Toothbrush Timer

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Recommendations

Birth

Even before the first tooth erupts, you can begin early dental care by gently wiping your child’s gums with a wet cloth or gauze after every feeding.

First Tooth

When your child’s first tooth appears, begin gently brushing with a “SMEAR” of fluoridated toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice.

Ages 2 to 3

From age 2 to 3, or when your child is able to spit out toothpaste, we recommend using a “PEA” sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste during brushing.

Ages 3 and Up

Parents should assist their child with brushing until they are able to effectively clean their own teeth. Continue to monitor your child during brushing to ensure that the fluoridated toothpaste is spit out rather than swallowed and that they rinse with water afterward.

Every child’s development is different, so please share any questions you may have with our experienced team.

When helping your child brush their teeth, teach your child to spend 30 seconds in each quadrant, making sure to brush the front, back, top, and sides of each tooth. The above video can be used to help your child gauge the amount of time they should spend brushing their teeth.