Are electric toothbrushes more attractive for kids?

As a parent, it can be pretty difficult to determine your child to brush their teeth. Anything that may increase your kid’s interest in having a good oral care can be really helpful in preventing plaque and cavities. Good oral health habits should start early. Dentists recommend that you start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first one appears, using a toothbrush specially designed for their age, moving up to bigger toothbrushes as they grow.

Kids may think that it is easier to use an electric toothbrush. And they also have more fun by using one of these instead of a manual brush. Please be aware that electric toothbrushes are recommended only for kids who are at least 3 years old. They include some features to help kids love brushing their teeth: soft-bristles and small brush head specially designed to fit into their little mouths, their favorite Disney characters printed in order to help them brush their teeth 2 minutes each time. Some other electric toothbrushes may include lights, music or sound effects. When your child finds their favorite toothbrush, they are more likely to develop good oral hygiene habits that will last for a lifetime.  You can let your kid select the toothbrush. Picking their own brush will give them a feeling of power and importance.

Children love electric toothbrushes because of their design and their particular features. Kids can choose toothbrushes with famous Disney characters or other cartoon favorites.
You can also consult with your dentist before choosing the appropriate brush for your child. Whether you decide to buy a manual toothbrush or an electric one, it is recommended to supervise your child’s brushing technique until the age of six.

Electric toothbrushes help children to clean those hard-reach areas, such as the back molars and gums. This prevents the build-up of the plaque, which will lead to cavities.
The timers on modern brushes allow children to develop an understanding of how much time to spend on each quadrant of the mouth for optimal cleaning.

All electric brushes special designed for kids have features that capture a child’s attention. It might be their favorite character, a sticker, a musical handle.

Some children may be afraid of the vibrations but as long as they get used to them, there will be no problem in the future.

Advantages of electric toothbrushes for kids

• Most of the powered toothbrushes have a timer, so your kid will know when the session of 2 minutes of brushing has ended;
• An electric brush require minimal effort , so it is more effective;
• Brushing with a powered brush also requires minimal skills.

Please bear in mind that no matter what toothbrush you choose for your child (a manual one or an electric one), it is important to teach your child to have a correct brushing technique and to supervise that they brush their teeth twice a day, two minutes each time. In case you need extra information regarding this topic, do not hesitate to call Dr. Arhiri.

References:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/selecting-dental-products/is-an-electric-toothbrush-for-kids-right-for-my-child-1113
https://www.bupadental.com.au/blog/article/are-electric-toothbrushes-better-for-kids
https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/kids/finding-best-electric-toothbrush-kids
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/electric-toothbrushes#1