Brushing and Flossing by Age: A Parent's Guide

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and one of the most common questions we hear from parents is simple: what should my child be doing at this age? Kids' needs change quickly as their teeth come in and their skills grow. Here's a practical age-by-age guide. Every child develops at their own pace, so treat these ages as general guidelines rather than strict deadlines.

Babies (birth to about 12 months)

• Before teeth: Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. It removes milk residue and gets them used to having their mouth cleaned.
• First tooth: As soon as the first tooth appears, usually around 6 months, brush twice a day with a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste no bigger than a grain of rice.
• Bottles: Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice; pooling liquid can cause severe decay.
• First visit: Schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth. Our guide to preparing your child for a first dental visit can help.

Toddlers (1 to 3 years)

• Toothpaste: Still a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste.
• Who brushes: You do. Let your toddler "practice" first if they want, then take a turn to brush properly.
• Flossing: Start once two teeth touch each other, often in the back.
• Habits: Transition from bottle to cup around the first birthday, and offer water between meals.

Preschoolers (3 to 6 years)

• Toothpaste: A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to spit it out rather than swallow it.
• Who brushes: Your child can start brushing with you watching, but you should still brush after them, especially at bedtime.
• Make it fun: Use a two-minute song or timer, a favorite toothbrush, or a sticker chart.
• Flossing: You floss for them; floss picks make it easier.

School age (6 to 12 years)

• New molars: The first permanent molars come in around age 6 and the second around age 12. Ask us about sealants to protect their grooves.
• Who brushes: Most children can brush on their own around age 7 or 8. Keep checking regularly; plaque often hides along the gumline and on the back teeth.
• Flossing: Many kids can start flossing on their own around 8 to 10, with reminders.
• Sports: Add a mouthguard for contact sports. See our post on sports mouthguards.

Teens (13 and up)

• Independence: Teens are in charge of their own routine, but reminders still help, especially with busy schedules and late nights.
• Braces and aligners: These need extra cleaning. Interdental brushes and water flossers help.
• Diet: Sports drinks, energy drinks and frequent snacking are common sources of cavities in teens.
• Wisdom teeth: We start watching wisdom teeth with X-rays in the mid to late teens.

Tips for every age

• Brush twice a day for two minutes, especially before bed.
• Replace toothbrushes every three to four months.
• Keep sugary drinks and sticky snacks to mealtimes.
• Visit the dentist every six months, or as recommended.
• Model good habits; kids copy what they see.

Partners in your child's smile

Every child is different, and we're happy to tailor advice to your family. Learn more about our pediatric dentistry, then request an appointment online or call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772.