There is a wide range of toothbrushes available for babies and children. Various shapes and colors are available at drugstores and supermarkets. When selecting baby and children’s toothbrushes, keep the age specifications in mind. Because the oral cavity, teeth, and even the jaw are constantly developing, there is a toothbrush for every age level. The foundation is an age-appropriate children’s toothbrush. Here are some tips on selecting the right brush for children and when to use an electric toothbrush.
Which Toothbrush for Babies?
It is recommended to switch from a baby toothbrush to a kids toothbrush once all the milk teeth have appeared. To enable children to practice brushing themselves, children’s toothbrushes have long, soft bristles, a narrow head, and a handle designed for children.
Brushing becomes more enjoyable with bright colors and a child-friendly design. The toothbrush your child chooses is fine.
For children around the age of 5, brushes with slightly higher bristles at the sides are best. By using these, uneven chewing surfaces and interdental spaces can be brushed more precisely.
Which Toothbrush for Children?
Children can use adult toothbrushes from around 8 years of age since the teeth and oral cavity are now big enough for this. The child’s motor skills are then sufficiently developed so they can brush their teeth.
It is critical to change the child’s toothbrush on a regular basis and not wait too long. Brushing your baby’s teeth twice a day naturally leaves traces on the toothbrush. It is also fun for smaller children to chew on their brushes. Because of this, the brush is no longer able to effectively clean the teeth. When the bristles start bending outwards, it is time for a new brush. This is why dentists advise changing children’s toothbrushes every 6 to 8 weeks!
Are Electric Toothbrushes Suitable for Children?
In general, there is no answer to this question. It really depends on your child’s needs whether he or she should use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. A manual toothbrush is recommended for small children who use too much pressure when brushing. A toothbrush that uses electric power can remove plaque more thoroughly, although it can also damage the enamel if too much pressure is applied. Electric toothbrushes could be a good alternative for four to five-year-olds who insist on brushing their own teeth. The brush head rotations can remove more plaque than the still somewhat untrained attempts with manual brushes at this age. The same is true when using a sonic toothbrush.
Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
For babies, brushing twice a day – in the morning and right before going to bed – is a good enough start.
A minuscule amount of fluoridated toothpaste (about the size of a rice grain or 0.25 milligrams) can protect against tooth decay by increasing the enamel’s resistance against harmful acids and bacteria.
Use gentle and short brush strokes to clean and dislodge bacteria on the inside and outside of the mouth – and the tongue, too, if the baby lets you.
Take your time brushing your kid’s teeth. Spend two minutes for each brushing session, focusing on the back molars (if they’re present) where cavities may develop. And since you are using small amounts of toothpaste, rinsing is not necessary.
For toddlers, continue the twice-a-day routine, and use a smear of toothpaste with only 1,000 parts per million of fluoride when brushing.
Be careful not to use too much toothpaste especially if the child is still learning how to spit. Using a minimal amount allows the toddler to skip the rinsing. Not to mention too much toothpaste can lead to staining or fluorosis.
Ease the toothbrush into your kid’s mouth, and use gentle back-and-forth strokes to go through the mouth quickly.
Pause for a moment to see if the child makes the grab for the brush. If he or she does, let the toddler get a grip and investigate. Doing so helps develop good oral care habits. But do get the toothbrush back for a more thorough round of cleaning.
As the little one grows older, you can use firmer and longer brush strokes to clean their teeth.
