Guide to tooth brushing
Birth to 6 months (before teeth appear)
For babies who don't yet have teeth, care for baby's gums with water and a washcloth
Caring for baby's teeth and gums
6 months (when first teeth appear) to around 2 years
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
- Twice daily
- No toothpaste until 18 months of age (then low-fluoride toothpaste from 18 months)
- VIDEO: Toothbrushing with babies (0-18 months) (30 secs)
- VIDEO: How to brush with your baby (0-18 months) (45 secs)
How to brush your child's teeth
Include toothbrushing part of the bedtime routine - 'brush book bed'
Preschool age (around 2 to 6 years)
- Brush twice daily
- Use low-fluoride toothpaste
- VIDEO: Toothbrushing with your toddler or pre-schooler (18 months – 6 years) (50 secs)
- VIDEO: How to brush with your toddler or pre-schooler (18 months – 6 years) (1:10)
How to brush your child's teeth (18 months to 6 years)
Make toothbrushing fun!
It's fun to brush! (tooth brushing chart)
Let's brush (child-friendly tooth brushing guide)
6 TIPS to help your kids brush
Steps to a good bedtime routine
Let's Get Ready for Bed (bedtime routine chart)
FIVE things to do at bedtime (sing, talk and read)
VIDEO: Let's brush! with Tash and Chomper
A 2-min video where our friends Tash and Chomper show us how to have some fun when we brush our teeth. Also translated in Arabic, Burmese, and Vietnamese.
Translated information
Dental Health Services Victoria has translated key oral health information and guides into easy read text and languages other than English to support professionals working with families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Translated resources
Click here to access brochures translated into other languages
Further information
If you have any questions regarding these resources please email DHSV’s Health Promotion Team: healthpromotion@dhsv.org.au
