Early Years Toolkit

The Children’s Toothbrushing Guide has been created to help parents, caregivers and early years professionals. It offers advice and guidance on toothbrushing and oral care in the early years.

We encourage all parents and any organisations working with children and families to use this Guide.

Please enter your details

Your details will only be used by Kindred Squared to help evaluate the reach and impact of the guides and will not be shared with anyone else.

First name

Last name

Email address(Required)

Job title

What type of organisation do you work for?(Required)

Search for your nursery/school by postcode

Please enter the first part of the postcode or contact us if you can't find your school.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

School Org ID

Name of your school, nursery or organisation(Required)

1st line of address

2nd line of address

Region

Postcode(Required)

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Local Authority

Would you like to receive updates on Starting Reception (including the Potty Training Guide, the Children’s Toothbrushing Guide and future publications in the series)?(Required)

Yes

We may contact you with updates about Starting Reception and other early years education projects. Please select 'Yes' if you would like to receive these.

How we use your data

We will use the information you provide in this form to assess and fulfil your request for the downloadable resource. We may contact you if we need to clarify your request or to ask about how the resources have been used. Your details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in. We will handle your data securely and in line with data protection law. You can read our Privacy Policy here.

Making the most of the Children's Toothbrushing Guide

In this section, find information specifically for professionals working in early years settings, schools and local authorities. All content is free to use and publish.

This guide has been produced in several different languages. Use the tab at the top of the page to find your required language.

For further guidance and support with preparing children for their first day at school, explore and download the free Starting Reception resources.

Customise the Children's Toothbrushing Guide for your organisation

The free Children's Toothbrushing Guide

Print-ready version

Instructions for adding your logo to the Children's Toothbrushing Guide

To support organisations in using the Guide, you can download an editable version and add your logo to the front cover. Please do not change the existing Guide.

How to personalise the Guide:

To add your logo to the PDF: We have left space for your logo on the front cover of the Guide in the top right corner.

Download the document
Open it in any PDF editing software
Drag your logo onto the top right hand corner

Support with PDF editing software:

ILovePDF (ilovepdf.com) is a free online pdf editor that doesn’t require registration. It's easy to use, simply:

Click ‘select PDF file’
Upload the Potty Training Guide that you downloaded from this website
To add your logo: select ‘Add Image’, choose your organisation logo and position/resize it in the online editor
Click ‘Edit PDF’
Choose ‘Download PDF’

Content from the Children's Toothbrushing Guide which is easy to copy and paste

Text-only version

The Children's Toothbrushing Guide

Healthy smiles start at home: a guide to brushing your child’s teeth

Why do baby teeth matter?

Baby teeth aren’t just practice teeth. They help children bite and chew, support speech development, guide adult teeth into place and boost confidence when smiling. When teeth aren't cared for, it leads to tooth decay which can cause pain, infection and long-term oral health problems.

Did you know?

Removal of decayed teeth is the most common operation for children aged 5-9.
More than 1 in 5 children aged 5 have tooth decay – and that is almost entirely preventable!
Brushing children’s teeth right from the start helps develop good oral health habits from childhood to adulthood.

Brushing children's teeth

When to brush:

Start as soon as the first tooth appears (usually around 6 months).
Brush twice each day at home, especially before bedtime.
Brush for your child until they are 3. Then supervise until at least age 7.

How to brush:

Brush for 2 minutes, covering every tooth.
Spit, don't rinse with water, to leave the fluoride coating the teeth.
Brush using small circles, covering every surface. Remember to gently brush gums and behind teeth.

What do you need?

A small headed, soft or medium-soft bristled toothbrush

Change the toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are damaged.

Fluoride toothpaste

Under 3 years: a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1000ppm (parts per million) fluoride
3+ years: a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing between 1350-1500ppm fluoride

Check toothpaste packaging for fluoride levels.

Top tips

Try a toothbrushing song or visual time to encourage children to brush for the full two minutes. Visit our useful links page to find songs about toothbrushing.
A mirror can help children see where they are brushing.
Brush a favourite toy’s teeth alongside your child for encouragement
Brush alongside your child to model good toothbrushing.

Other ways to ensure good oral health

It’s not all about brushing. There are other things you should do to ensure your child has healthy teeth and gums.

Diet

Cut down on ‘free sugars’ (any sugar added to food or drink) like those in cakes, sweets, sauces, juice, smoothies and some yoghurts and breakfast cereals.
Offer water and milk as main drinks. If you do offer sugary drinks, keep them to mealtimes only and ensure they are very well diluted.
Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
Limit the use of foods you suck from pouches. When using them, squeeze onto a spoon rather than sucking.

Bottles, cups and sipping

From 6 months, introduce an open cup or a cup with a free flowing valve.
From 12 months, avoid bottles or sippy cups that need sucking.

Dentist visits

Schedule your child’s first dental appointment once their first teeth appear and before their first birthday.
Keep up with regular check-ups – dentists can spot problems early and help prevent decay.
Ask the dental team for advice on looking after your child’s oral health.

Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Children with SEND, especially those with sensory needs, motor skill or communications challenges may find brushing harder. It’s important to establish a good toothbrushing routine as early as possible as it can be harder to introduce to older children. There is lots of expert advice and guidance available.

Top tips for SEND

Trying different flavours of toothpaste or brushes of varies sizes and textures
Introduce brushing gradually: start with the toothbrush on the lips, then inside the mouth step by step
Brushing in different spaces (like the bedroom or sofa) can make children feel more relaxed

Simple HTML version

<h1>The Children's Toothbrushing Guide</h1>
<h3>Healthy smiles start at home: a guide to brushing your child’s teeth</h3>
<h2>Why do baby teeth matter?</h2>
Baby teeth aren’t just practice teeth. They help children bite and chew, support speech development, guide adult teeth into place and boost confidence when smiling. When teeth aren't cared for, it leads to tooth decay which can cause pain, infection and long-term oral health problems.

<strong>Did you know?</strong>
<ul>
<li>Removal of decayed teeth is the most common operation for children aged 5-9.</li>
<li><strong>More than 1 in 5 children aged 5 have tooth decay</strong> – and that is almost entirely preventable!</li>
<li><strong>Brushing children’s teeth right from the start helps develop good oral health habits from childhood to adulthood.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2>Brushing children's teeth</h2>
<h3>When to brush:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Start as soon as the first tooth appears (usually around 6 months).</li>
<li>Brush twice each day at home, especially before bedtime.</li>
<li>Brush for your child until they are 3. Then supervise until at least age 7.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to brush:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Brush for 2 minutes, covering every tooth.</li>
<li>Spit, don't rinse with water, to leave the fluoride coating the teeth.</li>
<li>Brush using small circles, covering every surface. Remember to gently brush gums and behind teeth.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What do you need?</h3>
<strong>A small headed, soft or medium-soft bristled toothbrush</strong>
<ul>
<li>Change the toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are damaged.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Fluoride toothpaste</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Under 3 years:</strong> <em>a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1000ppm (parts per million) fluoride</em></li>
<li><strong>3+ years:</strong> <em>a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing between 1350-1500ppm fluoride</em></li>
</ul>
Check toothpaste packaging for fluoride levels.
<h3>Top tips</h3>
<ul>
<li>Try a toothbrushing song or visual time to encourage children to brush for the full two minutes. Visit our useful links page to find songs about toothbrushing.</li>
<li>A mirror can help children see where they are brushing.</li>
<li>Brush a favourite toy’s teeth alongside your child for encouragement</li>
<li>Brush alongside your child to model good toothbrushing.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Other ways to ensure good oral health</h2>
It’s not all about brushing. There are other things you should do to ensure your child has healthy teeth and gums.
<h3>Diet</h3>
<ul>
<li>Cut down on ‘free sugars’ (any sugar added to food or drink) like those in cakes, sweets, sauces, juice, smoothies and some yoghurts and breakfast cereals.</li>
<li>Offer water and milk as main drinks. If you do offer sugary drinks, keep them to mealtimes only and ensure they are very well diluted.</li>
<li>Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks between meals.</li>
<li>Limit the use of foods you suck from pouches. When using them, squeeze onto a spoon rather than sucking.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Bottles, cups and sipping</h3>
<ul>
<li>From 6 months, introduce an open cup or a cup with a free flowing valve.</li>
<li>From 12 months, avoid bottles or sippy cups that need sucking.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Dentist visits</h3>
<ul>
<li>Schedule your child’s first dental appointment once their first teeth appear and before their first birthday.</li>
<li>Keep up with regular check-ups – dentists can spot problems early and help prevent decay.</li>
<li>Ask the dental team for advice on looking after your child’s oral health.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)</h2>
Children with SEND, especially those with sensory needs, motor skill or communications challenges may find brushing harder. It’s important to establish a good toothbrushing routine as early as possible as it can be harder to introduce to older children. There is lots of expert advice and guidance available.
<h3>Top tips for SEND</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trying different flavours of toothpaste or brushes of varies sizes and textures</li>
<li>Introduce brushing gradually: start with the toothbrush on the lips, then inside the mouth step by step</li>
<li>Brushing in different spaces (like the bedroom or sofa) can make children feel more relaxed</li>
</ul>

Useful links

Find guidance and support with toothbrushing and oral health from:

Apps, games and songs to help children brush their teeth:

Advice and guidance for families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities:

Resources for schools and early years settings:

Useful links (Simple HTML)

<h3>Find guidance and support with toothbrushing and oral health from:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Children’s teeth – NHS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/oral-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Early Years Providers: Oral Health - Department for Education</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bspd.co.uk/kidsvids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Super Healthy Teeth Guides - British Society of Paediatric Dentistry</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bspd.co.uk/Patients/PatientInfo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A practical guide to children's teeth - British Society of Paediatric Dentistry</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/childrens-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frequently asked questions about children’s teeth – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=b180270f-1746-4255-8e6a-f4d44ada5428" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘All about teeth’: A background guide to teeth – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.henry.org.uk/ouroffer/oralhealth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oral Health (for practitioners & families) - HENRY</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/Pages/Category/all-oral-health-information" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Directory of oral health information – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/national-smile-month" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Smile Month – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/downloads" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Factsheets and information on good oral health – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/morning-routines#brushing-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Create a morning routine for toddlers and young children - CBeebies Parenting</a></li>
</ul>

<h3>Apps, games and songs to help children brush their teeth:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.brushdj.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brush DJ free toothbrushing app - Brush DJ</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio/bing-toothbrushing-song" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn to brush your teeth with Bing - CBeebies Parenting</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/tooth-brushing-badge-song" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sing along with the Toothbrush Song from Hey Duggee - CBeebies Parenting</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/puzzles/earn-your-tooth-brushing-badge-quiz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Toothbrushing Badge - CBeebies Parenting</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/makes/hey-duggee-toothbrush-reward-chart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Toothbrush Reward Chart - CBeebies Parenting</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/z6jbydm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Q and A with The Singing Dentist - CBeebies Parenting</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/zksybqt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Try using a favourite teddy - CBeebies Parenting</a></li>
<li><a href="https://easypeasyapp.com/for-parents-and-carers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Super Silly Toothbrush and other toothbrushing content - EasyPeasy App</a></li>
</ul>

<h3>Advice and guidance for families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-5-years/oral-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oral Health in children with SEND - NHS Healthier Together</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bda.org/news-and-opinion/news/new-resources-support-accessible-oral-health-for-all/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Resources for accessible oral health - Team Smile / BDA / NHS England</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bspd.co.uk/Portals/0/Guidelines%20&%20Advice/BSPD%20Guidance%20for%20Parents%20and%20Carers%20of%20Autistic%20CYP%20June%202025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oral health advice for parents and carers of autistic children and young people – British Society of Paediatric Dentistry</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bspd.co.uk/Portals/0/Guidelines%20&%20Advice/BSPD%20Parents%20and%20Carers%20of%20SEN%20Supervised%20Toothbrushing%20Leaflet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BSPD’s Information for parents/carers of children with special educational needs – British Society of Paediatric Dentistry</a></li>
<li><a href="https://dingley.org.uk/resources-for-families/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Resources for Families: Oral Health & Hygiene – Dingley’s Promise</a></li>
<li><a href="https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/health-medical-information/dental-care-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dental Care for families with disabled children - Contact</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-care-for-people-with-special-needs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dental Care for People with Special Needs – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seeability.org/resources/parents-guide-oral-health-and-dental-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Parents’ Guide to Oral Health & Dental Care (for children with learning disability / autism / both) - SeeAbility</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/dental-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dentists for Disabled Adults and Children - Scope</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Oral-Health-Care-1st-May-KP-3rd-July-SM_DSMIG.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oral Health Care guide - Down’s Syndrome UK</a></li>
</ul>

<h3>Resources for schools and early years settings:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.supervisedtoothbrushing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supervised Toothbrushing Toolkit - BRUSH project</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/brush-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Toothbrushing in groups and settings. Everything you need to know! – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/dentalbuddy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Dental Buddy’ Oral health education teaching units – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dentalhealthshop.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Purchase oral health education resources – Oral Health Foundation</a></li>
</ul>

Royalty-free illustrations