Taking care of your child’s oral health does not need to be complicated. Making sure they brush their teeth twice a day is the most important part of preventing cavities. But using the right kind of toothbrush is also important. Our dentists share some tips on how to pick the best toothbrush for your kid.
Five Tips for Choosing a Child’s Toothbrush
1: Choose a brush with soft bristles.
Soft bristles will protect your child’s tooth enamel and gums from aggressive brushing. Hard bristles can strip away tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay. They can also scratch the sensitive gum tissue, causing pain and infections.
2: The toothbrush head should fit comfortably in their mouth.
Your child’s toothbrush head should be small enough to reach the back teeth comfortably. However, the size of the toothbrush head often ranges between brands. The best rule of thumb here is to choose the smaller brush for younger children.
3: Older children need a bristled brush.
While a silicone toothbrush or a washcloth are great for maintaining healthy teeth and gums in babies, they are not very effective for toddlers with many teeth. When your child turns around 18 months and you start using toothpaste, it is time to ditch the silicone brush for a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.
4: Buy more than one.
We recommend buying multiple toothbrushes, because you never know when you might need a clean one. It’s also a good idea to keep a toothbrush in every bathroom in the house, and even the bedroom and the car. Why? Dental hygiene is important, and even dry brushing with no toothpaste is better than not brushing at all.
5: Let your child make the final decision.
Once you find the right size and softness, show your child a selection of appropriate toothbrushes and let them pick the color, pattern, or character they want. Children who are excited about their toothbrushes tend to be more willing to brush their teeth.
At What Age Can Children Use Electric Toothbrushes?
Your child can start using an electric toothbrush as soon as you think they’re ready. Electric toothbrushes could be helpful for kids who struggle to clean all their teeth, or who simply don’t like brushing their teeth.
Just like a manual toothbrush, you’ll want to choose one that’s designed for children and that can comfortably reach their back teeth. However, keep in mind that electric toothbrushes have their pros and cons, especially for children.
Pros:
- They clean teeth better with less effort
- Many have built-in timers for how long to brush
- May be exciting for some children, making them more likely to brush their teeth
Cons:
- More expensive than manual toothbrushes
- Bulky and more difficult for children to control or operate
- Might be too stimulating for children with sensory difficulties
Pediatric Dental Care in Flagstaff, Arizona
Besides brushing twice a day, kids also need regular dental cleanings and checkups. Going to the dentist is the best way to keep their teeth free from tartar buildup and cavities.
If you are looking for exceptional pediatric dental care, visit Country Club Dental in Flagstaff, Arizona. Our dentists, Dr. Paul Whitney and Dr. Mikaela Weedman truly understand the importance of helping kids maintain good oral hygiene. Contact us today to make an appointment for your child.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/8/24). Photo by Mieke Campbell on Unsplash.
