth with water as soon as the first tooth comes in. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends adding fluoride toothpaste to the routine once your child turns 2. Around age 3, your child can start brushing their own teeth under parental supervision, using only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Most children are ready to brush independently by age 6. Encourage your child to spend about 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth, covering the front, back, top, and sides of every tooth. The visual above can help your child keep track of the recommended brushing time.