General Tips for Choosing a Toothbrush for Your Child
Studies show that one in five children will develop a cavity by around the time they enter kindergarten. The best defense against your child having to miss school to get their cavity filled? Brushing their teeth! However, with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine what type of toothbrush is best for your mini-me.
Choose a Smaller Toothbrush Head
A smaller toothbrush head will fit better in your little one’s mouth, helping them get in small nooks and crannies and clean each tooth. The next time you buy your child a new toothbrush, look for a brush that is marked as a child’s or pediatric brush.
Choose a Soft-Bristled Brush
Depending on how vigorously your child brushes their teeth, a hard-bristled brush can damage their gums. When selecting a new toothbrush for your child, be sure to choose a brush with soft bristles.
Manual or Electric?
A review of nearly 30 studies comparing disposable and electric toothbrushes found that there is no significant difference in effectiveness between manual and electric brushes. However, choosing between these two may come down to preference — where electric brushes may help your child be more enthusiastic about brushing.
Rotation oscillation toothbrushes, on the other hand, have been found to be more effective than manual toothbrushes. This is because their bristles go side-to-side and back-and-forth, scrubbing and polishing hard-to-reach areas.
Choose a Brush with an ADA Seal of Approval
These brushes must go through screening processes to prove that they are beneficial for your child’s smile. If you’re taking your little one to the store to pick out their new brush, make sure whichever they pick has this seal!
Family Dentistry in Frisco TX
In addition to choosing the right toothbrush for your child’s smile, it’s essential to replace it every three to four months, as recommended by the ADA.
Protect your child’s smile by bringing them to the dentist regularly for routine checkups and cleanings. At Frisco's Dentists, we understand going to the dentist can be a scary experience — especially for children. Our warm and welcoming atmosphere can help quell fear and anxiety, turning dental visits into positive experiences for the entire family. Contact our team today to book an appointment. (972) 200-0656