How long should a child brush their teeth?

About two minutes, twice a day, is the usual advice. A timer or a short song helps. Ask your child's dentist if you are unsure whether the teeth are being cleaned well enough; they can show you and your child what to change.

At what age can children brush on their own?

It varies. Many dentists suggest an adult keeps helping or checking until the child has the hand control to brush every surface properly, which is often not until the early school years or later. Your child's dentist can tell you how your child is doing.

When should children start flossing?

Once two teeth touch each other, since a brush cannot clean between them. An adult usually needs to do it at first. A dentist or hygienist can show you a method that suits small mouths.

Is the name I type saved anywhere?

No. The name only appears on the chart in your browser so that it prints. It is not stored and it is not sent to us or to anyone else.

Printable brushing chart · 1 to 4 weeks · Free

A brushing chart to print

Pick how many weeks, add a name if you want one on it, and print. There are boxes for the morning brush, the bedtime brush and flossing.

Tool — Make a brushing chart

Name on the chart (optional, not saved)

Weeks

Include flossing

Or tick the boxes on screen · Nothing is saved

My brushing chart

Two minutes, twice a day. Tick a box each time.

Week 1	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Morning brush
Bedtime brush
Floss

Week 2	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Morning brush
Bedtime brush
Floss

Children need an adult to help with brushing until they can do it well on their own · Ask your dentist how much toothpaste to use

Making the chart work

Short, visible and finished together

A chart helps most when a child can see it from the sink and ticks it straight after brushing. Two minutes is the usual target, twice a day, and the bedtime brush is the one that matters most because nothing is eaten afterward. The site's two-minute timer can run alongside.

Young children do not have the hand control to brush well by themselves. Dentists generally suggest that an adult does the brushing at first, then brushes again after the child has had a turn, and keeps checking for several years after that. Flossing starts once two teeth touch.

If brushing is a nightly argument, mention it at the next dental visit. Dental teams hear it constantly and usually have practical suggestions for the child's age.

Table 1 — The basics dentists usually give

Worth confirming with your child's dentist

How often	Twice a day, morning and before bed.
How long	About two minutes each time.
Toothpaste	Ask the dentist what kind and how much to use for your child's age.
Who brushes	An adult helps or checks until the child can do a thorough job alone.
First visit	Many dentists like to see a child by the first birthday or when the first tooth appears.

Common questions

How long should a child brush their teeth?: About two minutes, twice a day, is the usual advice. A timer or a short song helps. Ask your child's dentist if you are unsure whether the teeth are being cleaned well enough; they can show you and your child what to change.
At what age can children brush on their own?: It varies. Many dentists suggest an adult keeps helping or checking until the child has the hand control to brush every surface properly, which is often not until the early school years or later. Your child's dentist can tell you how your child is doing.
When should children start flossing?: Once two teeth touch each other, since a brush cannot clean between them. An adult usually needs to do it at first. A dentist or hygienist can show you a method that suits small mouths.
Is the name I type saved anywhere?: No. The name only appears on the chart in your browser so that it prints. It is not stored and it is not sent to us or to anyone else.

General information · Not dental advice

A chart is a reminder. It is no substitute for regular dental visits, and your child's dentist can advise on brushing for their age. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.

Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer

About this tool

This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.

Medical disclaimer

The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.