How Do I Choose A Toothbrush for My Kids?
Electric toothbrushes have been proven to help kids clean their teeth better than manual toothbrushes. They help kids reach areas, such as back molars and gums, and kids tend to brush longer when using an electric toothbrush. They help form good oral home care habits at an early age.
Melissa recommends teaching a child at age 3 how to use an electric toothbrush, supervised by an adult til age 7. Most of the kid’s electric toothbrushes have timers, which helps determine how long to brush as well as focus on their brushing. Some even have flashing lights and play music, which encourages kids to brush while making it fun. Electric toothbrushes help provide a sensory stimulating experience and make it easier for the child to have routine exams and cleanings.
Manufactures design their toothbrushes for particular optimal oral care – kids toothbrushes have soft bristles and easier to grip handles. Melissa’s preference for a children’s electric toothbrushes would be Sonicare for kids, Oral-B Stages, or Oral-B Pro-health junior. They are well-made toothbrushes and have been around for a while, so it’s easy to find replacement heads. She recommends avoiding no-name brands which are made cheaply, as parts may come off during brushing which a child can choke on.
At Dental Phobia, we highly recommend using an electric toothbrush for all kids and adults. They really do clean better than manual toothbrushes!
