Establishing good oral hygiene habits should begin at an early age. Dental professionals suggest that parents commence brushing their child’s teeth as soon as the first ones arrive, using a toothbrush designed for their age group and upgrading to bigger brushes when they grow. One of the most frequent queries guardians pose is whether electric toothbrushes are superior to manual versions for children. The answer: it depends on the situation.
Electric toothbrushes with fun, interactive features are a great way to get your child excited about brushing their teeth and help keep their mouth healthy. Both manual and electric brush types work just as well for eliminating plaque build-up; however, the bonus of an exciting design will encourage more reluctant brushers.
Do electric toothbrushes clean kids’ teeth better?
While there is no research to support that kids’ electric toothbru
sh offers superior plaque removal or food-particle removal, the results may vary for each individual. Thus, whether one should use an electric brush on their children’s teeth will depend entirely upon the individual situation.
Even with proper instruction from their dentist, some kids (and even grown-ups) don’t brush their teeth effectively using a manual toothbrush, and that’s where electric toothbrushes come to the rescue. This type of device takes away the hard work by performing your brushing for you and is typically suggested by dentists when children’s teeth demonstrate signs of inadequate cleaning.
For children using a manual toothbrush, ensure that it has an angled head to access those difficult areas. And don’t forget to switch out their toothbrushes or brush heads of electric toothbrushes every three months and after a period of sickness.
Which is easier to use?
Electric toothbrushes provide parents with an effective and simplified way to help their children brush properly. With the rotating and strumming action, electric toothbrushes are constantly cleaning teeth at the optimal speed and pressure. Plus, both manual and electric brushes come in specially designed shapes that allow for a comfortable grip, even for little hands. Electric toothbrush handles tend to be wider for better control of brushing motions so that kids can reach every nook of their mouth thoroughly, giving moms peace of mind. It is seen that kids brush longer with an electric toothbrush as compared to a manual one.
8 pros and cons of electric toothbrushes for kids
Pros
- More efficient brushing: Electric toothbrushes put in less effort and offer more precision than manual brushes, making them the ideal choice for children’s oral hygiene.
- Variety of settings: Numerous electric toothbrushes offer a variety of adjustable speeds, timing settings and other customisations to suit your child’s individual brushing needs.
- No strain on wrist or hand: With an electric toothbrush, you can bid farewell to wrist and hand fatigue as the brush does all of the work for you.
- Make brushing fun and entertaining: Some toothbrushes are designed with interactive features, such as lights, music and voices, that make brushing a fun experience for children.
- Better access to hard-to-reach areas: Electric toothbrushes offer an advantage over manual brushes due to their small brush head size, making it easier for them to access areas that regular toothbrush bristles may have difficulty reaching and thus preventing plaque buildup in those places.
Cons
- Expense: Whilst electric toothbrushes for children may be more costly than manual ones – some luxury models even necessitate replacing the head every two months, depending on usage – parents can take solace in their extra soft bristles, which make brushing comfortable and enjoyable.
- Battery-powered rechargeable electric toothbrush: If you forget to charge your electric toothbrush or don’t have access to a power outlet, then it won’t be of much help until its battery is recharged – which can be difficult when camping.
- Too powerful as a child brush: If your child finds the vibrations of an electric toothbrush to be too intense, opt for a model of kids’ electric toothbrushes with lower vibration settings or one that is specifically tailored towards children’s needs (which usually provides softer bristles).
Which kind of toothbrush do kids prefer?
If your child finds joy in brushing their teeth, they are more likely to brush correctly. To determine which type of toothbrush works best for them – whether electric or manual – why not let them experiment with both? That way, you can get an idea of what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your little one.
Electric toothbrushes can be intimidating to some children, but with time they usually become accustomed to them. While one group may find comfort in the singular rotation of electric brushing, which cleans each tooth, others might prefer the traditional back-and-forth motion that is a staple for manual cleaning. Ultimately it varies on preference and what works best for your child.
Which toothbrush should you choose?
Let your child be the boss of their daily dental hygiene routine! Take them to a grocery store, pharmacy or local dentist’s office and allow them to choose the toothbrush they fancy. This way, you can ensure that they will enjoy brushing their teeth every day with something that fits both their style and personality.
Electric toothbrushes boast a variety of fun features, like LED lights and music, that are designed to make brushing more enjoyable for children. Not only will these extras encourage your little one to brush regularly, but they can also help them stay on track with the recommended two-minute twice-daily routine.
Manual toothbrushes may lack the advanced features of electric brushes, yet they come in an array of vibrant and eye-catching designs that kids will love. There are even options with handles designed to resemble characters from their favourite movies, books or TV shows.
By encouraging your child to choose their favourite toothbrush, you can cultivate healthy oral hygiene habits that may last a lifetime. Additionally, regular check-ups with the dentist every six months give them an opportunity to evaluate your child’s teeth and brushing technique while giving feedback on how they are doing.
Manual toothbrushes may suffice for adults, yet electrically powered brushes could greatly benefit young ones in terms of their oral hygiene. If you would like to help your child achieve the best dental wellness they can have, then contact our experienced dentists at Infinity Dental Care. We specialise in a range of paediatric services that will keep your little one smiling brightly and healthily. So don’t hesitate to call us on (02) 9159 6237 today to make an appointment or inquire about our practice.
References
Electric toothbrushes: Are they for you?
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/electric-toothbrushes
Is it better to use an electric or a manual toothbrush?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/electric-toothbrush-vs-manual