It’s important to get your child started on oral hygiene early, but doing so involves following a series of steps to protect developing teeth and prevent dental accidents. For example, dentists recommend brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they begin erupting and flossing as soon as the kid has two teeth right next to each other. Using an electric toothbrush can provide a number of significant benefits for a child’s oral health. Here’s what you should know about the ideal time to get your kid started with an electric toothbrush.
Why Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?
The American Dental Association recommends using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one to achieve a deeper and more thorough oral cleaning. This is because electric toothbrushes are designed to supplement the traditional brushing process with a rotating or vibrating head that can clean farther between the teeth, deeper beneath the gumline, and more efficiently with an automated polishing motion. People who use electric toothbrushes properly have significantly lower plaque levels, and these tools can be especially great for kids and adults with mobility issues.
What Is an Appropriate Age for My Child to Start Using an Electric Toothbrush?
At the earliest, a child can begin using an electric toothbrush at age two as long as they do so with supervision and without toothpaste. However, it’s far more typical for children to begin using these tools between the ages of six and eight, and many children ask for electric toothbrushes after seeing their parents using them themselves. If your small child is just getting started with their new powered dental cleaning appliance, it’s a great idea to keep paper towels and glass cleaner around in case they make a mess.
What Should I Look for When Buying My Child an Electric Toothbrush?
There are several factors to keep an eye out for when shopping for your child’s electric toothbrush. A few of these include:
- Quality: The bristles of lower-quality toothbrushes can be too abrasive for developing teeth, leading to enamel scratches and other dental damage.
- Size: The size of the electric toothbrush’s head can make a major difference in how well it can clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth such as the molars and between the cheeks. This is especially important for children since their mouths are particularly small.
- Power source: A rechargeable electric toothbrush is preferable to one that is battery-powered, as these models are generally of higher quality and are simply much more convenient.
Practicing excellent dental care in childhood can help a patient enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile as an adult. Investing in an electric toothbrush can allow your child to get a head start with superior oral hygiene.
About the Practice
Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers the finest children’s oral health services in the area. Led by Drs. Layne Benzley and Bianca Hoffman, the staff provides effective treatments in a welcoming and child-friendly office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about how your child may benefit from an electric toothbrush, contact the office online or dial (303) 660-5373.
