Teaching your child to brush and floss properly is one of the best gifts you can give them. Good dental habits formed in childhood last a lifetime and can prevent painful cavities, expensive dental work, and tooth loss. But many parents aren’t sure about the right way to help their kids care for their teeth.
This guide will show you exactly how to build excellent brushing and flossing habits that actually work.
When to Start: Earlier Than You Think
For Babies (Before Teeth Appear)
Start cleaning your baby’s mouth even before the first tooth appears. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe their gums after feeding. This removes bacteria and gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned.
First Teeth (6 Months – 1 Year)
As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing! Use a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Brush twice a day – morning and before bed.
Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Continue with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. At this age, you’re doing all the brushing. Make it part of your daily routine, like changing diapers or getting dressed.
Young Children (3-6 Years)
Increase toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. Let your child try brushing, but you should always brush their teeth again afterward. Their motor skills aren’t developed enough to brush properly on their own yet.
Older Children (6+ Years)
Continue supervising brushing until they’re at least 7-8 years old. Even if they can brush independently, check their work regularly to ensure they’re doing a thorough job.
The Right Way to Brush
Many kids (and adults!) brush incorrectly. Here’s the proper technique:
Choose the Right Toothbrush
- Soft bristles only: Hard bristles can damage gums and enamel
- Small head: Should fit comfortably in your child’s mouth
- Fun design: Let kids pick brushes with their favorite characters
- Replace every 3 months: Or sooner if bristles look worn
The Perfect Brushing Technique
Step 1: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Step 2: Use gentle circular motions (not back and forth like sawing wood).
Step 3: Brush all surfaces:
- Outside of upper teeth
- Outside of lower teeth
- Inside of upper teeth
- Inside of lower teeth
- Chewing surfaces of all teeth
- Don’t forget the tongue!
Step 4: Brush for 2 full minutes, twice a day.
Making 2 Minutes Feel Short
Two minutes can feel like forever to a young child. Try these tricks:
- Play a song: Use a 2-minute song they love
- Use a timer: Sand timers or phone timers make it visual
- Electric toothbrush: Many have built-in 2-minute timers
- Brush together: Make it family time
- Count teeth: “Let’s count all your teeth while brushing!”
- Use apps: Free apps with cartoon characters make it fun
Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid
Brushing Too Hard
More pressure doesn’t mean cleaner teeth. Brushing too hard can damage gums and wear down enamel. Teach kids to be gentle but thorough.
Rushing Through It
A quick 30-second brush doesn’t cut it. Set a timer and stick to it every time.
Missing the Back Teeth
Kids often focus on front teeth they can see. Make sure back molars get attention – they’re where most cavities form.
Forgetting the Gumline
Plaque builds up where teeth meet gums. Angle the brush to clean this area properly.
Not Rinsing the Toothbrush
After brushing, rinse the toothbrush well and let it air dry standing up. Bacteria can grow on dirty, damp brushes.
Flossing: The Often-Forgotten Step
Many parents skip flossing for their kids, thinking baby teeth don’t need it. Wrong! Flossing removes food and plaque from between teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach.
When to Start Flossing
Start flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other. For most kids, this happens between ages 2-3.
How to Floss Your Child’s Teeth
Traditional Floss Method:
- Use about 18 inches of floss
- Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches to work with
- Gently slide the floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion
- Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape
- Move it up and down, going slightly below the gumline
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth
Easier Options for Kids:
- Floss picks: Small plastic tools with floss already attached – much easier for kids to use
- Floss holders: Regular floss attached to a handle
- Water flossers: Electric devices that spray water between teeth (great for kids with braces)
Making Flossing a Habit
Flossing once a day is enough, preferably before bedtime. Here’s how to make it stick:
- Start young: The earlier you start, the more normal it becomes
- Let them choose: Fun colored floss picks make it more appealing
- Floss together: Show them you do it too
- Praise effort: Celebrate when they do it without reminding
- Be patient: It takes time to develop the skill
Creating a Routine That Sticks
Children thrive on routine. Make dental care as automatic as eating breakfast.
Morning Routine
- Wake up
- Use the bathroom
- Brush teeth (2 minutes)
- Eat breakfast
- Rinse mouth with water
Bedtime Routine
- Dinner
- No more snacks or drinks (except water)
- Bath time
- Brush teeth (2 minutes)
- Floss
- Bedtime story
- Sleep
Make It Non-Negotiable
Just like wearing seatbelts or going to school, brushing and flossing aren’t optional. They’re just part of daily life.
Tips for Dealing with Resistance
For Toddlers Who Fight Brushing
- Let them brush your teeth first: Trade turns
- Sing silly songs: Make up brushing songs together
- Use a mirror: Let them watch themselves
- Give limited choices: “Do you want the blue brush or the red one?”
- Stay calm: Never force it aggressively – this creates fear
For Older Kids Who Rush or Skip
- Explain why: Show them pictures of cavities
- Create a chart: Give stickers for proper brushing
- Make it a challenge: “Can you brush every tooth 10 times?”
- Set consequences: No screens until teeth are brushed properly
- Check their work: Use disclosing tablets that show missed spots
Extra Tips for Cavity Prevention
Beyond brushing and flossing, these habits help:
Use Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. Use fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated tap water. Ask your dentist if your child needs fluoride supplements.
Limit Snacking
Every time kids eat, bacteria create acid. Three meals and two small snacks are better than constant grazing.
Choose Water
Water rinses away food particles and doesn’t cause cavities. Make it your child’s main drink.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Take your child to the dentist every 6 months starting from their first birthday. Prevention is easier than treatment.
Seal the Deal
Ask your dentist about dental sealants – thin coatings that protect molars from cavities.
The Parent’s Role by Age
Ages 0-2: You do everything
Ages 3-5: They can try, but you finish the job
Ages 6-8: They brush, you supervise closely
Ages 9-12: They brush independently, you spot-check
Ages 13+: Independent, but occasional reminders help
The Bottom Line
Perfect brushing and flossing habits don’t happen overnight. Be patient and consistent. Even if your child resists now, keep at it. These habits will protect their teeth for life and save them from painful cavities and expensive dental work.
Remember:
- Brush twice daily for 2 minutes
- Floss once daily
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Supervise until age 7-8
- Make it fun and routine
- Visit the dentist regularly