{"id":31,"date":"2026-03-01T17:25:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T17:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allaboutkidsdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=31"},"modified":"2026-03-24T17:25:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T17:25:41","slug":"when-child-should-start-brushing-flossing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allaboutkidsdentistry.com\/blog\/when-child-should-start-brushing-flossing\/","title":{"rendered":"When Your Child Should Begin Brushing & Flossing"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Kid<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Establishing good oral hygiene<\/a> habits early is essential for your child\u2019s long-term dental health. Many parents wonder when to begin brushing and flossing their child\u2019s teeth. The answer may be sooner than you think; starting early helps prevent cavities and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When to Start Brushing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should begin cleaning your child\u2019s mouth even before their first tooth appears. Gently wiping their gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings helps remove bacteria and gets them used to oral care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the first tooth erupts\u2014usually around six months of age\u2014it\u2019s time to start brushing. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Brush twice a day, especially before bedtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As your child grows, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount around age three, as long as they can spit it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Start Flossing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flossing should begin as soon as your child has two teeth that touch. This is because toothbrush bristles can\u2019t effectively clean between tight spaces where plaque and food particles can get trapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first, you\u2019ll need to floss your child\u2019s teeth for them. Floss picks designed for children can make the process easier and more comfortable. As your child gets older and develops better coordination, you can gradually teach them to floss on their own\u2014usually around ages 6 to 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making It a Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consistency is key when it comes to oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily should become part of your child\u2019s routine, just like getting dressed or going to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supervise brushing until your child can do it effectively on their own, which is often around age 7 or 8. Even then, it\u2019s a good idea to check that they\u2019re doing a thorough job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips to Make It Easier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Making brushing and flossing fun can encourage your child to stick with the habit. Let them choose their toothbrush, play music while brushing, or use a reward chart to track their progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building healthy habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting brushing and flossing at the right time helps protect your child\u2019s teeth from decay and builds lifelong habits. Early care also makes dental visits easier and more positive. By introducing good oral hygiene early and staying consistent, you\u2019re giving your child the tools they need for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At All About Kids Dentistry, we believe when your child has a regular oral care routine, their chances for developing dental problems are significantly lower. That\u2019s why we practice and preach preventive dentistry! Our dentists are board-certified in pediatric dentistry and are accommodating to kids and parents alike. Don\u2019t hesitate \u2013 book online<\/a> with us or call us at (847) 994-3551.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Establishing good oral hygiene habits early is essential for your child\u2019s long-term dental health. Many parents wonder when to begin brushing and flossing their child\u2019s teeth. The answer may be sooner than you think; starting early helps prevent cavities and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. (Read More)<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nWhen Your Child Should Begin Brushing & Flossing - All About Kids Dentistry Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Curious when your little one should start brushing and flossing? 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