Although brushing and flossing teeth are important practices for good dental hygiene, you still need to visit the dentist every six months to maintain dental health. The reason being is that even if you thoroughly brush your child’s teeth, there will always be plaque left behind that only a professional can remove. However, using an electric toothbrush can help kids reach and clean all the small spaces in their mouths, reducing the build-up of plaque.
An electric toothbrush is gentler and more effective than a manual one. It uses vibrating and rotating movements to remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Let’s explore how an electric toothbrush can make oral care quicker and easier for kids.
Plaque and your child’s oral health
Without proper brushing, the bacteria in your child’s mouth will grow out of control and lead to plaque buildup. This happens when a thin film covers the teeth due to neglected oral hygiene habits. If not removed, this plaque will turn into tartar or calculus through the hardening process.
Tartar build-up not only causes cavities and gum disease, but it also makes kids much more susceptible to other dental problems. The bacteria attracted by the tartar can start to eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities. If the infection spreads below the gum line, it starts to attack the soft tissues there, and that’s when serious gum diseases start.
The daily brushing habits of your children are critical because cavities are the top reason for tooth loss. Also, dental well-being and physical health are linked, so those with gum diseases have a greater chance of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses later in life.
Benefits of an electric toothbrush for kids
Time-Saving Activity
Your child’s brushing technique and the length of time he or she spends brushing will determine how thoroughly the mouth is kept clean. Children can be very casual and brush in a rush with a manual toothbrush which can lead to dental problems. With an electric toothbrush, your child does not have to be confused about spending less or excessive time brushing.
Removes Plaque Effectively
While your child still needs to hold the brush correctly at a 45-degree angle, the automatic movement of the electric brush will make sure it is moving correctly across teeth all the time.
Electric Toothbrushes Are Ideal For Mobility-impaired children
Kids with restricted muscle or joint issues find it hard to manoeuvre a toothbrush, so brushing with a manual toothbrush makes it difficult for them to clean their teeth without help. Electric toothbrushes can make dental hygiene more comfortable for kids who don’t have full mobility in their hands.
Electric Toothbrushes Make Dental Hygiene Fun For Kids
Dental hygiene for toddlers and young children does not have to be a difficult task. By using an electric toothbrush, parents can create a more positive experience for their kids while also knowing that their teeth are being cleaned properly. Most electric toothbrushes for kids come in fun colours or may even light up or play music to keep smaller children entertained during the brushing process.
Timed Brushing
In contrast to manual toothbrushes, kids’ electric toothbrushes have timers that help parents focus on quality time with their children. Timed brushing also ensures proper cleaning.
Electric Toothbrushes Protect the Gums
Many kids brush their teeth too hard, which can lead to bleeding and receding gums from the constant pressure. Pressure sensors will alert your child when they are brushing too hard through a blinking light or a beeping sound.
Keeps Your Child’s Tongue Clean Too
Children can use an electric toothbrush to clean their tongues as well. This is important as the tongue can harbour lots of bacteria that contribute to bad breath and plaque build-up.
Suitable Brush Heads Size and Bristles
The brush head is the most important part of the toothbrush. Children have small mouths, and the small brush head with soft nylon bristles is suitable enough to fit and cleanse all areas inside the mouth properly.
What to avoid while using an electric toothbrush?
Do not ignore the technique
Often, children do not brush their teeth correctly. They should start at one side of the mouth and systematically brush each tooth individually until they reach the other side.
Do not use abrasive toothpaste
Abrasive toothpaste can damage your child’s delicate tooth enamel as well as your own, so it is best to avoid it.
Do not store the toothbrush with head on
To avoid damaging the electric toothbrush, make sure to store it with the head removed. If the brush is wet, water might drip into and damage the unit.
Is an electric toothbrush safe for kids?
You may not know this, but brushing with an electric toothbrush can be much safer for kids in comparison to manual ones. Some models come equipped with pressure sensors that will alert the user when they’re brushing too hard and help protect their teeth from any damage.
In other words, it’s a great way to teach them how to properly brush their teeth.
Brushing with an electric toothbrush is a great option for young kids aged 3+. It makes brushing fun and the whole experience easier.
How to choose the best electric toothbrush?
- Choose a rechargeable electric toothbrush that is decorated with the child’s favourite character. Not only will this make shopping more fun, but they will also be enthusiastic about brushing their teeth.
- Choose a brush with a comfortable handle that has cushioned non-slip grips to fit small hands. Be sure to ask your vendor if replacement heads are available as well.
- The brush should contain a child-sized head with extra soft bristles. You will need to monitor when the brush heads need replacement, which is often sooner if your child tends to chew on the brush while using it. Children chewing on their toothbrushes is one of the main reasons why brushes wear down quickly and have to be replaced often.
4 Tips for Taking Care of an Electric Toothbrush
After brushing your teeth, follow these steps to maintain a good lifespan of your brush:
- Detach the brush head and rinse it separately under water.
- Wipe both parts dry with a towel, then tap off any excess water droplets.
- Set the handle upright on a surface to air-dry overnight.
- Do not leave a battery-operated toothbrush on charging for long hours.
Contact Beyond Infinity Dental on (02) 8806 3799 today to book a dental appointment or learn more about how an electric toothbrush can benefit your child’s oral health.
References
Electric toothbrushes: Are they worth it?
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
