Brushing Your Child's Teeth
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay (cavities). Learn when to begin brushing a child’s teeth and how often.
Toothbrushing
These resources explain why brushing teeth is important in early childhood programs and at home. They also share how to create a routine for brushing teeth twice daily, what supplies are needed, and how much fluoride toothpaste to use. Professional organizations recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste for all children as soon as the first tooth comes in.
Complete the Brushing Teeth in an Early Childhood Program and at Home learning course on the iPD to discover how fluoride prevents tooth decay and the steps for toothbrushing in an early childhood program. The course also includes information about how to work with families to help them develop good toothbrushing habits at home.
Getting Fluoride for Your Child
There are several important ways to make teeth strong and prevent tooth decay. These include drinking tap (faucet) water with fluoride, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and having a health professional apply fluoride varnish.