Baby toothbrushes: When should you start, and how do you choose one?

Many parents wonder: At what age should you start brushing your baby’s teeth? As soon as the first tooth comes in? Or even before that? And what kind of toothbrush should you choose for a toddler? This guide provides all the answers you need to take care of your baby’s oral health right from the start. 🦷

📅 At what age should you start brushing your baby's teeth?

The WHO and pediatric dentists are unanimous in their recommendation: as soon as the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months. Some professionals even recommend starting before teeth appear, by cleaning the gums with a damp cloth or a silicone finger sleeve.

Why so early? Because baby teeth aren’t just for show: they’re used for chewing, speaking, and, most importantly, holding the space for the permanent teeth. A cavity in a baby tooth can affect the permanent tooth developing underneath it.

🪥 How do you choose a toothbrush for your baby?

Before 12 months: finger brush or soft brush

A soft silicone finger sleeve on the parent’s finger, or a toothbrush with a very small head and ultra-soft bristles. The goal at this stage is not vigorous brushing, but a gradual introduction to touching the teeth and gums.

Ages 12 months to 3 years: the 360° toothbrush

The 360° toothbrush is especially well-suited for toddlers: its bristles wrap around the entire tooth in a 360-degree circle, ensuring effective cleaning even when the child’s brushing technique is still a bit rough. No need for perfect technique—the toothbrush does the work.

It’s also safer: the rounded head reduces the risk of gum injury if the child moves around while brushing. To make brushing fun from the start, choose bright colors and an ergonomic handle designed for little hands. Our 360° children’s toothbrush is designed exactly for that—with soft bristles and a playful design that kids ages 1 to 6 love.

Ages 3–4 and up: manual or electric toothbrush

Children can gradually learn to hold the toothbrush on their own. Electric toothbrushes with a built-in timer are very effective at ensuring the recommended 2 minutes of brushing—and kids often love the “gadget” aspect.

🧴 Toothpaste: Which one and how much?

Recommendations have changed in recent years:

• Ages 6 months to 3 years: fluoride toothpaste with a minimum fluoride concentration of 1,000 ppm; use an amount about the size of a grain of rice
• Ages 3 to 6: fluoride toothpaste containing 1,000–1,450 ppm fluoride, about the size of a pea
• After age 6: adult toothpaste, normal amount

Fluoride is essential for preventing cavities—don't choose a "fluoride-free" toothpaste for your baby just because it's natural. Fluoride-free toothpastes do not protect against cavities.

🕐 The Brushing Routine: How to Establish Good Habits

• Twice a day: in the morning after breakfast, and in the evening after the last meal and before bedtime
• At least 2 minutes —use an hourglass or a song to make the time pass more enjoyably
• Parents first, children second: Until children are 7 or 8 years old, parents should finish brushing their teeth to ensure that all surfaces are reached
• Brushing while lying down for babies: Lay your baby on your lap so you can see and reach all of their teeth more easily

To support your baby’s development at every stage, be sure to make toothbrushing part of their bedtime routine starting in the first few months.

😬 Baby Teeth: Timeline and Discomfort

The first teeth usually appear between 6 and 12 months, often in this order:

• Lower central incisors (6–10 months)
• Upper central incisors (8–12 months)
• Lateral incisors (9–13 months)
• First molars (13–19 months)
• Canines (16–22 months)
• Second molars (25–33 months)

Teething can cause pain, irritation, and nighttime awakenings. Chilled teething rings, teething pacifiers, and soothing gels without lidocaine can provide relief.

❓ FAQ — Baby Toothbrush

My baby won't let me brush his teeth—what should I do?

Turn it into a game: let your child hold their own toothbrush while you brush with another one, sing a song, or use a toothbrush featuring a character they like. Never force them—but don’t give up either: oral hygiene is too important.

Should you rinse after brushing?

No, or very little for young children. Spitting without rinsing allows the fluoride to stay on the teeth longer. Gradually teach your child to spit without swallowing.

When Should You See a Dentist for the First Time?

Ideally, as soon as the first tooth appears, or before the age of one. This first visit is often an introductory one—to help the child get used to the dental office without stress. In France, dental checkups are covered at ages 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 as part of the M’T Dents program.

🛍️ Children's toothbrushes at PetitMaxou

Our 360° toothbrush is designed to make brushing easy and effective from the very first teeth. Ultra-soft bristles, a rounded protective head, and a colorful, ergonomic handle. Free shipping throughout the EU.

→ See the 360° children's toothbrush PetitMaxou

🦷 Oral care products designed for children

In addition to a toothbrush, other products can help complete your child’s oral hygiene routine:

• Dental floss for children: Once teeth start touching each other (around age 2–3), brushing alone is no longer enough to clean the spaces between the teeth. Floss holders for children make this step accessible as early as ages 4–5.
• Plaque disclosing agent: coloring tablets that reveal residual plaque after brushing—an excellent educational tool for helping children identify where they aren’t brushing properly.
• Children's mouthwash: For children ages 6 and up only, for those who can spit it out without swallowing.

Dental health is part of a holistic approach to well-being. Check out our tips on introducing solid foods to babies —a balanced diet from the start also helps protect their teeth.

😄 Making Brushing Teeth Fun: 5 Ideas

Brushing teeth can quickly turn into a daily battle. Here are a few tips to make it a fun activity: Let your child choose their own toothbrush from two options—the sense of control reduces resistance. Use a 2-minute sand timer with colored sand—kids love watching the time tick away. Create a personalized brushing song using the child’s first name. Have the teeth “talk” as characters asking to be cleaned. And most importantly, brush your own teeth at the same time—leading by example is still the best way to learn.

🏥 The Role of the Pediatrician and Dentist in a Baby's Dental Health

Your baby’s oral health is a topic worthy of its own pediatric consultation. Don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician questions as soon as the first teeth appear: about brushing techniques, fluoride supplementation if needed based on your tap water, and foods to limit to protect tooth enamel. In France, the “M’T Dents” checkup is offered at age 3—it’s the first dental appointment fully covered by health insurance. Take advantage of it: it’s the perfect time for an initial checkup and to help your child get used to the dentist’s office without anxiety.