You might be wondering if it’s time to upgrade your child to an electric toothbrush. While we recommend consulting with Dr. Kane before you make any major changes to your child’s routine, here’s some of our best advice.

Electric toothbrushes have been proven to make it easier for reluctant children to clean hard to reach areas, like their back molars and gums. This helps to prevent plaque from building up and optimizes your child’s oral health. Not to mention, the vibration of an electric toothbrush means your child has to use less force than when using a manual toothbrush.

The benefits don’t stop there. Children’s electric toothbrushes offer songs, lights and characters to make your kids excited about brushing. While these features are fun and interesting, their purpose is ultimately to teach your children how much time they should be spending on brushing. Your kids won’t even realize that they are learning and maintaining good oral hygiene while they are having a blast.

Age is key when determining if it’s time for an electric toothbrush. While there is no set age, it is best to wait until your child has at least 4 or 5 teeth before you consider an electric brush. Additionally, waiting until your child has the coordination to use a brush of this kind (with your help) is vital. When you decide to give your child an electric brush, introduce it as a special treat they get to use twice a day. You should continue to monitor their usage with it until around age 8.

As with any toothbrush, finding the perfect electric toothbrush isn’t easy. Make sure to select one specifically for a child as it will offer unique features such as easier to grip handles. Choosing the right size head so the toothbrush will fit properly in your child’s mouth is incredibly important. From there, choose a brush with soft bristles as they are more gentle on gums.

While electric toothbrushes are great, they can’t do all the work on their own. Teaching your child the proper techniques early will help prevent cavities. Help your child place the brush at a 45 degree angle facing the gums. Despite the movement of the brush, your child still needs to use short strokes to move the brush back and forth against the teeth and gums. Afterwards, rinse the brush thoroughly and store it upright.

At The Children’s Dental Center, we understand how important any decision is regarding your child’s oral health. If you have any additional comments or concerns, our expert team is more than happy to help. Contact us today!