By teaching your children how to maintain excellent oral hygiene, you can prevent them from developing oral health issues in the future. Though you’ve taught them the importance of brushing twice per day, when should your child upgrade to an electric toothbrush in Cumming? Here’s everything you need to know about when it’s appropriate to make the switch.
At What Age Can Your Child Start to Use an Electric Toothbrush?
Though kids can begin using electric toothbrushes at age two, there’s no rush to start this soon if you don’t feel comfortable yet. Many parents don’t choose to have their child start using an electric toothbrush until they are between the ages of six and eight. A parent, guardian, or other trusted adult should always be present to supervise them. If your child is already using the proper technique with a manual toothbrush, switching them to an electric one may not even be necessary.
What Should You Look for When Choosing an Electric Toothbrush?
When choosing an electric toothbrush for your child, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for, including:
- Head shape – The shape and size of the toothbrush head are both important things to consider before making a choice. This is because there are a lot of hard-to-reach places in the mouth and the wrong toothbrush head will prevent your child from reaching those spots. The brush needs to be small enough for your child to hold properly and to fit in their mouth comfortably.
- Bristle quality – If a toothbrush has good bristles, it should last at least three months before needing to be replaced. Using a toothbrush that doesn’t have high quality bristles will cause your child’s oral hygiene to suffer.
- Power source – Though it’s up to personal preference, rechargeable electric toothbrushes are often better if you don’t have batteries around the house. If your child is forgetful and doesn’t remember that they need to put their toothbrush back on the charging doc, a battery powered one might be the better option.
Helping Your Child Adjust to Their New Electric Toothbrush
Be patient when helping your child adjust to their electric toothbrush. Young children may be frightened by the sounds and sensations of electric toothbrushes and may take some time to adjust to using one. It’s also important to remember that an electric toothbrush may not be the right option for them. Make sure to do what you can to help your child adjust to it by showing them how to use brush properly. By watching you use an electric toothbrush, this will help them learn how to do it themself. Keep an eye out for any behaviors that can make using an electric toothbrush more difficult.
Electric toothbrushes are a great way for kids to achieve excellent oral health, so help them adjust to using one however you can. By following the above tips, your child will be able to continue maintaining a healthy, happy smile!
About the Author
Searching for a skilled pediatric dentist in the Cumming area? You’ve come to the right place! Village Pediatric Dentistry specializes in growing smiles, and their talented staff of oral health professionals does everything they can to make your child feel safe and comfortable. They can also assist you in deciding what kind of toothbrush is right for your child to help them maintain good oral health. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit Village Pediatric Dentistry’s website or call their office at (678) 456-5572.