Best Electric Toothbrush For My Child
Children don’t always love brushing their teeth, but a toothbrush with their favorite characters or fun features can help make the process more pleasant and effective. A good kids electric toothbrush can also encourage healthy brushing habits early in life, setting them up for better oral health later on. Experts recommend keeping in mind age recommendations for a child’s electric toothbrush when selecting one, and choosing a brush with the right head size, power, and pressure to ensure that it will fit comfortably into their mouth.
Pediatric dentist Sabrina Magid-Katz says that kids who are able to brush on their own can usually handle an adult-sized electric toothbrush, but kids under 3 may need assistance with a child’s electric toothbrush. She notes that many kids toothbrushes are designed for toddlers and older children, and come with kid-friendly designs featuring popular animated characters. Younger kids will also appreciate toothbrushes with smaller handles and extra-soft bristles that can fit easily into their petite mouths.
Other considerations for best kids electric toothbrush include a built-in timer that helps kids reach the American Dental Association (ADA) recommended two minutes of brushing, and brushes that have additional sensors to help them learn how to correctly use their toothbrushes, such as a pressure sensor that lights up when they are applying too much force, or a head movement monitor that alerts them when they are moving too quickly across the teeth, or not moving enough. “A timer is a great way to teach them how long they should be brushing, and a pressure sensor can prevent gum damage or injury when used correctly,” Magid-Katz says.
How Do I Choose Best Electric Toothbrush For My Child?
While most ADA-approved children’s electric toothbrushes vibrate, some can also oscillate or rotate in addition to the vibrations. While both types can be effective at removing plaque, experts say that it’s more important to find a brush that has soft bristles that are durable and won’t wear down quickly, or risk abrading the enamel with excessive pressure.
Regardless of the type of motion the brush has, it’s a good idea to replace the bristles every 1-3 months, and to make sure that the bristles are not too sharp and are not wearing down too fast, which can cause damage to tooth enamel. Experts recommend looking for a brush that comes with replacement heads and instructions for replacing them.
An ADA-approved kids’ electric toothbrush will typically cost between $30 and $50, but more expensive models with more advanced features such as built-in timers or connectivity to an app can be worth the investment. For example, the Oral-B Kids toothbrush scores an impressive 4.6 out of five stars on Amazon, with users praising it for its battery life, easy setup and fun, kid-friendly design. It also features an interactive toothbrush coaching app that lets kids play games and interact with Sparkly, the endearing toothbrush character who helps kids brush longer. This app can even unlock additional characters and stickers for kids when they complete brushing routines.
