Start from the age of two

As soon as your child turns two, give them a small toothbrush on which you should put a pea-sized amount of a toothpaste containing 500 ppm fluoride, such as those from the ELGYDIUM KIDS range. Tooth brushing, however haphazard, can then become part of the bedtime routine (you can assist if necessary).

Systematic, full brushing from the age of four

From the ages of three or four, your child can gradually learn to brush all of their teeth. Young children should be taught to brush each side of the mouth in turn. Brushing twice a day is sufficient, once in the morning and once in the evening, using a suitable toothbrush, with a toothpaste containing 500 ppm fluoride. Try different flavours of toothpaste to find your child's favourites.

They need to brush for two minutes on average. It still will not be perfect, but it contributes to good oral hygiene.

At age seven, brushing like a pro

Between the ages of seven and twelve, children must brush their teeth like adults, but with a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste (1000 ppm fluoride), such as those from the ELGYDIUM JUNIOR range.

They should brush their teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes. The head of the toothbrush should follow a circular motion over all of the sides of the teeth: on the insides, outsides and on the chewing surfaces. The upper teeth and the lower teeth are brushed separately. You should also tilt the brush to an angle of 45ø on the gums, with the ends of the bristles away from the root of the teeth.

Finally, always brush from the gum to the tip of the teeth (pink to white) to avoid the bristles hitting the fragile edge of the gums.

Electric toothbrushes, designed to care for the enamel

Electric toothbrushes move with high-frequency vibrations and may be easier for children to use. These toothbrushes have a circular motion at the right speed and are quite effective.