Toothbrush Timer

0-3 Years Old

• When your child’s first tooth appears, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you begin brushing for your child with an amount of fluoride toothpaste equal to the size of a grain of rice using a soft bristle toothbrush.

• It is recommended that you continue to only use a smear or rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste until your child reaches three years of age.

3-6 Years Old

• From three to six years of age, no more than a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended.

• When you child turns three or begins showing interest, they can begin brushing but making sure parents follow with a more thorough brushing and flossing.

• At age four, patient may start using ADA recommended electric toothbrushes.

6 Years and Older

• By the age of 6-8 years old, with proper training, your child should be brushing their teeth independently.

• Teach your child to spend 30 seconds in each quadrant, making sure to brush the front, back, top and sides of each tooth. However, we recommend for a parent to visually check for a job well done and possibly help floss.

• The above video can be used to help your child gauge the amount of time they should spend brushing their teeth.