Electric vs. Manual Toothbrush – Which is Better for Kids?

Anything that will improve your child’s interest in tooth brushing is definitely a welcome idea, and this include an electric toothbrush, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this.

One things, a manual toothbrush may actually provide a more efficient result since you scrub back and forth and touch several tooth at once. Electrical brushes, particularly the type with the circular heads, hit only one tooth at a time, but on the upside, it may do a more thorough job, especially if your little tot is patient.

So, which toothbrush wins in this battle? The answer: both types do fine ways to clean, you only have to find out which suits better with your child. However, there is another thing to consider, though. When choosing a toothbrush for your young one, whether its electric or manual, keep these things in mind:

1. Choose soft, rounded bristles. Skip the firm or medium bristles and pick the soft one as they are gentle to your kid’s teeth and gums
2. Look for the ADA Seal of Approval. Buy only the brushes that satisfy the American Dental Association’s strict standards. The seal means that the brush has no unsafe parts or any rough edges and can last for a normal period of time.
3. Try out some gimmicks. There are toothbrushes that play music or one that lights up – your little tyke can brush their teeth under dim light and he’ll enjoy scrubbing more.
4. Look for one with a kiddie-sized handle and head. Whether it is electric or manual, the brush has to fit comfortably in your kid’s mouth so you can easily move it into all the crannies and nooks where food residues can hide. Also, pick a large handle which is easy for your child to control and hold.
   

It is good to allow your little one to weigh in on his dental care purchases. He will be more motivated to use his toothbrush he actually likes, and also the toothpaste in his favourite flavour. However, do not expect him to brush his teeth with a smile after each meal. Sometimes, he will fuss and fidget, particularly when you insist to do the scrubbing (which you should do until they are seven to ensure their teeth are thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed). Be persistent yet gentle and do whatever you can to help make the process faster.

Below are some helpful ideas:

1. Sing your favourite song. Pick a jingle your child knows well. During your two-minute toothbrushing session, sing it to him. In this way, he will know how much time is left until he is done.
2. Counting his teeth. When all the baby teeth are present (usually by the age of three), there will be ten on top and ten on bottom. You can do a toothbrushing game by assigning number on each tooth and saying each one’s number as he brush.

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