Some parents mistakenly assume that because their child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out there’s no need to worry about oral issues, like cavities or gum disease. Unfortunately, developing these concerns earlier in life can potentially negatively impact the growth and development of their permanent teeth.
Implementing a regular dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove plaque and bacteria to protect your kid’s smile. An electric toothbrush might make it easier for smaller hands to keep their mouths clean, but when should you consider helping them switch from a standard one? Continue reading to learn more!
When Should My Child Start Brushing Their Teeth?
Before diving into the appropriate time to provide your child with an electronic toothbrush, it’s important to first establish what a proper dental hygiene routine might look like. The American Dental Association recommends gently wiping their gums clean regularly until their first tooth erupts, usually when they’re about a year old.
Then, you can start cleaning their mouth with a soft-bristle toothbrush designed for small smiles. However, it may be best to avoid using any toothpaste until they’re close to 3 years old and know to spit it out rather than swallow it.
What are the Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes?
Would you be surprised to learn that sources estimate that about 40% of all toothbrushes sold today are electric? This is likely due to the many advantages of choosing a battery-powered or rechargeable model.
For instance, one analysis of 56 different studies concluded that electronic brushes removed 21% more plaque and 11% more gingivitis over a three-month period than their standard counterparts. This may be due to built-in features, such as a timer that ensures you brush for the recommended two minutes. But it might also simply be because the oscillating movements of the electronic head are more effective than manual strokes alone.
When Should I Get an Electric Toothbrush for My Child?
Many children struggle to grasp the narrow handle of a toothbrush or have challenges moving it around their mouths. Purchasing an electronic version might help them keep their teeth clean, but it’s natural to wonder if they’re still too young.
Although there’s really no age restriction on when you can purchase one of these toothbrushes, it might be helpful to wait until your kid is old enough to clean their teeth without supervision. Many experts recommend monitoring their dental hygiene routine until they’re about 8 years old before making the switch.
Then, it’s usually not difficult to find different options with various bells and whistles that make their dental hygiene routine more fun and engaging. For instance, they come in various colors or with your child’s favorite characters printed on them, and often have lights or music to let your little one know when they can stop brushing.
If you have additional questions about your child’s oral health habits, consulting their dentist directly is the easiest way to find accurate information that takes their unique circumstances into account!
About the Practice
At Skyline Dental, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including preventive pediatric care. Their compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to provide personalized treatment plans for more accurate results. If you’re worried about your child’s dental health, you can request a checkup on the website or call (973) 963-8181.