The basic rules of children's oral care are clear – in everyday life they often fail against a child's resistance anyway. Here's a routine geared to what each age group can actually manage.
First tooth to two years
As soon as the first baby tooth erupts, brushing starts twice daily – with a soft children's toothbrush and a fluoride children's toothpaste (1,000 ppm fluoride) in a rice-grain-sized amount. At this age, parents do all the brushing; the child can happily sit on a lap or lie down so all surfaces are reachable.
A fixed ritual spot – always at the changing table or in the bathroom in front of the mirror, for instance – and the same sequence every time help turn brushing into a matter of course rather than a fight. More on toothpaste dosage in the early years can be found on our Children's Dentistry page.
Two to six years – the age of joining in
From the second birthday, the amount of toothpaste increases to pea-sized. The child can and should now want to brush themselves – but the motor skills aren't yet enough for a thorough result. A two-part approach has proven effective: the child brushes first, then a parent takes over systematically once more, following a fixed sequence so nothing gets skipped.
Small rituals help: a favourite song that lasts exactly two minutes, a sand timer, or a brushing app. It's important not to frame the follow-up brushing as distrust but as a normal part of the routine – "I'll do the second round" rather than "you didn't do that right".
Six to ten years – the mixed dentition and first independence
As teeth change over, the mouth becomes harder to read: baby teeth, permanent teeth and freshly erupted molars sit side by side, often at different heights. The first permanent molar in particular, which erupts behind the existing row without any baby tooth being lost, is often missed when brushing.
This phase is a good time for an electric toothbrush with a kids' mode – it takes over some of the fine motor control the child doesn't have yet. Parents finishing off the brushing remains necessary though, usually until the child can write joined-up handwriting fluently. Floss or fine interdental brushes also become relevant now, once the first permanent teeth sit close together – see our guide to cleaning between teeth.
When the child refuses
A power struggle at the sink is rarely winnable. What often works better:
- Offer a choice, not a command. "Which brush – blue or green?" instead of "Time to brush now."
- Lead by example. Children are more likely to join in when a parent brushes right alongside them.
- Consistent brevity. Two reliable minutes every evening beats five sporadic ones.
- No threats involving the dentist. "Or you'll have to go to the dentist" turns us into a punishment – the opposite of what we want to achieve with your child. More on our Children's Dentistry page.
If resistance stays stubborn, bring it up at the next preventive check-up – often a change of perspective from a voice other than a parent's already helps.
In short: rice-grain-sized until the second birthday, then pea-sized. Until primary-school age, a parent finishes the brushing – as a fixed part of the routine, not as an inspection. Offer choices instead of commands, lead by example instead of threatening.