Typically, you should brush your child’s teeth until they’re about 7-8 years old, or coordinated enough to tie their own shoes. But once your little one can handle brushing on their own, you may be wondering. What’s the best toothbrush for my child? Get all the details in this blog from the team at Gary D. Sabbadini, DDS.
The Best Toothbrush For Your Child Is… The One They’ll Actually Use!
Yes, this seems obvious. But let us explain. Getting kids to brush properly and regularly can be tough, even if you’ve instilled your little one with health brushing habits. You can spend a bunch of money on a great toothbrush for your child, but it will be useless if they don’t want to use it.
If you ask us, the best way to get them engaged with brushing is to let them pick out their own toothbrush, and their own toothpaste, too. There are tons of toothbrushes out there with cartoon characters, characters from Disney and Marvel, and other kid-friendly images.
This goes for toothpaste, too. Children’s toothpaste has flavors that may seem kind of gross to adults, but kids love switching to new flavors like bubble gum, grape, and more. Letting them pick out new toothpaste will keep them excited about brushing. So take your child with you when it’s time to pick out a new toothbrush and toothpaste. You may be surprised at just how effective this is!
What To Look For When Picking Out A Toothbrush For Your Child
Okay, so you’ve got your little one with you and you’re ready to help them pick out a toothbrush. What should you look for? Here are our recommendations:
- A head with soft bristles – Soft bristles are best for your child’s teeth. Kids may sometimes brush a bit too hard, and soft bristles ensure they won’t have issues with enamel erosion or bleeding gums if they do.
- Fun colors and characters – If your kid loves Spiderman, they’ll love getting to brush their teeth with him every night! Point out a few options, and let your child choose the one they like the most.
- An ergonomic, child-sized handle – Most children’s toothbrushes have a child-sized handle that’s easy to grasp, even for young kids that may not have the most well-developed motor skills.
- Bonus features like lights, vibrations, sounds – These definitely aren’t 100% necessary. But some toothbrushes have vibrations, lights, or even play songs that make brushing more entertaining. These often double as timers, too. That ensures your little one brushes their teeth for a long enough time at night.
Need More Help With At-Home Brushing? Come To Gary D. Sabbadini, DDS Today!
Whether you’re having trouble getting your child to brush or you just need a new pediatric dentist in Pinole, Dr. Sabbadini is here to help. As a board certified pediatric dentist, he can provide you and your child with the guidance you need to keep their mouth healthy. Book an appointment online or give us a call at (510) 724-4400 to schedule an appointment today.