Should My Child Use an Electric Toothbrush?
Anything that boosts your child's interest in oral care can be helpful in preventing plaque and cavities. An electric toothbrush for kids may be the answer for a child aged 8 years and older who doesn’t like to brush.
For example fun perks like brushing along with your child or teaching them how to use the Colgate® ProClinical® 250R Deep Clean Electric Toothbrush, also encourages proper oral care. With its slim, sleek design and two distinct sonic cleaning motions - up-down and side-to-side, this toothbrush supports healthier teeth and gums.
However, if your child is between the ages of 3 and 8 there are a range of battery-powered toothbrushes that come in a variety of character-themed styles, such as the Colgate® Minions Battery Powered Toothbrush, which can entice your child to practice good oral health care.
How to Pick the Right Toothbrush
As with a standard toothbrush, it is important to select the right size and style for your child. Be sure to select an electric toothbrush with a child-sized head so that it fits properly in your child's mouth and can reach all the way to the back teeth comfortably.
Another important contributor to successful brushing is letting your child select the toothbrush. For children who are reluctant brushers, picking their own toothbrush will empower them in the process. You may even want to keep more than one toothbrush available at home so that they can decide between them each brushing session.
Proper Technique Is Key
Remember that an electric toothbrush cannot do all the work on its own. You will still need to help your child practice proper brushing technique to prevent cavities. Show your child how to reach all of the tooth surfaces right up to the gumline. Even with the movement of the electric toothbrush, your child will still need to move the brush slowly from tooth to tooth holding the bristles gently against the tooth surface.
Proper maintenance of a manual and an electric toothbrush is identical except for the need to charge the latter. Rinse your child's brush well after each use, and store it upright. Replace the brush head every three months and after a cold, flu or other infection you may be best to throw the brush head out. Be especially careful if brushes are stored with those of the family as microbes can be transferred between brush heads. A child's toothbrush often needs to be replaced more frequently than an adult's brush, especially if your child has a tendency to chew on the brush.
