As a parent, your child’s smile is by far your favorite, and it makes sense that you wouldn’t want to see it affected by oral health problems like cavities. Teaching them great habits like a thorough brushing and flossing routine is important, but there are certain instruments that your child can use when they get older that can make their dental hygiene even more effective, like an electric toothbrush. Read on to learn whether your child is old enough to start benefitting from using an electric toothbrush and some considerations to keep in mind before buying them one.
Is it Okay for Children to Use Electric Toothbrushes?
Electric toothbrushes are able to improve brushing habits by removing plaque more effectively from the crevices of teeth compared to manual ones to prevent cavities from forming, but it’s not recommended for children to use these until they’re past the age of two. If you decide to get your child a small electric toothbrush, you’ll want to supervise them to make sure they have a positive and safe experience with it.
The best time to get your child an electric toothbrush is when they ask for it! Some children are able to effectively brush their teeth with manual brushes and may not respond positively to the noise or vibrations given off by an electric one. In these cases, it’s better to have them have a good experience with brushing and flossing than try to switch them to a toothbrush that causes them to want to brush less frequently.
3 Considerations to Make Before Buying Your Child an Electric Toothbrush
- Choose an Appropriate Head Shape & Size: It’s important to get an appropriate-sized toothbrush for your child so they can effectively brush their teeth without gagging and can easily move it around their mouth.
- Soft-Bristles Only: Medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage gum tissue and even deteriorate enamel. Soft bristles are able to safely and effectively remove plaque without damaging your child’s pearly whites.
- Read the Signs: Does your child become easily overstimulated? Do they tend to avoid loud noises? These may be signs that they wouldn’t respond well to using an electric toothbrush.
With these considerations in mind, you can make the best decision to ensure your child has a positive experience with maintaining their dental hygiene routine. Although switching to an electric toothbrush when your little one gets older may be a great decision in some situations, it isn’t always the answer, and that’s where your parent superpower of helping your child determine what’s best for them comes in!
About the Practice
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen, our team is run by two board-certified pediatric dentists, Drs. Justin Chan and Sage Yoo. They’re dedicated to helping children of all ages have positive experiences at the dentist’s office and provide a variety of treatments that can help maintain and improve the health of their growing grins. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 469-663-0098.