Two-Minute Brushing Timer
Two minutes, twice a day, as the American Dental Association recommends. Tap Start, follow the cue for each part of the mouth, and finish with a fanfare. Pick the child's age first to see how much toothpaste to use.
Ready, Set, Brush
- Top Left
- Top Right
- Bottom Left
- Bottom Right
How Much Toothpaste
Under 3: a Rice Grain
A thin smear the size of a grain of rice (AAPD).
Ages 3 to 6: a Pea
No more than a pea-size amount (AAPD).
Every Day
Morning and night, two minutes each time (ADA).
Make the Two Minutes Fun
Music is part of the Alpine office, from the instruments on the walls to the songs the team sings during visits, so the timer keeps the beat at home too.
- Let the child press Start and watch the ring fill.
- Brush along with the cue for each corner of the mouth.
- Finish on the fanfare, then add a sticker to the brushing chart.
Common Questions
How Long Do Kids Brush Their Teeth?
Two minutes, twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, following the American Dental Association.
How Much Toothpaste Does a Child Use?
A grain-of-rice smear of fluoride toothpaste for children younger than 3, and no more than a pea-size amount for ages 3 to 6, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
How Often Does a Toothbrush Need Replacing?
Every three to four months, or sooner when the bristles fray, according to the American Dental Association.
Sources and How This Tool Works
The timer runs 120 seconds and switches cues every 30 seconds so each area of the mouth gets an even share. The two-minute, twice-a-day target and the 3-to-4-month toothbrush replacement come from the American Dental Association. The toothpaste amounts come from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's policy on the use of fluoride. Sounds play only when Sound is on, and nothing is saved except the optional count of finished brushes on this device.
- American Dental Association, Toothbrushes (oral health topics)
- American Dental Association, Brushing Your Teeth (MouthHealthy)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Policy on Use of Fluoride
General information for parents, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a dental exam. For a child with tooth pain, swelling, or an injury, call Alpine Pediatric Dentistry at (704) 479-6777. In an emergency, call 911.
Questions about a child's teeth? A board-certified pediatric dentist in Lincolnton answers them.
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