Proper oral hygiene, such as brushing, is incredibly important for children as it has a significant impact on their dental health.
In recent years, electric toothbrushes have gained popularity among caregivers looking to improve their kids’ oral care. But is investing in an electric toothbrush the right choice for your child? This blog will take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of using electric toothbrushes for children.
Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush for Kids
First, let’s highlight some of the key benefits provided by electric toothbrushes for kids.
Deep Cleaning
One major advantage is their ability to provide a deeper, more thorough cleaning, reaching difficult areas that a manual toothbrush may miss. Electric toothbrushes utilize rotating and oscillating technology that when used properly to break up and remove significantly more plaque and debris than regular toothbrushes, which leads to reduced plaque buildup and gingivitis over time.
Engaging & Fun
The interactive nature of electric toothbrushes for kids, with options like a connected app and fun music, can also motivate and engage your child during their brushing routine.
Built-in Timers
Many electric toothbrush models come with built-in timers and indicators, ensuring children are brushing for the full two minutes. Some electric toothbrushes even have sensors that alert kids if they are applying too much pressure while brushing.
Ease of Use
For children with dexterity issues or motor difficulties, the power-assisted cleaning and ergonomic handles of electric toothbrushes may be easier to maneuver.
Drawbacks of Using an Electric Toothbrush for Kids
There are also some important factors for parents to consider before encouraging their children to use an electric toothbrush.
Potential “Laziness”
Since electric toothbrushes do a more thorough cleaning, many kids tend to incorrectly think you don’t need to “move the toothbrush around” the mouth like you would a manual toothbrush, cleaning every surface of every tooth and every area of the mouth. So it’s important to ensure children are still brushing thoroughly—if they are not, we recommend switching back to a manual brush.
Replacement Heads
Electric toothbrushes for kids tend to be more expensive. Similar to manual toothbrushes, the brush head of an electric toothbrush requires replacing every three months or so. The cost of the replacement heads must be factored in to the overall cost.
Charging or Battery Replacement
When it comes to electric toothbrushes, there are battery-powered and rechargeable options. Battery-powered electric toothbrush models will require periodic battery replacement, whereas rechargeable versions need to be regularly charged to work properly.
For some families, this may be less convenient compared to the grab-and-go simplicity of a manual brush.
Safety
Safety considerations are also important, and it’s worth discussing with your pediatric dental specialist as some electric toothbrush models may not be suitable for very young children. Features like pressure sensors and timers work great for older kids but could pose choking hazards for younger children who are still learning to use an electric toothbrush.
There are plenty of electric toothbrush brands out there to choose from, but our top pick is the Phillips Sonicare for Kids Electric Toothbrush. It provides gentle vibrations that effectively reach into the nooks and crannies for more thorough cleaning.
It also has an accompanying app that can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store, making brushing an even more engaging experience for children!
If you’re still deciding between electric and manual toothbrushes for your child, consult with your pediatric dentist about your child’s oral health needs and habits. They can offer guidance on proper brushing techniques with electric toothbrushes and address any concerns you may have.
Read also: What Toothbrush Do Dentists Really Recommend for Your Kids?
For families in the Lafayette, LA area, the pediatric dental specialists at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. Our experienced dental staff offers an array of pediatric dental services, including cleanings and exams, laser dentistry, tongue tie revision, and pediatric sedation dentistry, to give your kids the best start for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Book an appointment with us today!