Electric tooth brushes for kids help improve brushing efficiency and brushing habits. With so many available on the market today, and many colorful designs too, it is beneficial to explore the advantages and disadvantages they offer for your child’s oral health prior to making the switch.
Should your kids use an electric toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes for kids are fine for those who have trouble brushing or who may want some variety in their oral hygiene routine. Remember, as a parent your goal should be to get your child to brush at least twice a day. If they insist on an electric toothbrush because it ‘looks fun’ or has attractive colors, there is nothing wrong with incorporating one into your child’s daily routine.
Make sure to choose one with soft bristles, as kids usually haven’t mastered brushing control yet and can irritate their gums if they brush too hard with a regular bristle. Soft bristles are always the right way to go for kids as they are still in the process of learning the right amount of force to use in their brushing technique.
Disadvantages of electric toothbrushes
One thing to keep in mind is that your child needs to learn how to brush properly. Brushing technique is best taught at a young age and involves your child learning the right approach, angle and power to use when they brush each day. Electric toothbrushes for kids can hinder this learning process as the brush is doing some of the work for the child and the involvement of the child is a lot more limited than a traditional toothbrush.
Additionally, if your child only learns how to use an electric toothbrush, they may prefer it for the rest of their life. This isn’t necessarily bad, however it should be considered when weighing your options since electric toothbrushes involve different costs and maintenance than a traditional toothbrush. For example, some are battery powered and some charge when plugged into a wall outlet. Replacement brush heads also need to be purchased routinely.
Some brushes are also louder than others, so if noise is a consideration in your household, make sure to do some research if you are looking for a quiet electric toothbrush.
Advantages of electric toothbrushes for kids
For kids, electric toothbrushes do offer some attractive features. Some come with built in timers to help your child learn the proper duration to brush their teeth (at least 2 minutes).
Also, electric toothbrushes come in a variety of handle and brush head sizes, so make sure to pick the right one for your child so that they can properly handle the brush and clean their teeth.
Finally, some newer electric toothbrushes come with interactive apps that can pair with the brush and make brushing time fun for your child. If you are looking to improve the enjoyment of brushing for your child because they aren’t cooperating at brushing time, then an app may provide the right type of engagement to keep your child interested.
Image courtesy of mouthpower.org.
