The NHS advises brushing children's teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste, with the last brush at bedtime. Use a smear of toothpaste for under-3s and a pea-sized amount for 3 to 6-year-olds, and teach children to spit out rather than rinse. Supervise brushing until at least age 7, and keep the routine short, predictable and positive.
Ask any parent about tooth-brushing and you will hear about wriggling toddlers, clamped-shut mouths and negotiations at bedtime. The good news is that the NHS does not expect it to go perfectly at first. Its advice on babies' teeth says the aim is to make brushing part of a routine, and routines get easier with repetition.
Home brushing works hand in hand with regular dental visits, which the NHS says should start when the first milk teeth appear or before a child's first birthday. A dentist Northampton families visit, or your local NHS dentist, can check that the routine is working and show you techniques for your child's age. This guide covers what to do at home in between.
How much toothpaste should children use at each age?
The NHS gives clear guidance on the fluoride strength and amount of toothpaste by age. Fluoride strength is shown on the tube in parts per million (ppm).
| Age | Fluoride strength | Amount | Who brushes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 3 | No less than 1,000ppm | A smear | Parent brushes |
| 3 to 6 | 1,000ppm to 1,500ppm | A pea-sized amount | Child brushes, parent supervises |
| 7 and over | 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm | Follow your dentist's advice | Child brushes, parent still keeps an eye |
From age 3, the NHS says children should spit out after brushing and not rinse, because rinsing washes away the fluoride and makes it work less well. It also says that from age 3, children should be offered fluoride varnish at the dentist at least twice a year, and younger children may be offered it if the dentist thinks they need it.
When should you start brushing a baby's teeth?
The NHS says you can start brushing as soon as your baby's first teeth come through. At this stage it is less about technique and more about getting them used to the feeling of a brush and the idea that it happens every day. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, as the NHS advises for babies and toddlers up to 3, and try to brush at roughly the same times each day so it becomes familiar.
How do you build a routine that sticks?
Children usually cope well with routines that happen the same way at the same times. NHS guidance is to brush at least twice a day, with the last brush at bedtime, so build both sessions into fixed points of the day:
- Morning: tie brushing to an existing step, such as straight after breakfast or after getting dressed
- Bedtime: make it the final step after the last drink and snack, then nothing but water
- Same place: keep brushes and toothpaste in one spot so there is no hunt before each session
- Same order: follow a pattern around the mouth, such as top teeth, then bottom, outsides then insides
NHS advice on young children's teeth also says that at bedtime or overnight, babies and young children should only be given breast milk, formula or cooled boiled water. This keeps teeth clear of sugar after the last brush.
How much should you supervise?
According to the NHS, children aged 3 to 6 should be encouraged to brush their own teeth while being supervised, and children aged 7 and over should be able to brush their own teeth but it is still a good idea to watch them. In practice, many parents let a child have a go first, then take a turn to finish off.
Supervision is also a chance to check how much toothpaste has been used, that the child is spitting rather than rinsing, and that the brush reaches the back teeth.
How can you make brushing fun?
Turning 2 minutes of brushing into a game helps more than a battle of wills. Ideas parents often find useful:
- Use a 2-minute song or sand timer so children know when brushing ends
- Let children choose their own toothbrush colour or design
- Brush your own teeth at the same time so they can copy you
- Take turns brushing a favourite toy's teeth before their own
- Use a simple sticker chart for completed brushing sessions
- Give praise for effort, not just for a perfect result
One thing to avoid: NHS advice is not to use sweets or biscuits as rewards, as frequent sugar is linked to tooth decay. Stickers, a story or extra play time work just as well.
What if your child refuses to brush?
Refusal is common, especially in toddlers. Keep calm, keep it brief and keep going; the NHS says brushing does not have to go well at first. You could try offering a choice of two brushes, brushing in a different room, or letting your child brush your teeth first. If brushing is regularly a struggle, or you notice anything that worries you, such as brown or white spots on teeth, mention it at your child's next dental visit.
Checklist: a daily brushing routine for families
- Check the fluoride level on the toothpaste matches your child's age
- Measure a smear (under 3) or a pea-sized amount (3 to 6)
- Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes, with the last brush at bedtime
- Teach children over 3 to spit, not rinse
- Supervise until at least age 7, then keep checking from time to time
- Only water after the bedtime brush
- Keep regular dental appointments and ask about fluoride varnish from age 3
A local example
In Northampton, Cliftonville Dental on The Avenue in Cliftonville is one private practice that sees children. Its website encourages parents to bring children in as soon as their first teeth start to appear, usually between six months and one year old, and says that much of its children's care focuses on prevention, including check-ups, cleaning, fluoride application and fissure sealants. NHS dental care is free for under-18s, so families can also look for an NHS practice taking on child patients through the NHS find a dentist service.
Frequently asked questions
Should children use adult toothpaste?
The NHS says children aged 7 and over should use toothpaste with 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm of fluoride. Younger children can use children's toothpaste, but check that the fluoride level meets NHS guidance for their age.
Should my child rinse with water after brushing?
No. The NHS advises spitting out after brushing and not rinsing, because rinsing makes the fluoride work less well.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The NHS says to take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear, or before they are 12 months old.
How long should children brush for?
About 2 minutes, at least twice a day, according to NHS guidance.
Sources
- NHS: Children's teeth
- NHS: Looking after your baby's teeth
- NHS: How to keep your teeth clean
- NHS: Who can get free NHS dental treatment
General information only, not dental or medical advice. NHS guidance was checked in October 2026 and can change. Ask your dental team about your child's individual needs.