Best Types Of Toothbrushes For Children
There are so many types of toothbrushes on the market today it can be confusing and hard to figure out what is the right one for you let alone which you should choose for your children.
Always remember that different people need different types of toothbrushes depending on their teeth. For children there are smaller toothbrushes for different ages and the size of toothbrush can grow as your child grows. A great resource is your dentist or dental hygienist who will be able to recommend a toothbrush suitable for your child. However, children should use smaller brushes with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or ‘filaments'. The head should be small enough to reach into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where it can be difficult to reach. Make sure you change the toothbrush often every three months is a great timing because once the bristles lose their shape they are less effective.
Some children are interested in the electronic toothbrushes again this is something that you should discuss with the dentist or dental hygienist so that you are sure you are getting something that is age appropriate and that will work for the child. The dentist can tell you when is a good age to start using an electronic toothbrush (usually after the age of eight) or if one is truly necessary for your child.
Finding the right toothbrush is truly important to having good dental care but remember there is more to keeping teeth healthy than finding the perfect toothbrush.
•1. Going to the Dentist
Going to the dentist is vital to good oral health. The family pediatrician should be able to tell you a good time to start going (usually around age one or two) and might even be able to suggest a good dentist for your child. Before going you can start softly brushing your baby's new teeth and even toothless gums with a small toothbrush, no toothpaste and a little bit of water. Once the children are old enough it is important to make sure that they are seen regularly by the dentist.
•2. Fluoride Rinse
Fluoride rinse is a great part of oral care for your child. I highly recommend ACT rinse for kids; they have a bubble gum flavor that kids love. This is not a mouth wash and does not contain alcohol it is a fluoride rinse and will help to protect their teeth. I like my kids to use it after they are done brushing and flossing and before they go to bed. They only need to use it once a day.
•3. Flossers
Using floss is another good way to help protect teeth. Using floss can be difficult but they have great flossers that are easy for kids to hold and use. Flossers are little plastic devices that keep the floss tight and make it easy for kids to use floss. Some even come with Disney and other characters. You can easily use them on your children until they are able to use them themselves.
•4. Toothpaste
For children it's important to choose a kid's toothpaste such as Crest for kids. That way you can ensure that your kids are getting the right amount of fluoride when they brush. You do not want to use too much toothpaste most suggest a pea size amount. Do not cover the whole brush with toothpaste and make sure that your kids are not swallowing any of it.
•5. Brushing Technique
Making sure that your kids have good brushing techniques is very important. Brushing in a circular motion making sure to brush the gum line and brushing the fronts, backs and the tops of the teeth is a very good way to brush. Children should use the 2 minute rule when they brush to make sure that they get all their teeth. And finally when they are done brushing they should brush their tongue as well since bacteria tends to build there.
•6. Eating Habits
Making sure that kids eat the right kinds of foods is very important as well. Rinsing their mouths with water after each meal and snack will help to wash off some of the particles from foods and juices. Some of the snacks and juices can be really harmful to children's teeth and that is why water is very important in keeping teeth healthy. Making sure that your kids drink some water after meals will help their teeth to stay healthy.
When my children were very young I started with a wet toothbrush on their gums and new teeth. I would slowly massage their teeth and gums to get them used to the feeling of the toothbrush. Of course they would chew on them a little bit and there is no harm in that as long as you are supervising. Then when it was time they started going to the dentist and I would help them brush twice a day and floss and rinse every evening before bed. This became their routine and they expected it, being careful to remind me if I forgot. They are now able to brush, floss and rinse on their own and have fun doing it too. Good hygiene is very important and healthy teeth are a good part of that. So find a toothbrush you and your child like and get started.