Best Toothbrushes for Kids

You already know that there are toothbrushes made especially for children. But how can you be sure that you’ll select the right one? Well, there are several features that you can look for, and you can also take your child’s age into consideration while you shop. 

Continue reading to learn about how to select the best toothbrushes for kids. And remember: if you aren’t sure about which direction to take, just consult with your child’s dentist to get the personalized answers you need. 

A Few General Tips to Get Started

As you shop for a toothbrush for your child, keep the following in mind:

• Check the size of the brush head. Generally, brush heads that are anywhere from ½” to 1” in length are considered a good way to go. The younger your child, the smaller the brush head should be. Basically, you want the bristles to reach the chompers in the back of the mouth, and you also want the brush to clean every surface of every tooth, all while being comfortable.  

   

• It’s a good idea to stick with brushes that feature soft bristles. Harder bristles might affect your little one’s gums and enamel, potentially leading to damage or irritation, especially if your child brushes with too much force. Don’t worry, the soft bristles will get the job done when it comes to cleaning teeth and gums!

   

• Look for a toothbrush with a handle that’s designed to be comfortable and easy for kids to hold while they learn to brush their teeth. Younger children might have trouble holding a slimmer handle, so sticking with brushes with thicker handles may be helpful.

   

• You can also search for a colorful toothbrush that’s designed to get kids excited for daily brushing sessions. After all, it can be tough to motivate children to brush their teeth every morning and every night! Choose from fun designs that showcase popular characters, such as cartoons or superheroes. You might be surprised by how well this simple strategy works when it comes to encouraging little kids to brush regularly!

   

Note: It might take a little trial and error to find a toothbrush that’s just right for your child, so don’t get discouraged. The goal is to find one that works well, but it should also be one that your child will gladly use.  

Keep Your Child’s Age in Mind  

Should you take a kid’s age into consideration when shopping for a toothbrush? Yes! 
For a toddler, it’s a good idea to go with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush that has a thick handle and a petite brush head. If the grip is soft and comfortable, it can help make it easier for your little one to hold and control the toothbrush. 

Once your child is around 4 or 5 years old, it might be easier for them to hold a brush that has a thinner handle. And once your child is around 8 years old, they might be ready to graduate to a toothbrush that’s a bit larger but still appropriately sized for kids.     

Should You Go with Manual or Electric Toothbrushes?

Just as there are manual and electric brushes for adults, there are electric options for children as well. Some parents might opt to give their kids an electric toothbrush when they’re a little older, such as 7 years old, while other parents might decide to start using one when their child is just 3 years old. 

You might want to go with an electric toothbrush if your child gets more excited by a product that’s high-tech and simple to use. Some kids, however, might prefer a manual brush instead of a noisy electric product. It’s all about working with your little ones to figure out what they prefer! 

When shopping for an electric toothbrush for kids, the same basic rules apply. Look for a small brush head, soft bristles, and a cushioned handle that is easy for your child to hold. Fun designs, colors, and characters can help motivate your kids to brush twice daily. Plus, some electric brushes might have extra features, such as a timer and interactive app, that can help make brushing even more fun. 

Note: If your child has braces, an electric brush might make it easier to keep their pearly whites clean.  

Daily Brushing and Dental Appointments Help Maintain Your Child’s Oral Health

Once you’ve found a high-quality toothbrush that your kid wants to use, it’s simply a matter of making sure they brush twice a day. And don’t forget to make appointments with a dentist you trust. That way, your child’s mouth can be examined and professionally cleaned on a regular basis. 

Take your time when shopping for a toothbrush for your son or daughter. Selecting the right brush can help make it easier to instill healthy oral hygiene habits in kids, and it will also help you rest assured that those tiny chompers are being cleaned properly every day.