CarolinasDentist Blog

How Long Should My Child Brush Their Teeth?

Woman smiles as she looks at her young daughter brushing her teeth in the bathroom

Watching your child grow up can be both frustrating and exciting! There are many types of moments that will live in your memory for better and for worse. One of the more difficult parenting battles can be making sure your child gets their teeth brushed.

Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth emerges. Aim for at least one good brushing session a day in the first few years of your child’s life, although both morning and night is ideal. Use a child-sized toothbrush and a small smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Thoroughly brush each tooth surface, their gums, and their tongue.

By three years old, brush your child’s teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Your child may be ready to start brushing their teeth with supervision around 5-6 years old, or when they start school. We understand it can be challenging to have your child endure brushing for a full two minutes. It was likely already a wrestling match as a toddler with only a few teeth and less brushing time.

Here are some tips to help make brushing more enjoyable and less stressful for you both:

  1. Brush to a Song

    2. Try brushing your child’s teeth to the beat of their favorite song! Most songs are at least two to three minutes long, which is the perfect length for a brushing session. If it’s a seasonal time of the year, holiday hits can get them even more excited.

  2. Set a Timer

    3. Buy a toothbrush timer so your child can see how much longer they need to brush.

  3. Pick Out a Fun Brush & Toothpaste Flavor

    4. There are many appealing children’s toothbrushes with soft bristles, including ones that light up or are in silly animal shapes. Let your child choose their toothbrush and flavor of toothpaste to help them feel more in control of their oral hygiene routine. Be sure to replace their brush every 3 months so the bristles are in optimal cleaning condition.

Children’s Dentist in North Carolina

Daily brushing at home isn’t the only thing that can help your child maintain a healthy smile! Routine cleanings and visits with our team are essential for their oral health. Contact us today to schedule a visit for your child at a CarolinasDentist location near you.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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