Find the Right Electric Toothbrush for Your Child
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.
How to Choose a Brush
Many children's electric toothbrushes have popular characters on them or are brightly coloured. While shopping, it can be exciting for your child to pick the character they like most. This can also translate into excitement about brushing.
Look for a brush with an easy-to-hold handle with cushioned non-slip grips.
The brush should also have a child-sized brush head with soft-textured bristles. Pay attention as to when these will need replacing, especially if your child is prone to chewing on them while brushing. You should discourage your children from chewing on toothbrushes. Brush heads that need replacing will have splayed bristles pointing in many directions. Worn brush heads do not brush as thoroughly as newer ones can.
Electric Toothbrushes for Children Over 5
How to Brush
Before your child turns 7, you will still need to be the one who brushes their teeth for them, especially when using an electric toothbrush. However, you can begin having them hold the brush and “help” you. This will get them used to how a brush feels in their hand.
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.
Brush the teeth in small circles at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line, making sure to get all the surfaces of each tooth.
After brushing, have your child spit out excess toothpaste. Do not rinse, since this removes the protective layer that helps to strengthen the enamel.
The free Disney Magic Timer App by Oral-B will make 90% of kids brush longer. While brushing, your kids will unlock new characters and stickers as a fun reward.
How to Choose a Brush
Many children’s electric toothbrushes have popular characters on them or are brightly coloured. While shopping, it can be exciting for your child to pick the character they like most. This can also translate into excitement about brushing.
Look for a brush with an easy-to-hold handle with a non-slip grip. This will also come in handy when your child begins brushing their own teeth around age 8.
The brush should have a child-sized brush head with soft-textured bristles.
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.
