There are so many unknowns when it comes to your child’s oral hygiene and health: how much toothpaste should you use, what sized toothbrush should you use and at what age, when should they transition to an electric toothbrush, the list is endless! These are all important questions, but for now, let’s just focus on when it is the best time to transition your child from using a manual to an electric toothbrush! Read on to learn more about what your child’s toothbrush timeline may look like.
Your Child’s Toothbrush Timeline Over the Years
As your child grows, their needs change, too. While you may begin your child’s oral hygiene journey by brushing their teeth with a small silicone finger toothbrush, their mouth will quickly grow and this will become ineffective. Between the ages of two and five years old, your child may need to graduate to a small, handheld toothbrush with a head especially made for smaller mouths. Then, around the age of nine, it may be time to graduate them to a still-kid-sized, but slightly larger toothbrush. And finally, once they turn 10, they may be ready to graduate to a full-sized adult toothbrush.
When is a Good Time to Switch Your Child to an Electric Toothbrush?
It is important to keep in mind that every child is different, so the best time to switch your child to using an electric toothbrush may not be the best time for another parent to do so. Pay attention to your child’s needs and see if they could benefit from what an electric toothbrush has to offer. Consider the following questions:
- Does your child become scared or overstimulated by the noise of an electric toothbrush?
- Does your child breathe through their mouth rather than their nose?
- Does your child still look to you for guidance while brushing their teeth?
- Does your child have the manual dexterity to control and effectively use an electric toothbrush?
If the answer to any of these observations is “yes,” then it may be best for your child to wait to use an electric toothbrush unless you can assist them with their homecare routine and oversee its usage.
What are the Benefits of Getting Your Child an Electric Toothbrush?
There are a number of benefits that your child will receive if you switch them to an electric toothbrush at the appropriate time:
- Make brushing their teeth exciting and engaging. There are a number of electric toothbrushes out there that play a tune for two minutes (which is the appropriate length of time to brush!) They also have ones that feature cool colors and cartoon characters!
- Electric toothbrushes have been shown to help clear away plaque and food debris more effectively than manual toothbrushes.
- Many electric toothbrushes are equipped with timers and sensors to help guide your child to thoroughly clean every corner of their smile.
- Electric toothbrushes can help prevent brushing with too much force, which can lead to gum recession and other dental concerns.
If you are unsure of whether or not it is the right time for your child to transition to an electric toothbrush, the best person to consult with is their pediatric dentist in Leesburg! When the time is right, making this change can benefit your child’s oral and overall health and make them a little more independent!
About the Author
Dr. Vani Takiar, better known as “Agent T” to her patients, is a Board-Certified pediatric dentist with years of experience and a commitment to keeping smiles healthy. As a knowledgeable professional, she has helped hundreds of parents navigate their children’s growing smiles with ease, even letting them know when it is time for them to graduate to an electric toothbrush! To schedule an appointment, visit Tooth Clues’ website or call 571-799-0559.