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Toothbrushing: a parent guide

Lina's story follows four simple ideas you can use at home. Go at your child's pace: every child is different.

1. Show first (demonstration)

Get down to your child's level, face to face, and brush your own teeth slowly, with small, gentle circles. Your child learns by watching. You don't need many words.

2. Same steps, every day (repetition)

Use the same steps, in the same order, at the same times each day: last thing at night and one other time. Reading the picture book first can help your child know what comes next.

3. Gentle help, only if your child is happy with it

If your child likes it, rest your hand lightly over theirs to show the movement. Never hold or force. If your child pulls away, stop, and go back to watching and copying. That is enough.

4. Step back slowly (gradual independence)

Lower your own brush and let your child lead, while you stay close and watch. A sand timer shows how long brushing lasts, about two minutes. Smile, wait, and celebrate the trying, not perfection.

Independence takes time

Even while your child is learning to brush on their own, they may still need an adult's help to clean their teeth thoroughly. That's normal. You might let your child brush first, then gently brush any areas they missed, if your child is comfortable with it. The NHS advises that parents brush the teeth of children under 3, supervise children aged 3 to 6, and keep watching children aged 7 and over to check they brush well and for long enough.

Every way of communicating counts

Lina doesn't use speech. She points, watches, copies and uses her tablet. Looking, pointing, handing you a card, using a communication device or speaking are all real answers.

NHS advice for children's teeth (UK)

• Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes: last thing at night before bed, and at least one other time.
• Ages 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1,000 to 1,500ppm). 7 and over: 1,350 to 1,500ppm. Under 3: a smear (at least 1,000ppm).
• Spit out after brushing and don't rinse, so the fluoride keeps working. Keep watching, even at 7 and over.

Source: NHS, "Taking care of children's teeth" (nhs.uk; page last reviewed 30 June 2025), checked 31 October 2026. If brushing stays very difficult, your dentist or an occupational therapist can suggest more ideas.

Read the full NHS page: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/