Ages 0-3: Starting Gentle Habits Early

Clean those gums: Before teeth arrive, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth after feedings.

Introduce brushing: Once teeth emerge, use a soft-bristled brush and brush twice daily ensuring you have brushed all surfaces, especially before bedtime. If you are feeding on demand through the night (breast or bottle), try and brush after feeds. We swallow less efficiently during the night, so any milk left on the teeth can be consumed by acid producing bacteria. This can lead to cavities.

Use fluoride wisely: Ask your dentist if fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. If yes, use a rice-sized smear and teach your child to spit, not rinse, to let fluoride work.

Start flossing early: When two teeth touch, begin daily flossing.

Ages 3-6: Gaining Independence with Guidance

Brushing and flossing with assistance: Guardians should help their child brush and floss until their child has good manual dexterity. Signs of good dexterity include: tying shoe laces, cutting with a fork and a knife and/or using chopsticks.

Fluoride amount: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and continue teaching spitting without rinsing.

Establish daily flossing: Keep helping with flossing every night until their teeth are completely close and they can take over .

Ages 7-12: Supporting Fully Independent Care

Care supervision continues: Even as kids gain independence, help monitor until they can floss and brush well on their own.

Make brushing a habit: Brush twice a day for 2 minutes, using a timer or song to keep them on track. A soft brush with a small head is best .

Upgrade cleaning tools: Help them clean between teeth daily using floss, picks, or interdental brushes .

Top Tips for Positive Daily Cleaning

Use the right tools: Soft-bristle brushes, child-size heads, and ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste are must-haves. Using a well lit magnified mirror can also be helpful.

Practice proper technique: Hold the brush at a 45° angle to the gums and use gentle circles; remember to brush the tongue too for fresh breath .

Positioning: when brushing for your children, it may be helpful for you to sit on the ground and lay your child in your lap in front of you. This way you can better see what you are doing.

Replace brushes regularly: Every 3-4 months or sooner if bristles are worn .

Prevent bacterial spread: Avoid sharing utensils or toothbrushes, and don’t kiss your child on the mouth to reduce bacterial transfer .

Smart Flossing Strategy

Start early: Begin flossing when two teeth touch.

Technique matters: Use C-shaped motions around each tooth, sliding gently below the gumline .

Let kids practice: They’ll begin to manage their own flossing when their manual dexterity improves and they get older, but guidance helps build good habits.

Summary Table

Age Group	Brushing	Flossing
0-3 years	Adult brushes twice daily	Start when teeth start to touch
3-6 years	Supervised pea-sized fluoride	Daily with assistance
7-12 years	Independent with oversight	Independent, supervised when needed

At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry in Toronto, we’re here to guide your child from the earliest tooth to a confident, independent brusher and flosser. For personalized tips or tools that fit your routine, book a visit with us today
and help build lifelong oral hygiene habits!