Brushing Tips for Kids: Helping Little Smiles Stay Healthy

1 July 2026

Good brushing habits start early, and helping children care for their teeth from a young age can make a huge difference to their long-term oral health. At Cheltenham and Cotswold Dental, we love helping children feel comfortable and confident about visiting the dentist, making dental care a positive experience for the whole family.

When Should Children Start Brushing?

Brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. Using a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste helps protect developing teeth from decay early on.

As children grow, parents should continue supervising brushing until around age seven to ensure teeth are being cleaned properly.

Top Brushing Tips for Kids

Make Brushing Fun
Children are much more likely to enjoy brushing if it feels fun rather than a chore. Try:

• Playing a two-minute song
• Using a reward chart
• Letting them choose their toothbrush
• Using brushing apps or timers

Positive encouragement goes a long way.

Brush Twice a Day
Children should brush:

• Once in the morning
• Once before bed

Night-time brushing is especially important because plaque and bacteria build up overnight.

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Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste

• Under 3 years: a smear of fluoride toothpaste
• Age 3+: a pea-sized amount

Encourage children to spit out toothpaste rather than rinse with water afterwards, as this helps fluoride continue protecting the teeth.

Don’t Forget the Back Teeth
Back teeth are where food and plaque often build up. Gentle circular motions help clean all surfaces effectively.

Encourage Healthy Snacks

Sugary snacks and drinks increase the risk of tooth decay. Healthier alternatives include:

• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Water or milk instead of fizzy drinks

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Helping Nervous Children Feel Comfortable

Many children feel anxious about visiting the dentist, especially if it’s unfamiliar. At Cheltenham and Cotswold Dental, we pride ourselves on being a family-friendly practice that is great with children. Our caring team takes time to create a calm, gentle and reassuring environment so children can build confidence at their own pace.

For particularly nervous children, we also offer sedation options to help make treatment more relaxed and comfortable where appropriate.

Why Regular Dental Visits Matter

Regular check-ups allow us to:

• Monitor developing teeth
• Prevent dental problems early
• Offer advice tailored to your child
• Build positive dental experiences

Starting dental visits young helps children become familiar with the environment and encourages healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

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Supporting Healthy Smiles for the Whole Family

At Cheltenham and Cotswold Dental, we are passionate about helping children enjoy positive dental experiences and maintain healthy smiles as they grow.

If you would like to book your child’s appointment or speak to our friendly team, we would be delighted to help.