How to Use Toothpaste for Infants or Toddlers

A baby will generally get his first tooth around the age of 6 months. Proper dental hygiene should be practiced as soon as you notice the first tooth coming in. This includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and visiting the dentist at least once a year. Infants and toddlers' teeth should be brushed the same way adults' are, but the child will need help accomplishing the task. At about age 2, a toddler may be able to begin brushing his own teeth.

Things You'll Need

• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Fluoride toothpaste

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Instructions

• 1

  Hold the child on your lap in a position where you can reach his mouth comfortably.

• 2

  Run the toothbrush under warm water to soften the bristles.

• 3

  Apply a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste to the toothbrush for a child age 2 or older. (Don' t use toothpaste with a child who hasn't learned to spit. The fluoride in tap water will keep his teeth and gums healthy for the time being.)

• 4

  Brush the child's teeth one by one in a circular motion. Brush the gums as well, especially if the child doesn't have many teeth yet.

• 5

  Instruct the toddler to spit out the toothpaste then take a few sips of water to clear his mouth. Infant and toddler toothpaste is specially formulated, so it's OK if he accidentally swallows a small amount.