The Right Way to Brush Your Child's Teeth
Brushing seems simple — but small mistakes add up. A step-by-step guide to brushing that actually protects little teeth.
Written byDr. Muhiuddin Mahmud Galib
Brushing seems simple, but the details make all the difference between a smile that stays healthy and one that develops decay.
How much toothpaste?
- Under 3 years: a smear, about the size of a grain of rice.
- 3 to 6 years: a pea-sized amount.
Always use fluoride toothpaste — fluoride is the single most effective tool we have against cavities.
The technique
- Angle the brush at 45° to the gum line.
- Use small, gentle circles — not hard back-and-forth scrubbing.
- Brush every surface: outside, inside, and chewing tops.
- Brush for two full minutes, twice a day.
- Spit, don't rinse — leaving a little fluoride behind protects longer.
Who should brush?
Children don't have the coordination to brush well on their own until around age 7–8. Until then, brush for them or closely supervise. Make it fun with a song or a two-minute timer.
The best toothbrush is the one used correctly, twice a day, every day.
Written by
Dr. Muhiuddin Mahmud Galib
BDS, MS (Pediatric Dentistry)
Dr. Muhiuddin Mahmud Galib is a pediatric dental specialist (BDS, MS in Pediatric Dentistry) and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Bangladesh Medical University. He has completed special training in Thailand and India, with a focus on conscious sedation, dental treatment under general anaesthesia, and caring for children with special needs.
