Top tips on toothbrushing

At Little People we promote tooth brushing from an early age.
We promote this through various activities as well as brushing teeth with the children in the setting.

Toothbrushing tips for parents/carer

It’s important to use a fluoride toothpaste, as this helps prevent and control tooth decay.

Children aged up to 3 years
• Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later).
• Brush teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush last thing at night before bed and on 1 other occasion
• Use children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) or family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride.
• Use only a smear of toothpaste.

Children aged 3 to 6 years
• Brush at least twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush last thing at night before bed and at least on 1 other occasion.
• Brushing should be supervised by a parent or carer.
• Use children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) or family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride.
• Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Spit out after brushing and don’t rinse – if you rinse, the fluoride won’t work as well.

If you would like any support registering with a dentist then please speak to a Nursery Manager who will be able to provide you with some information.