Toothbrushing

for Children
BSDHT understands that every child is different. That is why
we do not recommend one brush, method or toothpaste
over another but we do offer some very good advice to help
parents decide what is best for your child.

1. Toothbrush - Your child’s brush should have a small head

and be replaced every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles
become splayed.

2. Toothpaste - Children’s toothpaste can come in all flavours

but please check the ingredients for more than 1000ppm
fluoride. Use only a small pea size of toothpaste.

3. Technique - 4. Teeth should be brushed twice a day but most importantly

a) Brush in a methodical manner. at night before bed.

b) Start in one place and work your way around the 5.
surfaces facing out and then facing in, top and bottom.
c) Include the tooth and gums in a circular motion. 6.
d) Finish by brushing the biting surfaces of the teeth.
7.
e) Spit out the toothpaste, don’t rinse
Teeth should be brushed for 2 minutes. Egg timers and
apps are a great way to help kids keep to this.
Adult supervision is necessary.
Disclosing tablets are a great way to check the efficiency of
tooth brushing.

Brushing
babies teeth.
It’s never too early to get your baby used to having their
teeth brushed.

1. When your babies teeth first start to emerge use a baby

brush or finger stall to clean them.

2. Book an appointment with your local dental practice to get

your baby used to coming to the dentist.

1. Glaze PM, Wade AB. Toothbrush age and wear as it relates to plaque control. J Clin
Periodontol. 1986 Jan;13(1):52-6.