Question: "Can I use an electric toothbrush on my toddler's teeth? Are there features to look for when choosing a toothbrush for him?"
Anything that boosts your child’s interest in brushing his teeth is a dazzling idea, and that includes an electric toothbrush, says the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). But there are pros and cons: For one thing, a manual brush might actually get the job done more efficiently since you scrub back and forth and hit multiple teeth at once (a big plus when you’ve got a little wiggler on your hands). Electric brushes, especially the ones with circular heads, hit one tooth at a time but may do a more thorough job if your tot has the patience. So which brush wins in the manual vs. electric-brush battle? Both methods are fine ways to clean — just see which works better with your beginning brusher. There’s another bottom line to consider, though. When it comes to choosing a toothbrush for your tot, manual or electric, keep these must-haves in mind:
- Seek out the ADA Seal of Approval. Only brushes that meet the American Dental Association’s rigorous standards make the grade. The seal means the brush will last for a normal period of time and has no rough edges or unsafe components.
- Select soft, rounded bristles. Skip firm or even medium bristles in favor of soft (also sometimes called polished), which are gentler on your tyke’s teeth and gums.
- Choose a child-sized head and handle. Whether it’s manual or electric, the brush needs to fit comfortably in your critter’s mouth so you (and eventually he) can maneuver it into all those nooks and crannies where bits of food can hide. And choose a big handle that’s easy for little paws to grip and control.
- Go for the gimmicks. Try a brush that plays music until it’s time to stop or a model that lights up — your cutie can scrub away in the dark in his private dental disco.
It’s a good idea to let your little one weigh in on dental-care purchases since he’s more inclined to use a toothbrush he actually likes (or a toothpaste in his favorite flavor). But don’t expect him to belly up to the sink with a smile after every meal. Most kids fidget and fuss, especially when you swoop in to do a clean sweep after they’ve had a go (which you should do until they’re about seven or eight to make sure their teeth are actually getting de-gunked). Just be gently persistent and do whatever you can to help make the process seem faster. A few ideas:
- Sing your own song. Choose a ditty your child knows well and sing it to him during his two-minute toothbrushing session. That way, he’ll know exactly how much time is left till he’s done.
- Count those chompers. When all those baby teeth are present and accounted for (around age three), there will be ten on top and ten on bottom. Make a toothbrushing game out of saying each one’s number as you brush.
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