Should My Child Use a Manual or an Electric Toothbrush?
Both manual and electric toothbrushes can effectively clean children's teeth if used correctly, but they have different features that may make one option more suitable for your child than the other.
Manual Toothbrushes for children have certain advantages:
1. Affordability: Manual toothbrushes are generally less expensive and easily replaceable.
2. Wide Variety: They come in many sizes, colors, and designs (including favorite cartoon characters), which can make brushing more fun for kids.
3. Control: Manual toothbrushes give children full control over the pressure they apply, which is important for learning proper brushing technique. Teaching proper manual brushing technique to children will help them establish good oral health habits early on. Be sure to supervise young children to ensure they’re using the correct method.
Disadvantages:
1. Technique-Dependent: Manual brushing requires the child to use the correct technique and brush for at least 2 minutes, which can be challenging for younger children to maintain.
2. Less Excitement: Some kids may find manual toothbrushes less engaging and might not be motivated to brush thoroughly.
How to Brush with a Manual Toothbrush:
Choose the Right Brush:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the gums or enamel.
Pick a toothbrush with a small head to easily reach all areas of the mouth.
Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste:
For children under 3: Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
For children 3 to 6: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
For older children and adults: Use a small strip of fluoride toothpaste.
Angle the Brush:
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. This allows the bristles to reach the gumline, where plaque tends to build up.
Brush Gently in Small Circular Motions:
Use gentle, circular motions to clean the outer surfaces of the teeth. Brushing too hard can damage the gums and enamel.
Spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth (top right, top left, bottom right, bottom left).
Clean the Inner Surfaces:
Tilt the brush vertically and use up-and-down strokes to clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth, especially the lower front teeth, where plaque buildup is common.
Brush the Chewing Surfaces:
Use a back-and-forth scrubbing motion on the chewing surfaces of the molars to remove food particles and plaque.
Brush for Two Minutes:
Make sure to brush for a full two minutes. You can use a timer or sing a two-minute song to make sure you're brushing long enough.
Spit but don't Rinse:
After brushing, spit out the toothpaste. Rinsing your mouth right away is not recommended to allow the fluoride from the toothpaste to work on your teeth longer.
Electric Toothbrushes for Children
1. Ease of Use: Electric toothbrushes do most of the work, making them easier for children to use effectively. The rotating or vibrating bristles can provide more thorough cleaning with less effort. However, a specific technique is required and children should not simply rely on the “buzzing”.
2. Built-in Timers: Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in 2-minute timer, which ensures that children brush for the recommended amount of time.
3. Fun and Engaging: The movement, sounds, and often colourful, interactive designs of electric toothbrushes can make brushing more fun and exciting for children, encouraging regular use.
Disadvantages:
1. Cost: Electric toothbrushes are more expensive, both upfront and when replacing brush heads.
2. Charging: Electric toothbrushes require charging, adding another step for parents. Battery operating ones are not recommended.
3. Less Control Over Pressure: Children may apply too much pressure, as electric toothbrushes make it harder to gauge how hard they're brushing. Some models, however, come with pressure sensors to prevent this.
How to Brush with an Electric Toothbrush:
Choose the Right Brush Head:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush head, as recommended by dentists to protect gums and enamel.
Select the appropriate brush head size for your mouth or your child's mouth to ensure it reaches all areas comfortably.
Apply Toothpaste:
Place a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush head.
Position the Brush:
Turn the toothbrush on after placing it in your mouth to avoid splattering toothpaste.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, just like with a manual toothbrush.
Let the Brush Do the Work:
Do not scrub or use large circular motions as you would with a manual toothbrush.
Simply guide the electric toothbrush slowly from tooth to tooth, holding it on each tooth for a few seconds. Let the oscillating or vibrating motion of the brush head clean the teeth.
Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. For each section, gently hold the brush head in place and move it slowly.
Cover All Quadrants:
Divide your mouth into four sections (quadrants): upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.
Spend about 30 seconds in each quadrant to ensure you clean all areas.
Some electric toothbrushes have built-in timers or pacers that will alert you every 30 seconds to move to the next quadrant.
Brush Behind the Front Teeth:
Hold the brush head vertically and use gentle up-and-down motions to clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth. Electric toothbrushes often have small, round heads that make it easier to reach tight spaces.
Brush for Two Minutes:
Most electric toothbrushes come with a built-in 2-minute timer, so make sure to brush for the full time.
If your toothbrush doesn’t have a timer, you can use a phone timer or listen to a 2-minute song to help time your brushing.
Spit the excess:
After brushing, spit out the toothpaste. Leaving a thin layer of fluoride on the teeth is recommended for continued protection.
Which is Better for Children?
There is really no right or wrong answer here.
-For Younger Children (Toddlers and Preschoolers): A manual toothbrush may be more appropriate as they learn basic brushing habits, with help from a parent.
- For Older Children (Ages 10 and Up): An electric toothbrush can be a great option, especially if they struggle with brushing for the full 2 minutes or need extra motivation.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Your Child’s Interest: If your child is more excited about using an electric toothbrush, that can be a big motivator for consistent brushing.
- Dexterity: Electric toothbrushes can help if your child has difficulty coordinating their brushing motion.
- Supervision: Regardless of whether it's manual or electric, parents should supervise brushing for younger children and ensure they're reaching all areas of the mouth.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective for children as long as they are used consistently and with the proper technique. For younger children, manual toothbrushes may be more suitable, while older children or those who need extra encouragement may benefit from an electric toothbrush with fun features like timers and animations.