When it comes to your child’s teeth, you might wonder if there’s a difference between a manual and an electric toothbrush. You may also be a bit confused about choosing an electric toothbrush for kids. While it’s important to start early with good oral hygiene habits, getting children excited about brushing can be tough. Below are some tips to help guide you.
When Can 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. Before that, a manual toothbrush should be used.
What Are the Benefits of An Electric Toothbrush?
- Ease of Use - Simply put, an electric toothbrush does most of the work for you. Whether it’s the movement of the brush head or a built-in timer for correct brushing time, an electric toothbrush makes brushing easier.
- Plaque Removal - Electric toothbrushes tend to remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush. They can also make it easier to reach tricky spots like the back teeth. By removing more plaque from your child’s teeth, you’re reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- Child’s Enthusiasm - Your child may be particularly excited about using an electric toothbrush, either because of its novelty or because they’ve seen you using one. This can make it easier to get them into a routine of brushing twice a day.
Electric Toothbrushes for Children Ages 3-5
Using child-friendly electric or battery toothbrushes is a good way for you to care for your child's teeth and gums, but make sure they’re at least three years old before introducing one.
How to Brush
- At this age, you should still be the one brushing your child’s teeth, especially when using an electric toothbrush. They won’t be able to properly brush until at least age 7.
- For maximum protection from tooth decay, use a pea-sized amount of a toothpaste with between 1350 and 1500 ppm of fluoride. Brush twice a day. Once as the last thing at night and on one other occasion.
- They should clean each tooth individually. First, they should place their brush at a 45-degree angle from the gum line, then apply gentle pressure whilst moving in a circular motion. They should do this for about 10 seconds, using the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, and tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.
- After brushing, have your child spit or wipe excess toothpaste from their mouth. Do not rinse as this removes the protective layer of fluoride teeth need.
- The free Disney Magic Timer App by Oral-B will help 90% of kids brush longer. While brushing, your kids will unlock new characters and stickers as a fun reward. It's available for free in the iOS App Store and Google Play.
Make Brushing Fun with an Electric Toothbrush
Oral-B electric toothbrushes for kids have several exciting designs to choose from, featuring your kids’ favourite characters. Children have more fun brushing with their favourite cartoon buddies, and Oral-B brushes have many to choose from.
Child-friendly electric toothbrushes help your children, and you, care for their teeth from toddler and beyond. Ultimately, if your child is having fun brushing their teeth, they’re more likely to make it a part of their everyday routine.
To make brushing fun and easy, the free Disney Magic Timer App by Oral-B will encourage your children to brush for longer by engaging the with fun graphics and virtual stickers featuring their favorite Disney characters. In fact, 90% of kids brush longer when using the Disney Magic Timer app. It's available for free in the iOS App Store and Google Play.
Good Oral Care Never Stops
As kids continue to grow, they’ll always need the right toothbrushes for the best oral care. Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes help them make the transition from childhood to adulthood with a wide variety of options that keep pace with their changing needs.