Tzeadim › 2–3 years

Self care · Milestone

Takes a turn at brushing

Most children: 18m–3y

What it is

Holds the brush and has a go, then an adult brushes properly afterwards.

Start preparing

1. Child first, adult second — 'you go, then I go' avoids the daily battle.
2. Brush your own teeth beside them; copying does most of the teaching.
3. A smear of fluoride toothpaste is enough until 3 years, then a pea-sized amount.

Related

• Brush teeth twice a day
• Parent stops brushing the child's teeth

Sources

• Dental prevention service (first tooth to age 6) — Israel Ministry of Health · checked 30-08-2026
• First dental visit by age 1; fluoride; oral habits — American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry · checked 30-08-2026

Last reviewed 30-08-2026 · Confidence: high

Compiled with AI assistance from the public sources listed above. Not yet reviewed by a clinician — check anything important against the source, with Tipat Halav or with your doctor.