Brushing Tips

It can be challenging to brush your baby's or toddler's teeth but it is a very important step to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy.

Brushing basics

• Brush twice a day (after breakfast and before bedtime) for at least two minutes. 
• Choose a soft toothbrush that is small enough to reach all your child's teeth. Non-slip grips can be easier for your child to hold.
• Use fluoride toothpaste: a pea-sized portion for children over three years of age and a smear (size of a grain of rice) for those under three. Teach your child to spit the toothpaste out.
• Brush your child's teeth until they are 7 or 8 then brush with them until you are sure they can brush properly on their own.
• Do not share toothbrushes among family members.
• Replace your child’s toothbrush every three months, after a cold or illness, or when the bristles lose their shape. 
• Make brushing a routine part of your family's daily activities. Brush at a consistent time and place each day. Lead by example and take care of your own teeth.

Tip sheets - babies and toddlers

• Tooth brushing tips for parents and caregivers (PDF) (Also in Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Punjabi and Farsi)

Video - children under three

• Tooth brushing for children three and under: Vancouver Coastal Health Children's Dental Department demonstrates the knee-to-knee technique for brushing children's teeth.