Brushing and flossing, age by age

Before the first tooth

Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. It keeps the mouth comfortable and builds a routine your child never remembers starting — which is exactly the point.

First tooth to age 3

Start brushing twice a day the day the first tooth appears, with a soft baby brush and a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste. Knee-to-knee with another adult, or with your child's head in your lap, works better than wrestling at the sink. This is also when the first dental visit happens — by the first birthday.

Ages 3 to 7

Move up to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, twice a day, two minutes. Your child can start the brushing — songs and timers help — but an adult should finish every session, especially at bedtime. Start flossing wherever two teeth touch.

Ages 7 to 12

Kids can gradually take over, with spot checks. New adult molars arrive around age 6 and again around age 12 — ask us about sealants when they do, because those deep grooves are where most childhood cavities start.

Teens

Independence plus braces, sports, and snack culture. Keep it practical: brush twice, floss once (floss picks count), a mouthguard for sports, and water instead of sports drinks and sodas most of the time. Teens with braces need extra time at the gumline — we'll show them how, without the lecture.

This guide is general education, not a diagnosis. Every child is different — when in doubt, call us at (615) 349-8450 and ask.

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