Maintaining your child’s oral health requires the best tools. In that case, choosing the right kid-sized toothbrush is crucial to any parent.
It’s your job as a parent to pick out the best one that will help your child develop healthy brushing habits.
Finding a kid-sized toothbrush can be tricky. There are many kinds of toothbrushes on the market and not all of them will suit your child.
In that case, here are a few tips to help you shop for the best tool for your child’s oral health:
Take age into consideration
No matter the brush you’re eying for your child, it’s important to take their age into account.
Do you feel your child is old enough to hold a toothbrush of a certain size? Are the bristles well suited for their current teeth at all? Would they be able to handle a manual or an electric one?
Most kids above the age of eight can brush their teeth on their own. On the other hand, younger children might find it difficult and may require help. Consider this when picking one out based on their age.
Look for softer bristles
When picking out a toothbrush for your child, you need to take comfort into account.
Softer bristles for easier brushing and they are safer to use on sensitive gums. In contrast, stiff bristles could cause discomfort and pain, especially when your child hasn’t learned how to brush properly yet.
For this reason, consider looking for a toothbrush with a soft bristle. That way, your kids can enjoy brushing without the risk of irritation.
Start with smaller brushes
Smaller mouths may need brushes to be that size to compensate.
Brush size is important to think about considering not every size will be able to fit in your child’s mouth. It’s also important to pick a toothbrush that allows for a firmer grip.
To be safe, choose a toothbrush with bristles that are half an inch long. You may also need to pick one that features a chunky grip.
Electric or manual?
Electric brushes can feel like the easiest choice for your child, but a non-electric one is still a good choice.
Either toothbrush can get the job done, but there are guidelines to follow when picking an electric brush instead of a manual one. Read up on these guidelines and see if you can teach your child to operate and maintain an electrical brush. If not, stick to a manual brush.
When in doubt, consult your dentist early
Talking to a dental expert early on can also help remove much of the stress involved in picking the right kid-sized toothbrush.
In this case, a pediatric dentist can examine your child’s dental situation and recommend a brush that works for them. On top of that, the dentist can also suggest oral hygiene strategies that your child can learn. After all, brushing is not enough towards getting the perfect smile.
If you want to help your child achieve better oral health, reach out to us at My Children’s Choice and learn how we can lead the way to a brighter future.
Schedule an appointment by calling (202) 410-0088 today!