You know how to brush your toddler’s teeth, but when it’s time to leave it up to them, you’re faced with a dilemma. Should you get them a regular toothbrush or an electric one?
Many parents ask us if an electric toothbrush is better than a regular one for their kids. While electric toothbrushes have some advantages, they are not a magic cure-all. Here’s what we recommend.
Advantages of an Electric Toothbrush
The battery-powered oscillating movements of an electric toothbrush do help many kids have brighter smiles.
- Studies show that electric toothbrushes are better at removing dental plaque. They are more efficient than regular toothbrushes.
- Some electric toothbrushes come with pressure alerts that can keep your kids from brushing too hard and damaging their enamel.
- Many electric toothbrushes have a two-minute timer, but with regular toothbrushes, kids often do not brush long enough.
- Some newer electric toothbrushes sync to apps that show the areas of the mouth your kids have missed to make sure they clean those hard-to-reach spots.
- All the high-tech features and colorful designs of electric toothbrushes make dental care more fun for kids. You may not have to remind them to brush anymore! It will turn into one of their dental habits.
Disadvantages of an Electric Toothbrush
All these pros don’t come without their cons. Let’s look at some of them.
- An electric toothbrush costs more than a regular toothbrush. While the price has come down in recent years, you still need to buy specialized brush heads or batteries, adding another expense.
- While an electric toothbrush is better in many ways, it can break rather easily. You’ll want to make sure your kids know to care for it properly.
- The vibrating can be startling for some younger children, and they may have a harder time learning proper brushing if they start with an electric toothbrush.
It All Comes Down to Technique
Ultimately, what matters most is proper brushing technique. Electric toothbrushes will not magically remove all plaque and tartar if they aren’t used correctly, and regular toothbrushes work just fine when kids keep to a good dental health routine. Either way, kids should have regular dental check-ups every six months. Children’s Dentistry can tend to all your kids’ dental needs and answer all your questions about at-home care. We are currently accepting new patients, so contact us to make an appointment. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family!