Toothbrush Timer
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.
2 Years and Under
When your child’s first tooth appears, begin gently brushing with water or a "smear" of NON-fluoridated toothpaste.
When Your Child is Ready to Spit Out Toothpaste
From age 2 to 3, or when your child is ready to spit out toothpaste, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends introducing a PEA-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste during brushing.
Every child develops differently, so you should continue to assist your child during brushing to ensure good oral hygiene until they are able to effectively brush their own teeth. You should continue to monitor your child during brushing to ensure that the fluoride toothpaste is spit out rather than swallowed and that they rinse with water afterward.
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.