Kids FAQ Accordion

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I make brushing time fun and not a chore?

    There are many ways to help make brushing fun to establish healthy routines! For instance, brushing your teeth at the same time as your child will help to keep them motivated. To help make brushing time fun, scan the QR code on your Colgate Kids’ Toothpaste and let your kids watch our free Smile O’Clock song and music video, featuring fun virtual characters. The song was written to be fun for you and your kids, and can become part of your family’s daily brushing routine. It’s fun to learn and sing along, and maybe even dance along too!

  • Can I brush my baby’s teeth?

    Yes! You can start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day. You should use a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) on the toothbrush and be sure to brush gently and carefully around your baby’s teeth and gums.

  • When can my child brush their teeth on their own?

    Typically, a child can begin brushing their own teeth when they understand how to do it properly, which is usually around the age of six or seven. However, it’s recommended that you supervise your children’s brushing until they’re at least eight years old to make sure they brush properly and for the recommended two minutes.

  • How often should I replace my child's toothbrush?

    Just like adults, your children’s toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months.

  • How do I choose the best toothbrush for my child?

    When choosing a toothbrush for your child, it’s important to keep the size of their mouth in mind. Young children have much smaller mouths than adults so, to clean their teeth effectively and comfortably, you should choose a toothbrush with an age-appropriate brush head size. At Colgate, we’ve categorised our kids' toothbrushes by age because children have different dental needs as they grow up. If you’re in doubt, please contact your dental professional.

  • My child is losing their baby teeth, can they still brush their teeth?

    Generally, your child will want to carry on with normal brushing and flossing habits after a tooth has fallen out. Even though this is a good habit, you should make sure they don’t focus too much on the area where they lost the tooth. Some kids have a tendency to brush hard around the area of their lost tooth and this can cause discomfort or irritation on their gums.

  • My child doesn't have any teeth yet, do they need to use a toothbrush?

    You don’t need to begin brushing with a toothbrush or toothpaste until your baby’s teeth start to come out, but you should clean their gums every day. If you make cleaning your baby’s gums part of your daily routine right from the start, both you and your baby will be used to the daily cleaning when their first tooth comes in. Because every baby teethes a bit differently, it’s sometimes difficult to tell when your baby’s first tooth is beginning to break through. Wiping your baby’s gums to clean away decay-causing bacteria every day can help to protect a tooth until it becomes obvious that it’s coming through the gums, which is when you’ll need to start brushing. At Colgate, we’ve specially designed a Baby Toothbrush & Teether Butterfly, made from 100% food-grade silicone that’s BAP free, for teething babies. This baby toothbrush is both a training toothbrush and a super handy teether in one. It provides a toothbrush ‘feel’ that introduces your baby to the brushing experience with soft, gentle bristles for teething babies.

  • What is the best toothpaste for my child?

    Kids’ toothpaste is often different from adults' toothpaste, as it contains lower levels of fluoride to reduce the risk of swallowing too much of it. Often, it also has child friendly flavours to help encourage your kids to brush their teeth. Our Colgate Kids’ range (First Smiles Toothpaste 0-2, Little Kids' Smiles Toothpaste 3+ and Big Kids' Smiles Toothpaste 6+) is specially designed for children with appropriate levels of fluoride for their specific age groups. All of our products provide age-specific recommendations to help you give your kids optimal dental care as they progress through different stages of development!

  • How much toothpaste should I put on my child's toothbrush?

    Children under the age of 3 years should use a smear of toothpaste. Once they’re over the age of 3 it’s recommended to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste during supervised brushing. Our Colgate Kids' Toothbrushes have coloured bristles to indicate the amount of toothpaste recommended for each age group.

  • How many times a day should I brush my child’s teeth?

    A big part of making sure your child has healthy teeth as they grow older is to establish a regular brushing routine with them. It’s recommended that your kids’ teeth should be brushed once in the morning and once before bedtime every day, for at least two minutes.