It can be challenging to get your kids to wash their teeth. That’s why parents often ask Are Electric Toothbrushes Better For Kids? Since marketers and manufacturers know this, many toothbrushes made specifically for kids are sold.
Electric toothbrushes that play music have vibrant lights and are decorated with cartoon characters available when you enter a pharmacy.
These electric toothbrushes could be an excellent approach to motivate your children to brush their teeth.
In this month’s article, the Houston pediatric dentists at Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry examine the benefits and drawbacks of electric toothbrushes for your child.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Better For Kids?
If simple or electric toothbrushes are better for kids that is one of the most frequent queries parents have. The brief response is: Yes! As long as they are used properly, both toothbrushes can equally effectively prevent plaque and decay from building up on your child’s teeth.
What Is An Electric Toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes clean by oscillating and are typically battery-operated. They are great dental care tools. Additionally, they could assist in cleaning food particles and plaque bacteria (biofilm) from the gumline with parental direction.
Some people prefer using electric toothbrushes over manual ones because they believe they thoroughly clean their teeth. They may also be simpler to use.
An electronic toothbrush features bristles in front and a base for holding it, just like a manual toothbrush.
You should change the head of your electric toothbrush when you see the bristles worn, just like you would with a manual toothbrush every few months. Every three months, the head can be replaced.
Benefits Of Electric Brushes
Most of the time, a fun toothbrush effectively motivates children to take care of their oral health. You can tell your youngster it’s time for music, colours, or lights instead of telling him it’s time to wash his teeth.
He won’t mind brushing his teeth because he finds the music, animated characters, or flashing lights entertaining. Electric toothbrushes are another useful tool for easing children’s anxiety at the dentist.
A kid used to a standard toothbrush can find the tools at the dentist intimidating or overwhelming. The youngster will become accustomed to the buzzing and whirring sounds from using an electric toothbrush, making the dentist’s equipment less strange.
The Drawbacks Of Electric Toothbrushes
While using an electric toothbrush has several advantages, there are also some hazards for children. Electric brushes typically don’t clean as well as regular brushes.
Additionally, using an electric toothbrush may prevent your youngster from picking up healthy brushing habits.
Eventually, they might brush their teeth less thoroughly or more vigorously when they eventually use a standard toothbrush.
Some children are also terrified of electronic toothbrushes’ vibrations and buzzing sounds. Bringing the electric brush close up to their face might be unsettling for them.
You might buy your kid an electric toothbrush, but they might only use it if they prefer a regular one.
Some youngsters don’t want to clean their teeth, even if they aren’t terrified of the brush. While occasionally effective, more than music, cartoon characters, and lovely colors will be required for all children.
It is entirely up to you to get an electric toothbrush for your child. It can be a terrific approach to increase the enjoyment of dental hygiene.
Kids must develop good brushing habits and techniques, though. Ask your dentist if you need clarification on whether it would be wise for your youngster.
How To Pick The Right Electric Toothbrush For Kids?
Choosing the proper size and style for your child is crucial, just like you would with a regular brush. To ensure that it fits comfortably in your child’s mouth and can reach the back teeth, buy an electric toothbrush with a child-sized head.
Make sure to use soft bristles for babies and toddlers because they are easier on the gums and are advised if your child is starting to erupt new teeth.
Did you know that 1954 officially launched the first electric toothbrush? While this interesting information might not enthuse your child, we are certain that the opportunity to pick their own toothbrush will!
Choosing their brush will give children who are reluctant brushers more control over the procedure. You should keep extra brushes on hand so kids can choose which one to use each time they brush.
Remember that an electric toothbrush cannot do the entire task by itself. To prevent cavities, you will still need to assist your child in using the right brushing methods.
Teach your youngster to position the brush 45 degrees toward the gum line.
Your youngster will still need to use short, delicate strokes to move the powered brush back and forth on the teeth and gums.
After every use, thoroughly rinse your child’s brush, then store it upright. Your child’s toothbrush should be changed every three months.
Throw that toothbrush away immediately if you have the flu, a cold, or any ailment. Particularly if your child tends to chew on it, you should certainly change your child’s toothbrush more frequently than your own.
How Old Should A Child Be Before Using An Electric Toothbrush?
It is best to start paying attention to your child’s dental hygiene when the first tooth erupts. As a result, a youngster can start using an Electric Toothbrush as soon as they turn three, especially if they have braces.
Kids need to develop manual dexterity. Thus it could be challenging to use a manual toothbrush on them.
On the other hand, a smart toothbrush’s vibrating bristles may remove plaque from a child’s teeth with little effort.
However, if it’s their first time using a smart toothbrush, you shouldn’t let your child clean their teeth alone because the vibration may frighten them.
Using Electric Toothbrushes The Right Way
Your kids will enjoy brushing more and be more inclined to maintain healthy brushing practices if they use a kid’s electric toothbrush. But for the best results, utilizing an electric toothbrush correctly is essential.
Remember that a toothbrush cannot do anything independently if you give your child an electric toothbrush. You will still need to help your child brush their teeth properly to prevent cavities.
You must show your child how to use the Smart Toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, brushing the teeth and gums with short, gentle strokes.
If you have chosen to give your child an electric toothbrush, keep the following in mind.
- Keep the battery in your child’s electronic toothbrush charged.
- Rinse the toothbrush once more after your child uses it, and keep it upright.
- Change your toothbrushes every three months and as soon as you get a cold, the flu, or another sickness.
- An electric toothbrush for a child needs to be changed more frequently than one for an adult, especially if the child cheats on it.
Can An Electric Toothbrush Harm A Child’s Teeth?
While using a Sonic Electric Toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth won’t hurt their oral health; misuse can lead to tooth sensitivity, damage, and even severe periodontal diseases.
Many studies have compared the effectiveness of manual and electric toothbrushes. An electric toothbrush has far more successfully removed plaque and bacterial buildup.
By spinning and vibrating the bristles, it also ensures that the teeth are properly cleansed. It would help if you used smart toothbrushes properly, whichever model you use.
Conclusion
We hope this article has sparked your interest and enthusiasm to start or attempt a new toothbrush method with your child.
You can worry about the more enjoyable aspects of oral health care rather than asking yourself, “Are Electric Toothbrushes Better For Kids?” It’s time to assist your child with choosing a toothbrush, show them how to use it, and provide them with the tools they need to carry on this practice as they age.
