BABY & TODDLER · EVERYDAY CARE
How to Look After Your Baby & Toddler's Teeth
From the first tiny tooth to learning to brush themselves, here's what parents need to know about brushing, fluoride toothpaste, how much to use and those first trips to the dentist.
How much fluoride toothpaste does my child need?
Use a smear for children under 3 and no more than a pea-sized amount from age 3 to 6. Look for at least 1,000 ppm fluoride. From age 7, NHS guidance specifies 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride but does not state an amount.
When should I start and how should I brush?
Start as soon as the first milk tooth appears. Brush all surfaces of every tooth twice daily for about 2 minutes, last thing at night or before bed and on one other occasion.
Build my brushing routine
Choose a stage in the interactive guide for a concise, source-backed brushing summary.
When should my baby first see a dentist?
The NHS advises a visit when the first milk teeth appear or before the first birthday.
Sugar: it's not just how much
Try to keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes rather than offering them frequently throughout the day.
Teething and when to seek help
Teething discomfort is different from cleaning newly erupted teeth. Once a tooth appears, begin brushing it. Seek dental or urgent medical help for the warning signs described in this guide.
Baby and toddler teeth FAQs
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
As soon as the first milk tooth appears, even if it is the only tooth.
How much toothpaste should a 1-year-old or 2-year-old use?
Use a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm fluoride.
How much toothpaste should a 3-year-old use?
Use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1,000–1,500 ppm fluoride.
Does baby toothpaste need fluoride?
Yes. Current NHS advice is at least 1,000 ppm fluoride for young children. Check the tube or box.
Should toddlers rinse after brushing?
Children who can spit should spit out excess toothpaste and not rinse straight afterwards.
What if my toddler swallows toothpaste?
A small accidental swallow while brushing can happen. Keep using only the recommended amount, discourage eating or licking toothpaste and keep the tube out of reach. If they have swallowed more than the small brushing amount, feel unwell or you are worried, seek advice from NHS 111 or a healthcare professional.
When should my baby first visit a dentist?
When the first milk teeth appear, or before 12 months old.
How do I brush my child's teeth?
NHS discusses “How do I brush my child's teeth? (6 months to 7 years) | NHS”. This video has passed Floreo Baby Hub's owner screening and is paired with current NHS children's-teeth guidance so families can check the wider context and find professional support when needed.
Watch the demonstration