Children are at a greater risk of tooth decay compared to adults because their teeth are still in the growth and development stage. That's why cleaning a child's teeth is important from birth, as it helps maintain oral and dental health and prevents diseases and gum infections.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to clean a child's teeth healthily and properly, the appropriate tools for that, as well as general tips and guidelines for caring for a child's dental health.

When Should Start Childrens Teeth Cleaning?

Children's teeth cleaning should start as soon as their first tooth appears, typically around six months of age. Generally, children's teeth cleaning begins around one and a half years old. Prior to that, the gums can be gently cleaned with a soft, damp cloth after breastfeeding to maintain the child's oral hygiene and safety.

How To clean children's teeth properly?

1. Use an appropriate baby toothbrush

Choose a soft, small toothbrush that is suitable for the child's mouth size. The brush should have soft bristles and a small head to protect the sensitive gums and easily reach all surfaces, especially the back of the teeth and the gum line.
Use suitable toothpaste:

Starting at the age of one, you can use child-friendly toothpaste. It should contain an appropriate amount of fluoride, and only a very small amount of toothpaste should be used.

2. Clean teeth with the right technique

Place the baby toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gumline and use small, gentle circular motions to clean the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth. Pay careful attention to clean the front, back, and sides of the teeth accurately.

3. Clean the tongue

Don't forget to clean the tongue as well. Use the backside of the baby toothbrush or a tongue scraper to gently clean the tongue, as this helps remove bacteria and bad breath.

4. Clean teeth twice a day

Clean the child's teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Make sure the dedicated time for children's teeth cleaning is no less than two minutes each time to maintain daily hygiene and prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup.

5. Supervision and guidance

Parents should monitor and accompany the child during the teeth cleaning process to ensure they follow the basic steps of proper cleaning.

What are the suitable tools for childrens teeth cleaning?

  1. A soft baby toothbrush with soft bristles to protect the sensitive gums, and it may need to be replaced every 3-4 months.
  2. Toothpaste is specifically designed for children, with an appropriate fluoride content and a child-friendly flavor to encourage good cleaning habits.
  3. Dental floss is for children to remove food debris and plaque between teeth that cannot be reached by a baby toothbrush without causing damage to the gums.
  4. Small, curved dental mirrors to assist in visualizing the back teeth and sides to ensure no food particles remain.
  5. Brush sanitizer to clean and disinfect the baby toothbrush regularly, to eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms that may be trapped on the brush.
  6. Mouthwash is specially formulated for children to promote oral health, and it is preferable to choose a mouthwash that contains natural and age-appropriate ingredients.
  7. Moist cotton dental wipes are used to gently wipe the teeth and gums in situations where a toothbrush is not available.

Tips And General Guidelines For Cleaning Children's Teeth

  • Early oral care for the child, even before the eruption of the first tooth, by gently wiping the gums with a clean cloth to remove bacteria.
  • Use a suitable and soft baby toothbrush that fits the size of the child's mouth, and regularly replace the toothbrush according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Use a suitable toothpaste specifically designed for children after the age of one, ensuring that the toothpaste contains an appropriate amount of fluoride and has a child-friendly flavor.
  • Provide the child with a healthy diet that includes nutritious foods for dental health, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and proteins.
  • Regular visits to the dentist to ensure the safety and health of the child's teeth, and to detect and treat any problems early.


In conclusion, teaching teeth brushing to preschoolers is essential for maintaining oral health and promoting their care. By following the tips and guidelines mentioned in the article, you can start a proper and effective routine for cleaning your child's teeth to prevent future dental problems and enhance their healthy smile. It will help preserve your child's innocent and healthy smile.

Discover Qatar Moms collection of gentle baby care products to keep your little one clean and healthy.