A child begins brushing their teeth in infancy when their first baby teeth begin to burst through their gums. Teeth brushing is a crucial step in the oral hygiene regimen, the practice of keeping the mouth clean. Both baby teeth and adult permanent teeth will need this type of consistent attention to keep the smile feeling fresh as well as healthy.
To maximize oral cleanliness and therefore dental health, you should use the best tools possible from an early age. But which toothbrush should you choose for your child? Read on to learn tips to find the optimal toothbrush for your child’s oral health needs.
Look for a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
The toothbrush consists of a long handle with bristles attached to the head used to scrub your teeth. These bristles will remove plaque and other residues that will cling to the teeth throughout the day. You might wonder if harder-textured bristles will do a better job of scrubbing, but this is not true.
When looking for a toothbrush for you and your child, you should choose one with soft bristles rather than hard ones. Harder bristles will not make the teeth cleaner. Instead, the harsh texture could irritate the gum tissue and the tooth enamel.
Not only will this feel uncomfortable, but it can also make the smile vulnerable to infections and other dental concerns. If a child feels pain during their oral hygiene regimen, they may feel averse to the routine. This may lead to the development of poor oral habits.
Ensure that you pick a soft-bristled toothbrush for people of all ages. This way, you can keep your smile clean without accidentally causing dental damage.
Take Note of Your Child’s Preferences
It can help to include your child in the process of picking out a toothbrush. They can feel excited about being a part of establishing the routine, and then they can look forward to participating in it regularly. They can even choose a toothbrush in their favorite color or featuring a beloved character.
You can choose a traditional manual toothbrush for your child, but you may also want to look into an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes work better at removing harmful residues from the teeth. Plus, it is programmed to move in gentle circles as recommended by dentists. So you do not have to worry if your child is using the right techniques to get their smiles as clean as possible.
Electric toothbrushes can also include built-in timers so that a child can know how long to brush their teeth for a thorough cleaning. However, some kids feel nervous about the buzzing and vibrating come from this type of toothbrush. Consider your child’s comfort level with the type of toothbrush when it comes to finding oral hygiene tools for them.
Toothbrushes can also include other features that can make the brushing process easier. For instance, you can look for toothbrushes that have a rubber grip so that your child can more easily hold and maneuver their brush. Ask your pediatric dentist for more advice about enhancing your child’s oral hygiene regimen.