Brushing a child’s teeth can feel like a daily negotiation. Between wiggly toddlers, strong opinions about toothpaste, and conflicting advice online, it is easy to wonder whether you are doing it right. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference.
At Bay Area Kids Dentist, our board-certified pediatric dentists and team in Sunnyvale show families how to care for their child’s teeth at each stage. As part of our pediatric dental care in Sunnyvale, we offer hands-on coaching and clear answers so you leave every visit feeling confident.
Board-Certified
Dentists certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Hands-On Coaching
We demonstrate brushing techniques at your child’s visit
Age-Specific Tips
Advice that changes as your child grows
Why Daily Oral Hygiene Matters
Brushing removes the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth every day. When that film stays in place, it can lead to cavities and gum irritation. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that drinking fluoridated water and brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day are the most effective ways to reduce cavities in children.
Oral Care at Every Age
What your child needs changes as they grow. Here is a simple guide to each stage.
Before the First Tooth
Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to get them used to mouth care.
First Tooth to Age 3
Brush twice a day with a soft, child-size brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. A parent should do the brushing.
Ages 3 to 6
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Children can help, but a parent should supervise and finish the job.
School Age
Many children still need reminders and a check for missed spots. Keep supervising until your child can spit reliably and brush thoroughly alone.
Start flossing once two teeth touch each other, since a toothbrush cannot reach between them.
How to Brush Your Child’s Teeth
Brush twice a day, in the morning and before bed. These four steps make it easier.
1
Get Comfortable
Sit your child on your lap, or lay a younger child down, so you can see every tooth.
2
Add a Little Toothpaste
Use a smear for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6.
3
Brush Gently
Use small, gentle circles on the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of every tooth, including the back teeth.
4
Spit, Do Not Rinse
Have your child spit out the extra toothpaste, and try to avoid rinsing with water afterward.
Want a Brushing Tune-Up?
Our board-certified pediatric dentists in Sunnyvale can show you and your child what works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even careful parents run into these. They are easy to fix once you know about them.
- Using too much toothpaste, especially for young children
- Rinsing right after brushing, or using mouthwash before age 6
- Leaving toothpaste where young children can reach it
- Letting a young child brush alone before they can do a thorough job
- Skipping bedtime brushing when everyone is tired
Your child’s regular cleanings and exams let us check how brushing is going, and fluoride treatments and dental sealants add extra protection. Dietary counseling covers the foods and drinks that affect cavity risk, and our infant oral health exams are a great place to start with babies.
Schedule an Oral Hygiene Visit at Bay Area Kids Dentist
Every dentist at Bay Area Kids Dentist is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. If you are unsure whether you are brushing correctly, or your child resists brushing, our Sunnyvale team will walk through it with you and offer tips that fit your child’s age and personality.
We would be glad to help your family build a routine that works. Please reach out through our contact form to schedule your child’s visit.
Bay Area Kids Dentist — Sunnyvale
1565 Hollenbeck Ave STE 102, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
(408) 520-2656
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Hygiene in Sunnyvale
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
Start as soon as the first tooth appears, which is usually around six months of age. Before that, you can wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, until your child is 3.
How much toothpaste should my child use?
Children under 3 should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Children ages 3 to 6 should use a pea-sized amount. For young children, a parent should put the toothpaste on the brush and supervise brushing.
Is fluoride toothpaste safe for young children?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says fluoride is both safe and highly effective at preventing cavities when it is used in age-appropriate amounts. Using only a smear for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6, and helping your child spit out the extra, keeps the amount swallowed low.
How often should my child brush and floss?
Brush twice a day, in the morning and before bed. Start flossing once two teeth touch each other, since a toothbrush cannot clean between them. Your child's dentist can show you and your child how to do both.
Should my child rinse with water after brushing?
It is best to spit out the extra toothpaste and keep rinsing to a minimum, so the fluoride stays on the teeth longer. Over-the-counter mouthwash is not recommended for children under 6, and your child's dentist can tell you if a special rinse is ever needed.
What can I do if my child fights brushing?
Many families find it helps to make brushing part of a steady routine, let children pick their own toothbrush, and brush together. If brushing is still a struggle, ask us at your child's visit. We can show you techniques that work for your child's age and personality.
Problems We Treat
Emergency Tooth Extraction- Severe Toothache
- Loose or Dislodged Tooth
- Bleeding Gums
- Knocked Out Tooth
- Infection or Swelling in the Mouth
- Jaw Pain
- Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin coating of composite material that forms a hardened shield over the tooth...
Silver Diamine Fluoride
At Bay Area Kids Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, we offer silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as an innovative solution...
Digital X-Rays
Our dental clinic is equipped with digital X-rays, ensuring the safest and most effective imaging for your child...
Dietary Counseling
At Bay Area Kids Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, we are aware that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your child's oral health.
In-office prescription toothpaste available
At Bay Area Kids Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, we offer in-office prescription toothpaste designed to enhance your child’s tooth...
First Appointment
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Pediatric Emergency Dental Care
At Bay Area Kids Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, we specialize in providing prompt and effective emergency pediatric dental care...
Laughing Gas
Laughing gas, publicly known as nitrous oxide, helps children who are highly fearful of the dentist feel more relaxed...
Sedation Dentistry
At Bay Area Kids Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, we perform a range of sedation options to ensure your child's comfort...
Special Needs Dental Care
At Bay Area Kids Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, we recognize the unique challenges children with special health needs face...
Tooth Extractions
At Bay Area Kids Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, we offer expert tooth extraction services tailored to the unique needs of children...
Space Maintainers
When a child loses a baby tooth early, the surrounding teeth might shift into the space, leading to alignment...
White Filling
At Bay Area Kids Dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, we provide practical solutions for child tooth decay...
