Helping Younger Kids Brush And Floss

Posted May 28, 2026

As soon as the first teeth arrive, care is needed to protect them from cavities. Which is why even babies and toddlers need assistance with brushing and flossing, and you can help! In today’s blog, the team at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda talks about helping your kids with their daily brushing and flossing!

Smile Care for Babies and Toddlers

For babies, as soon as the first tooth erupts, you should consider an appointment with our team for an initial exam. This is a visit with no treatment, but one that is necessary to make sure teeth are erupting properly, and to discuss proper care for their teeth. For these first few teeth, you can gently clean them with cloth or a small soft toothbrush that fits over your finger. You should clean them in the morning and again before bed.

As they progress into their toddler years and more teeth erupt, you can upgrade to an age-appropriate toothbrush, and use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. You also need to floss in between their teeth, and you can use a pick to make this easier.

Brushing

When your children are old enough to take on their brushing on their own, you can monitor them or even time them with a sand timer, song, or fun video to make sure they clean their teeth for at least two minutes when they wake up and then again before going to bed. Once they pass the age of three, they can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. To make the process more fun, you can also let them choose their own age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste with their favorite characters on them. They can also use an electric or manual option, whichever they prefer. Both work as long as kids take time to brush properly!

Flossing

Flossing is essential for avoiding the onset of tooth decay and gingivitis. For younger kids, they can use a floss pick which is easier for those with limited dexterity. As they grow older, they can graduate to floss tape or string, or even a water flosser if they prefer. The goal is to clean up and down each side of every tooth to remove the trapped particles of sugar and starch to prevent issues like tooth decay. Make sure they do this every evening before they brush the second time, so the brushing action can help sweep away the dislodged food and drink particles.

Healthy Snacks and Drinks

What your kids eat and drink matters too! If they have too many snacks high in sugar, such as candy and snack cakes, or if they have options high in starch like chips, this can leave behind particles for bacteria to break down, a process that creates plaque buildup and a higher risk of cavities. Instead, offer them fresh fruits and veggies, hummus, nuts, low-fat yogurt, sugar-free gum and candies, or even cheeses.

As far as beverages, encourage them to drink less soda, and avoid too many energy drinks and sports drinks, or to follow these with a drink of water to help rinse away particles of sugar left behind. Drinking more water is not only good for your teeth, but helps your kids stay hydrated during the hot summer months, especially if they play sports or head outdoors!

Visits to the Dentist

Summer is also an excellent time to visit our team for a routine visit. A checkup and cleaning now means that the next one will fall on their winter break, so they can receive the exams and cleanings they need without falling behind in school or missing out on extracurricular activities. A checkup means we can look closely at the smile and then offer treatment to address issues we discover. Our team can also clean the teeth to remove harmful plaque and tartar, which brightens them and helps lower the risk of cavities. The risk of bad breath and stained teeth is lowered too.

If you have any questions about how we help kids enjoy a healthy smile all summer long, or if you are ready to schedule their next checkup and cleaning visit, then reach out to our team today to learn more and get started!

PDC Kids Provides Healthy Smiles for Kids of All Ages

Our team is eager to help improve overall oral health for your children, so they can smile with confidence and comfort! With the right steps, we can avoid the onset of tooth decay. To find out more about protecting your child’s smile, then call Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 321-4880.