The best toothbrush for your child is the one they are excited to use! As they get older and start to take care of their dental health more independently, you may find them asking about whether they can get an electric toothbrush just like yours. Knowing the best time to make this upgrade can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure what factors to consider before you tell them “yes!” Before making this costly investment, read on for some important details that could help determine whether your little one is ready for an electric toothbrush.
3 Factors to Consider Before Buying Your Child an Electric Toothbrush
Helping your child build good dental hygiene habits at home is one of the best ways to keep their smile healthy and happy for a lifetime, and making their regular routine more exciting can aid your efforts. However, before you can graduate them to a rechargeable electric toothbrush, there are a few questions that you’ll want to consider:
What are Their Breathing Habits?
If your child is more of a mouth-breather, it could make brushing with an electric toothbrush much more uncomfortable than with a manual one. The best way to keep their brushing experience more fun and positive is to introduce them to different types of toothbrushes gradually. In this case, it may not be wise to invest in an expensive electric toothbrush right away!
How Strong is Their Gag Reflex?
The additional movement and vibration caused by an electric toothbrush could make a sensitive gag reflex even worse. Additionally, some electric toothbrush heads can be wider than manual ones, which could also trigger more frequent gagging while brushing.
Do They Tend to Get Overstimulated?
Overstimulation can make a task like brushing teeth (which can take a lot of coaxing and encouragement as it is!) even more unpleasant for a child, causing them to avoid it at all costs. If your child doesn’t seem to enjoy brushing their teeth, consider whether the additional vibrations and sounds of an electric toothbrush could make their experience even more uncomfortable.
What Electric Toothbrushes are Best for Children?
It’s recommended that children graduate to electric toothbrushes when they’re a bit older, around the age of 10. This is also the age range when your little one will become more independent and may start brushing their teeth on their own. If you feel an electric toothbrush would be a fun and exciting way to spice up their dental hygiene routine, there are plenty of cool designs to choose from, just be sure to opt for a quality rechargeable one!
You can let them pick out a toothbrush in the theme of their favorite TV show or even one that plays their most-loved songs to help them know when they’ve brushed for a full two minutes. In any case, it’s best to opt for one that is sleek, easy for them to hold, and that allows you to change out the heads every three months.
There’s nobody that knows your child better than you! With that in mind, along with considering the factors mentioned above, trust that you’ll make the best decision on when to transition your child to an electric toothbrush, if at all!
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, our team features five highly experienced, Board-Certified pediatric dentists, Drs. Mira Albert, Lynna Gripentrog, Andreina Karamchandani, Maggie Rizzo, and Stephanie Bollow. With a shared commitment to make each dental experience educational, fun, and enjoyable, our dentists are able to excite and encourage kids to take excellent care of their smiles. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 630-504-2223.