Keeping your toddler’s teeth healthy is one of the best ways to help them grow with confidence and good habits. This guide explains everything you need to know about toddler dental care — when to start brushing, what toothpaste to use, how to make brushing fun, and when to see a dentist.
1. Why Toddler Dental Care Matters
Healthy baby teeth are important for your child’s speech, eating, and smile. Even though these teeth will eventually fall out, they act as “placeholders” for adult teeth. If baby teeth decay early, it can cause pain, infection, and problems with future teeth alignment.
Early dental care also builds lifelong habits. Toddlers who brush regularly are more likely to keep healthy teeth as adults.
2. When to Start Brushing Your Toddler’s Teeth
You can start cleaning your baby’s mouth even before their first tooth appears. Wipe their gums with a soft, clean cloth twice a day. Once the first tooth comes through — usually around six months — start brushing twice a day using a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
By the time your child turns one, brushing should be part of their daily routine — morning and night.
3. Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Toothbrush
- Use a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush designed for children under three.
- Electric toothbrushes for toddlers can be helpful, but only if your child enjoys them and can tolerate the vibration.
- Replace the toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles fray.
Toothpaste
- For children under three: use a smear (size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste with 1,000 ppm fluoride.
- For children aged three to six: use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste with 1,350–1,500 ppm fluoride.
- Encourage your child to spit out toothpaste after brushing, but not rinse with water — this helps the fluoride stay on their teeth longer.
4. How to Brush a Toddler’s Teeth
- Sit or stand behind your child so you can see their mouth clearly.
- Use gentle circular motions to brush every surface of every tooth — front, back, and top.
- Brush for about two minutes, twice a day — after breakfast and before bed.
- Make it fun: sing songs, play a brushing timer video, or use a reward chart.
Many toddlers like to hold their own toothbrush. That’s great for learning — just make sure you finish the job to ensure proper cleaning.
5. Visiting the Dentist
Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. Early visits help spot problems before they become serious and help your child get used to the dentist’s chair.
Tips for Toddler Dental Visits
- Book appointments in the morning when your child is alert.
- Explain what will happen in simple, positive terms.
- Bring comfort items like a favourite toy or blanket.
- Ask the dentist for fluoride varnish treatments — these can strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
6. Common Toddler Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
The most common issue in toddlers is tooth decay, caused by sugary foods, drinks, and bacteria. Signs include white or brown spots on teeth, sensitivity, or pain.
Prevention tips:
- Avoid giving sugary drinks or snacks between meals.
- Limit fruit juice and avoid sweetened milk or drinks in bottles at bedtime.
- Encourage water as the main drink between meals.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Teething Discomfort
Teething can cause sore gums, drooling, and irritability. Offer a clean, cool teething ring or gently rub their gums with a clean finger. Avoid teething gels with benzocaine or alcohol.
Thumb Sucking and Dummy Use
Many toddlers find comfort in sucking thumbs or dummies. However, long-term use can affect teeth alignment. Try to wean your child off these habits by age three.
7. What to Feed Your Toddler for Healthy Teeth
A balanced diet supports strong teeth and gums. Choose foods that are low in sugar and high in nutrients.
Good choices:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially crunchy ones like carrots and apples)
- Cheese, milk, and yoghurt for calcium
- Whole grains and lean proteins
- Water and unsweetened milk
Limit or avoid:
- Sugary snacks, biscuits, and sweets
- Fruit juices and fizzy drinks
- Sticky foods like dried fruit (these can cling to teeth)
8. How to Make Brushing Fun for Toddlers
Brushing doesn’t have to be a battle. Here are proven ways to make it fun and stress-free:
- Let your child choose their toothbrush or toothpaste flavour.
- Brush together — kids love to copy their parents.
- Play music or use a two-minute brushing app.
- Use sticker or reward charts for consistent brushing.
- Tell a story or pretend their teeth are “tiny monsters” that need cleaning.
9. Fluoride: What Parents Need to Know
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay. Most UK tap water doesn’t contain added fluoride, so it’s important to use fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist may also apply fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth a few times a year for extra protection.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I stop helping my child brush?
Most children need help brushing until around age seven or eight, when they can brush all surfaces thoroughly on their own.
Should I use mouthwash for my toddler?
No. Mouthwash isn’t needed for toddlers. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is enough.
Is it okay if my toddler swallows toothpaste?
A small amount occasionally is fine. Use only a smear of toothpaste for under-threes to limit this risk.
How can I tell if my toddler has tooth decay?
Look for white or brown marks, bad breath, or signs of pain when eating. If you notice any of these, book a dentist appointment as soon as possible.
11. Quick Summary for Busy Parents
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Visit the dentist by your child’s first birthday.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
- Make brushing fun to build lifelong habits.
Good dental care in the toddler years sets your child up for a healthy smile for life. Small steps each day make a big difference.