When should the child begin to brush her/his teeth?

Brushing should actually begin before children are capable of doing it themselves. A wet cloth or gauze effectively cleans gums, removes plaque after nursing and establishes a good habit early on. Gentle brushing with a soft bristle brush begins with the first baby tooth and flossing when the most primary teeth are in.

At six or seven children can brush on their own with careful supervision and by eight or nine, they can floss on their own, too. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that " a good rule of thumb is this....When children are accomplished enough in caring for their own needs that they can get up, Bathe, dress themselves and comb their hair without your help, then they are ready to accept full responsibility for their mouth-cleaning program".