As adults, we hear with some regularity that electric toothbrushes are better for our teeth than manual ones. And as parents, we know that we should be brushing our children’s teeth regularly and keeping them just as clean and healthy as we do our own. But should we brush our kids’ teeth with electric toothbrushes? Or are they too harsh for their smiles? Actually,Dr. Brightthinks the right electric toothbrush can be a great asset to a child’s tooth brushing routine!
Prosof an Electric Toothbrush
While the American Dental Association has stated thatmanual and electric toothbrushes are equally effectivein cleaning children’s teeth, there are many reasons you may want to choose to use an electric toothbrush:
- They are easier to use.
- They provide more brushing power.
- The powerful motion provides excellent plaque removal.
- Many offer engaging technology, including timers and even app connectivity for fun and games.
Consof an Electric Toothbrush
Because they are a bit more fun than the old stand-by manual brushes, electric toothbrushes are certainly a hit with kids. They do have a few drawbacks, though:
- They are more expensive.
- The toothbrush heads still need to be replaced periodically like standard toothbrushes.
- They need to be charged or have the batteries replaced.
How to Choose an Electric Toothbrush
Just like with manual brushes, there are electric toothbrushes designed especially for kids. Looks for handles that are easy to grip and soft bristles that won’t be too abrasive on their teeth. Reluctant brushers often enjoy being able to pick out their own toothbrush. It gives them a sense of ownership, and for many children, this is an important step in starting a new healthy habit.
If you have a child who doesn’t seem interested in brushing, find a toothbrush that will play to his or her apprehensions. If it’s a short attention span doing in their smile, find one with a timer or that plays music for the two minutes they should be brushing. If boredom keeps kicking in or they would rather keep playing than brush their teeth, find one that connects to an app on a smart device and make brushing a game. Some even make it a competition, and what kid doesn’t enjoy a little healthy sibling rivalry?
3 of Our Favorite Electric Toothbrushes
At Bright Smiles, we love to share our favorite things with our patients. If you’re in the market foran electric toothbrush for your child, consider one of these:
The Oral-B Kids Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush— This brush has a small, soft head, perfect for reaching the hard-to-reach areas of kids’ mouths without being too harsh on their teeth or gums. The larger grip is comfortable, and the round head moves in an oscillating motion that is better for kids than the typical ultrasonic motion of adult brushes. Connect it to the Disney Magic Timer™ App to let your child brush along with their favorite Frozen characters.
The Sonicare for Kids Toothbrush— As the name suggests, this brush uses sonic waves to clean rather than the oscillating motion that the Oral-B brush uses. The app teaches kids about the importance of brushing and makes it a fun, interactive activity rather than just another thing to do before bed. The built-in KidPacer alarm lets your child know when it’s time to move to the next quadrant of their mouth.
The Kolibree Smart Toothbrush— Designed by a dad looking to build a great toothbrush for his daughter, the Kolibree interacts with smart devices to encourage the entire family to brush better. This light, comfortable brush does come with a hefty price tag, though.
Ask Us for Help Improving Your Child’s Oral Care Routine!
If you want to learn more about electric toothbrushes or even just how to encourage your child to be a better brusher,contact Bright Smiles Pediatric Dentistrytoday. Our friendly team members can provide you with dental tips and tricks. We can also schedule an appointment for your child and go over some pointers the next time you both come in.
FAQs
Many children respond well to using an electric toothbrush. Ask us about when to start and how to introduce this into your child's tooth routine. Be sure your child receives regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months.
Do dentists recommend electric toothbrushes for children? ›
These brushes remove more plaque from the teeth. From the age of 5 or 6, electric toothbrushes adapted for children are alternative instruments that are highly recommended.
Do kids need a kids electric toothbrush? ›
Some children (and even adults) don't clean their teeth efficiently using a manual toothbrush, even with guidance from their dentist. An electric toothbrush can make this easier by performing the brushing action for you and is usually recommended by dentists for children whose teeth show signs of poor brushing.
What age should a child use an electric toothbrush? ›
When Should a Child Start Using an Electric Toothbrush? If you're considering brushing your child's teeth with an electric toothbrush, wait until your child is at least three years old. Do not use an electric toothbrush with children younger than three years old.
Why can't kids under 3 use an electric toothbrush? ›
Children under 3 should not use power brushes as the gum has not finished developing and young children have sensitive teeth.
What do dentists say about electric toothbrushes? ›
Electric Toothbrush vs.
A 2021 Meta-Analysis has shown that electric toothbrushes are more efficient than manual ones at removing plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, preventing cavities and gum disease. The primary goal of brushing your teeth is to eliminate debris and plaque.
What toothbrush do dentists recommend for kids? ›
Soft Bristles And A Diamond-Shaped Head
A diamond-shaped head is also recommended. A narrow top and bottom will help your child brush between their gums and teeth more effectively. Round heads, like those found on electric toothbrushes, are also a good choice.
Should kids use a manual or electric toothbrush? ›
While research does not show a significant difference in the amount of plaque removed, we recommend an electric toothbrush if it will get the kids excited about brushing and assure that they will do so twice a day. Manual toothbrushes, on the other hand, can be just as effective as their high-tech counterparts.
Should kids use Sonicare toothbrush? ›
Yes. In clinical studies Philips Sonicare For Kids has been proven safe and gentle on teeth and gums for ages four and older.
What age can kids use Sonicare toothbrush? ›
It measures 9.6 by 1.2 by 1.2 inches (HWD), which is quite large considering it's meant for children; Philips recommends the brush for ages four and up. Smaller children will likely have a tough time holding it, but it does have a nice, comfortable grip.
Comparing Electric Toothbrush Advantages And Disadvantages Over Manual Brushing
| Criteria | Electric Brush |
|---|
| Cost | Initial investment may be higher. |
| Dependency on Power | Requires batteries or access to electrical outlets. |
| Learning Curve | May involve a learning curve for users new to electric brushing. |
8 more rowsAug 9, 2023
However, if you are considering having your child use an electric toothbrush, it is best to wait until your child turns three years old. While an electric toothbrush is safe for both children and adults, at least by the age of three, your child will be able to hold the brush properly.
What toothbrush should a 9 year old use? ›
Aquafresh Advance 9-12 Years Kids Toothbrush - Boots.
Can toddlers use Oral B electric toothbrush? ›
For children 3+, you can begin a superior oral care regimen for your child with an electric toothbrush.
Is electric toothbrush recommended by dentists? ›
Unless you have any specific conditions that make using an electric toothbrush dangerous, your dentist will likely approve if you choose to use one. And there are certain situations where a dentist will actually recommend using electric toothbrushes because they'll work better than manual brushing.
Do dentists recommend electric toothbrushes vs manual? ›
Over an 11-year time period, a large 2019 study in Germany found those who used electric toothbrushes had better overall oral health, including less gum disease and tooth loss than those who used manual brushes.
Should five to eleven year olds use manual or electric toothbrushes to clean their teeth? ›
Conclusions Good handwriting and other motor/cognitive skills were linked to good tooth brushing and manual and electric toothbrushing were equally effective at removing plaque. If a child was able to play a musical instrument well, they were likely to have less plaque.
