- At what age can you use an electric toothbrush?
- Is one electric brush enough to teach a child how to brush their teeth properly?
- What should an electric brush be like for children?
- Rules for caring for an electric brush
- What are ultrasonic toothbrushes?
Every child’s morning begins with this kind little sorceress. After all, it is she who is a faithful assistant in the difficult fight against caries. Of course, this is a toothbrush. But can children constantly use this interesting device for cleaning their teeth, and what exactly should an electric children’s toothbrush designed for a baby be like?
Electric toothbrushes for children
A huge number of clinical trials have confirmed that the effectiveness of using an electric brush is higher than that of manual cleaning. It's also a great way to get kids used to brushing their teeth because it makes the process fun for them. Little brats, as a rule, do not favor the evening and morning exercise of cleaning the oral cavity. But as soon as a cheerfully buzzing bright toy appears, everything turns out completely differently. Still would! This is such a fun, interesting and funny thing! Naturally, it is much more interesting than ordinary toothbrushes. It is with the aim of arousing the baby’s interest in brushing his teeth that parents often buy him such a toy.
An electric toothbrush for children, as a way to arouse the child's interest
Most children really like it, but many parents are concerned about whether it will harm the child? Reviews about a children's electric toothbrush are so varied that you can get confused: does it differ from a similar product for adults in anything other than the internal motor?
When is the best time to start brushing children's teeth?
Correct, healthy habits are established in early childhood. This statement also applies to oral care. How competently parents teach their child to brush his teeth determines his future health and self-confidence. According to experienced doctors, it is worth starting to monitor oral hygiene even before the eruption of baby teeth. At first, experts advise wiping your gums with a piece of soft gauze soaked in warm boiled water. The procedure must be done twice a day.
When the baby's first teeth appear, parents are advised to get a special rubber brush. It is placed on the finger and gently cleans children's gums and teeth.
But you can start introducing a real toothbrush at about 1.5 years of age.
Reviews
Most parents who have purchased electric toothbrushes for their children are very pleased with the results. And if you ask the kids themselves, for them this is more an interesting daily game than unpleasant hygiene procedures.
You can share your experience of using these devices and comments on their operation with others by leaving a comment on this article.
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Tags Oral-B children toothbrushes electric toothbrushes
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Choosing a brush according to age
Age from 1.5 to 3 years
To begin with, you should purchase a manual toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles that is appropriate for your age. It’s better to choose a model with a picture or pen in the shape of an animal or a favorite cartoon character so that the item evokes sympathy. Make sure that the child does not chew it, but rather brushes his teeth - otherwise it will be problematic to teach him proper hygiene.
Age from 3 to 7 years
When your child turns three years old, you can try offering him an electrical sample. The advantage is that such brushes have great opportunities for interaction, which means kids who did not like conventional devices may become interested in the new product. For children aged 3 to 6-7 years, dentists recommend choosing an electric brush with the softest bristles; you can use it in turn with a regular one (but also soft). Preschoolers must use an electrical device exclusively under the supervision of their parents.
Age from 8 to 13 years
When your child turns 8 years old, you can purchase a brush head of the same brand as his regular children's brush, but for sensitive teeth. It is slightly stiffer than directly on devices for very young children, but at the same time much softer than on adult models. Such a purchase can serve as a good option for a changing bite until the time comes to switch to a device with standard bristles.
Ages 13 years and older
Teenagers over 13 years of age can use electric brushes with medium-hard bristles. Of course, choosing an oral hygiene product is an individual matter, so you should buy it only after consulting with a dentist and assessing the condition of the enamel. If the doctor says that it is too early to switch to medium bristle hardness, then continue to purchase attachments for sensitive teeth.
Children's electric toothbrush - main advantages and disadvantages
If you need to change your attitude towards brushing your teeth, an electric toothbrush for children will be the best helper in this regard. Younger children buy a model with a cartoon design, and from 7 to 13 tastes can change very much. So don't be surprised if your suggestion to brush your teeth with a brush with a Disney movie on it is taken as a personal insult.
The statistics are encouraging - electric models help increase the time of a hygiene procedure by one and a half to two times, and the number of refusals to perform it becomes minimal. A good option is to show all the advantages using your personal example.
The disadvantage of any battery-powered model is the need to replace them. It's easier with a battery and base. You put the brush on overnight, it will charge 100% if the light is not turned off
If you bought some nonsense on the market for 150 rubles, there is no need to complain about electric brushes in general. Good products are purchased either in specialized stores or in pharmacies. Market traders sell the cheapest samples, more or less well-executed counterfeits of branded models.
Types of electric brushes: which ones are suitable for children
The classification of dental care devices is common to everyone – both children and adults. However, not every gadget is suitable for a baby. Therefore, we will further consider those options that are approved for use in children.
Read on the topic: how to choose a good electric toothbrush for an adult - all types of popular devices in one detailed material.
- Classic model. The operation of a standard (or classic) device is based on the action of a miniature motor that drives the brush head. The bristles move back and forth or in a circle (and back) at a given speed, cleaning out food debris and plaque.
- Sound type. These models have a built-in generator, thanks to which the brush head emits high-frequency sound vibrations. They destroy deposits on enamel with greater efficiency and promote better formation of foam from toothpaste, which washes out even the smallest impurities well. Children can use such a brush, but under the supervision of adults and always under the supervision of a doctor - it is important to understand that sound waves do not cause harm.
- Ultrasonic type. The head of such a brush does not just move, the device produces ultrasonic waves that destroy dirt and germs. The frequency of ultrasound is about 40-50 thousand vibrations per minute. Therefore, such models are contraindicated for children, since the effect of ultrasound is detrimental to fragile enamel; it quickly destroys areas with weak mineralization.
Simple moves. Nozzle operation
Brushes with a motor have three options for movements made by the nozzle:
- 1D – normal rotation;
- 2D – instead of circular movements, reciprocating movements are performed. This is much more effective.
- 3D – combining reciprocating action and pulsation. This method of cleaning teeth is considered more effective in removing plaque.
Selection of nozzles
Some models are equipped with several different attachments. For others, add-on kits may be sold, such as electric floss, attachments for sensitive teeth, or for deep cleaning. It is very convenient when there is a good choice for the chosen model.
It is believed that the optimal height of the bristles should not exceed 10 mm. Ideally, the presence of bristles of different heights.
What to look for when choosing
The stiffness of the bristles
As already mentioned, children's teeth are more vulnerable to decay than those of adults. Milky enamel is more fragile because contains less calcium and phosphorus. And the natural process of remineralization often fails due to the large number of harmful foods in the diet, this must be taken into account. That's why electric brushes for babies are distinguished by soft and fine bristles, so that cleaning is as gentle as possible.
Good to know! If you already have an “adult” brush at home with a gentle cleaning mode, when the device works without pulsating, it will be quite suitable for a child over 7 years old. Of course, you will need to buy a separate attachment that is suitable for the baby in terms of softness and size.
2. Equipment - nozzles, operating modes and sensors
Electronic hygiene products can be programmed to operate in multiple modes and come with multiple attachments for different purposes. For example, the kit may include a head for massaging the gums, cleansing the tongue and cheeks. The most useful functions for such a device are a pressure sensor and a timer that measures the cherished 2 minutes of cleaning. They will help control the procedure time and prevent damage to sensitive enamel.
“Since my son started brushing with an electric brush, his teeth have become much whiter, and the plaque on his gums no longer accumulates in the same amount. And he himself became much more interested in using such a fashionable gadget. And the built-in timer is just a godsend for kids. It works every 30 seconds, changing the vibration frequency. So it becomes clear that it’s time to clean another area.”
Miura, review from irecommend.ru
3. Please pay attention to age restrictions
When buying an electric brush, you need to make sure that its characteristics are optimal for the baby’s age. The packaging usually states what age category the device is intended for: from 3, 5, 6 or 7 years old.
Electric brush power method
Which gadget to buy—battery-powered or rechargeable—is another important question. The first ones operate on one power source for up to three months, then the battery will have to be replaced. The device with the battery is charged from the network. Energy lasts for an average week.
Availability of a mobile application
Children over 5 years old will be delighted with the brush with the option of synchronizing with a smartphone. A special application is installed on the phone, through which the little researcher can track his progress and receive valuable advice on improving his skills.
Correct holding and application
Choose a device so that its handle fits comfortably in a child’s palm and does not slip. Discuss with your child what the brush “can do” and how it works. Then learn how to hold it. Watch the training video together. Videos with cartoon characters, funny characters, or kids the same age as the main characters will come in very handy. Show how to move the brush correctly in the mouth, explain that you need to spend time on each tooth - this is important.
On a note! You can learn more about how to properly brush your teeth with an electric brush from another thematic material.
Children aged 5 years and older can easily cope with the task themselves, but mothers and fathers should still keep an eye on the baby. It will be great if joint oral hygiene becomes a family tradition.
How to teach your child self-hygiene
It is best that adults, by personal example, introduce their son or daughter to self-care from early childhood and show that it is pleasant and useful. Oral hygiene should be carried out in the form of role-playing games, using your favorite toys. As a rule, children willingly copy the behavior of their parents if they want to show off their size and take part in something interesting.
It is important to know! Do not force or intimidate your child into brushing their teeth. Do not try to get him to perform all manipulations regularly and within a strictly allotted time from the first days. This approach will discourage you from picking up a brush and toothpaste for a long time, and the procedure itself will be associated only with negativity.
Basic user mistakes
Both children and adults make mistakes when using an electric toothbrush. This:
- Imitates the movements that occur when brushing your teeth with a regular brush. The electric version copes with this task on its own; you just need to press it against the tooth enamel.
- Strong pressure. There are models on sale that emit a beep when you press too hard; during the period of adaptation, you can give preference to them.
- Incomplete coverage of the tooth with bristles.
The device must be stored in an upright position without a sealed lid - it is intended for transportation during travel. For rinsing, do not use boiling water or too hot water (more than 40 degrees). Synthetic bristles cannot withstand high temperatures; if they come into contact with boiling water, the attachment will become unusable. In all other respects, the device is unpretentious and does not require complex cleaning procedures.
Contraindications for using the device
Dentists name several main factors when the use of an electric toothbrush by a child is contraindicated:
- the presence of wedge-shaped defects: we are talking about depressions that appear at the base of the tooth and can increase over time, exposing the neck. Intense mechanical impact contributes to the development of this pathology,
- bottle caries: it occurs in babies who are often fed milk, formula, or foods containing a lot of sugar (including juices, cookies) before bedtime. Leftover food is an ideal breeding ground for microbes that destroy enamel. As a result, first whitish, then brownish spots appear on the enamel layer. These areas should not be subjected to strong pressure, otherwise the situation will worsen,
- high rate of enamel abrasion: occurs quite often in children. The cause may be an incorrect bite or a not well-studied disease such as bruxism (grinding teeth during sleep), as well as heredity and fragility of enamel caused by various diseases,
- the presence of areas of enamel with low mineralization: white spots - the first harbingers of caries. If a child experiences such phenomena, an electric brush is contraindicated for him. First you need to undergo a remineralization course, otherwise the device will do more harm than good,
- Gum disease: Another reason to put off using a powered device. Even soft stubble can aggravate inflammation, so the first step is to get rid of the troublesome ailments.
The best electric brushes for children
Below are models that are recommended by dentists and parents according to numerous reviews.
Oral-B Stages Power – from 3 years
A worthy representative of the family of classic brushes for ages from 3 years. Available in a set with a stand and a single round nozzle (but replaceable). Cleans in standard mode and makes up to 7600 movements per minute. It takes energy from the battery, which provides about 30 minutes of continuous operation. There is a timer and bristle wear indicator. The device has an original design, for example, in the style of the cult film “Star Wars”, “Cars” or with princesses. This gadget will appeal to both boys and girls.
The downside is that there is no pressure sensor and the attachments for changing are quite expensive (about 300-400 rubles apiece). The best price is 1100 rubles. Average – 1500 rubles.
Philips Sonicare For Kids – from 3 years
Sound model for children from 7 years old (but can also be used from 3 years old, you just need to choose an ultra-soft nozzle). The set includes a storage stand and two elongated attachments designed for different ages - from three years and from seven years. Each operates in two modes – standard and delicate. Operates1 at a maximum speed of up to 31 thousand pulsations per minute.
The device is powered by a built-in battery. It has a maximum range of functions: the option of gradually getting used to the device, a charge indicator, a timer and a pressure sensor on the tooth. The device communicates with an application on a smartphone via Bluetooth. Thanks to this, the child gets the opportunity to learn how to brush their teeth in a playful way, following the advice of a virtual character. The application has a motivation system: the child receives encouragement for all successes. Thus, the device turns the procedure into an exciting quest. The device comes complete with eight colored stickers for the handle, which depict funny animals. Exactly what was described above - positive emotions create the right mood.
The downside is that the cost is quite high. The best price is 5190 rubles.
CS Medica SonicPulsar Junior – from 5 years
An affordable and high-quality sonic brush for children over 5 years old. The body is complemented by a rubberized handle for the convenience of the small owner. Comes in a set with two elongated nozzles, equipped with bright LED lighting. Together with the beautiful color of the hand, it creates a mood and attracts the child’s attention. It operates in standard mode and produces up to 16 thousand pulsations per minute. Operates on a battery, the charge of which lasts for up to five months. There is a timer to control the cleaning time. After two minutes of operation, the device turns off automatically.
The downside is that there is no pressure sensor or bristle wear indicator. The best price is 800 rubles.
Oral-B Junior – from 6 years of age
A classic, high-quality electric brush for a 6-year-old child. Comes with a storage stand and a single round shaped head. Cleans in standard mode. Powered by a battery and charged from the mains. The power source energy lasts up to 10 days. There are charge level and bristle wear indicators, as well as a timer.
The downside is that there is no pressure sensor. The best price is 2000 rubles.
Children's electric toothbrush - prices for popular models
The financial side of the issue interests many. We touched on it in the section on myths. Many people believe that the cost of such products exceeds their capabilities. We decided to clarify the situation by indicating the average level of prices in online stores and pharmacies.
- Philips Sonicare For Kids model HX6311 will cost the buyer $55 - $70, depending on the store.
- Braun Oral-B Kids Power with Disney pictures costs an average of $42.
- Brushes from the SmileGuard brand, depending on the features and capabilities, cost $9 – $23.
- The simplest models are much cheaper. They can even be purchased through the official websites of manufacturers and their dealers in the CIS countries.
Dear customers, if you want your child to have strong and healthy teeth, use high-quality toothpastes and brushes, and regularly take him to the dentist for routine checkups.
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