Does your child try to turn every toothbrushing session into a production worthy of a Hollywood movie? You aren’t alone in terms of parents who face these theatrics daily. Even an experienced dentist might have a tough time convincing a young child how important brushing is for their oral health.
You may be considering upgrading their manual toothbrush to an electric one to get them excited about brushing, but are you unsure whether your child is ready? Read on to learn more from your children’s dentist in Casper about electric toothbrushes for kids and at what age you can make the switch.
Is There a Magic Number When a Child Is Old Enough for an Electric Toothbrush?
Getting children to stay on top of their oral hygiene routine can be a battle for some parents. Luckily, using an electric toothbrush can make preventing cavities a fun experience. Children often find them much easier and more comfortable to use. However, it’s recommended to wait until your child is at least 2-3 years old before introducing them to one.
It’s important not to force an electric toothbrush on children as it could leave a lasting negative impression. Most parents know their child is ready for one when they ask for it. And if the parents use one too, it can make brushing a fun family activity that entices children to practice good oral care!
What Attributes Are Key When Considering an Electric Toothbrush for Kids?
Buying a high-quality electric toothbrush is of utmost importance for children and adults. That’s primarily because lower-quality brushes can be abrasive and damage the enamel.
There are a few other things to take into consideration when shopping for an electric toothbrush for your child including:
- Power source: Compared to battery-powered ones, rechargeable electric toothbrushes tend to be of higher quality and much safer for kids to use.
- Bristle quality: Higher-quality toothbrushes have bristles that gently, yet effectively, clean teeth. Alternatively, lower-quality bristles are typically made of a cheaper material that can wear down enamel quickly. Investing in a good electric toothbrush is essential to prevent damage to your child’s teeth.
- Head shape and size: Select an electric toothbrush with a child-sized head to ensure it effectively reaches all areas of the teeth. Children’s mouths are small and still developing, which is why choosing the right toothbrush is essential for a thorough cleaning.
- Plaque removal: The American Dental Association states that both manual and electric toothbrushes are equally effective at removing plaque. However, electric toothbrushes can make it easier to reach tricky spots, meaning less plaque and healthier smiles.
What Are the Benefits of Electric Over a Manual Toothbrush?
One of the main benefits of your child using an electric toothbrush is their newfound enthusiasm for brushing their teeth. Their excitement makes it easier to encourage them to follow their daily oral care routine. Plus, since the toothbrush uses small movements to dislodge food and remove plaque, it’s much more effective at keeping their teeth clean.
Electric toothbrushes are a great solution to help children maintain good oral health habits from an early age. But remember – kids often model their parents’ brushing habits. So, be vigilant about staying on top of your oral hygiene routine, and your children will follow suit.
About the Practice
At Casper Children’s Dental Clinic, we take pride in serving three generations of Wyoming’s youth as the area’s longest-running pediatric dental clinic. Our staff understands that a child’s dental appointments are not always pleasant and strives to create a uniquely fun, entertaining environment while completing necessary care. Kids can enjoy arcade games, TVs showing the latest movies, silly mirrors, and prizes or balloons for the little ones after the completion of an appointment. It’s essential for everyone on our team to have kid-friendly personalities to help alleviate anxiety and even spin quality dental work into an enjoyable experience. As you can see, there’s a lot to consider about your child making a move to an electric toothbrush, but when they are ready it can have a stellar impact on their smile. For any questions regarding toothbrushes for kids, be sure to ask their dentist in Casper during their next dental cleaning and exam. To make an appointment, visit our website or call (307) 266-1997.