Tooth brushing is important for both adults and children. It removes plaque and illness-causing bacteria. But sometimes, choosing the right toothbrush for your child may be confusing.
Worry no more! In this article, we’ll walk you through all the things you need to know to choose the best children’s toothbrush.
Things to consider when choosing a children’s toothbrush
- Head – A small toothbrush head is the best option. It is important so that it can clean every surface of the teeth and corners of the mouth.
- Handle – A child’s toothbrush must have a big handle. This will help them grip the toothbrush better.
- Soft bristles – Soft bristles will ensure that your child’s teeth and gums won’t get irritated. This will also make them feel that brushing is enjoyable.
- Design – A colorful design will make brushing more engaging for your kids. Their favorite character design will help as well.
Best Toothbrush for Infants (from birth to 12 mos.)
Usually, a baby’s first tooth comes at around 6 months of age. You should start brushing your child’s teeth in this stage. Here are the best options for that.
- Finger Slip Toothbrush
Most pediatric dentists recommend this infant-friendly toothbrush. It is made of soft silicone that is gentle on your child’s teeth and gums. It is easy to use and it can effectively remove milk build-up.
How to use finger slip toothbrush
- Slip the toothbrush on your index finger. It might not fit, but that is okay.
- Put a rice-sized infant toothpaste. These toothpastes are safe to swallow.
- Gently brush every surface of your baby’s teeth. You can also use this toothbrush to clean the gums.
- Clean your baby’s toothbrush after using it. You can also put it together with the feeding bottles during sterilization.
- Baby Banana Toothbrush
Baby Banana toothbrush is made of silicone as well. Because of that, your baby can play and chew it when they’re teething. It can also help relieve mouth and gum discomfort.
This toothbrush has a double-grip handle. Your baby can easily hold and play with it and clean their mouth at the same time.
Best Toothbrush for Toddlers (1-3 years old)
By the age of two or three, your toddler would probably want to brush their teeth on their own. A good toothbrush for toddlers must have soft bristles, a small head, and a large handle. Your toddler must easily hold the toothbrush. You can also let them choose the toothbrush color and design. This will make brushing more fun and exciting.
In this stage, your toddler hasn’t developed the control to brush their teeth properly. So you can take turns to ensure that every part of their teeth and mouth are cleaned. Use rice-sized toothpaste as well.
Best Toothbrush for Preschoolers (3-5 years old)
A preschooler’s toothbrush is more like an adult’s brush but smaller. Since preschoolers have better grip than toddlers, their toothbrush holders are slimmer. But make sure that the bristles are soft as well. Also, use rice-sized toothpaste for preschoolers.
Preschoolers have better control, but they should still be supervised when brushing. Dentists recommend that children up to eight years old should be fully supervised when brushing. This is to make sure that they are doing it properly.
Best Toothbrush for Children 6 to 9 years old
Kids in their middle childhood can now understand the basics and techniques of tooth brushing. they can now brush themselves. In this stage, you can let them use a kid’s electric toothbrush. The timer also ensures that they brush their teeth for two minutes. The sound and design can also make them excited and motivated to brush twice a day.
A manual kid’s toothbrush is a good choice too. As always, just make sure that the head is comfortable for the size of your child’s mouth. The bristles should be soft as well. Either electric or manual, both are effective as long as you use pea-sized toothpaste.
Best Toothbrush for Kids 10 years old and above
Children 10 years and older can now use adult toothbrushes. Their mouth is now big enough for the toothbrush to fit comfortably. They can use either manual or electric toothbrushes as well.
Pre-adolescents may not need any special toothbrushes. But it is still important that they use a brush with soft bristles. A pea-sized toothpaste is also recommended.
How to motivate your child to brush their teeth?
Your kid’s toothbrush is essential for their oral health. But buying the right toothbrush is not enough. You should make them use it twice a day. This can be tricky sometimes, but here are some ways you can do it.
You can let your child mimic you. Children love mirroring what adults do. Take this to your advantage. You can also sing while brushing. Find a good song about tooth brushing and sing it with your child. Or you can make your lyrics!
There are many other ways for your child to enjoy brushing, like playing games and getting rewards. You can try everything to know what your child enjoys the most.
When to Change your Child’s Toothbrush?
Changing your child’s toothbrush as they age is one thing. But like in adults, a child’s toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months as well.
Children may have other habits while brushing like biting the bristles. This is why you should keep an eye on those as well. If the bristles start to fray or flatten, it’s time to change the toothbrush. Continuing to use a frayed toothbrush can damage your child’s teeth and gums.
Takeaway
The type of toothbrush your child uses should depend on their age. Using the right toothbrush will not only ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are clean. This will also make sure that tooth brushing is comfortable.
Using toothbrushes with vibrant colors and great designs can also encourage tooth brushing. You can also make brushing fun by brushing with your wild. You can also sing and play together while brushing!
Teaching your child to take care of their oral health now can get them to develop the habit until they get old. The earlier you build a habit, the more likely it will stick.