As adults, we know that maintaining our oral health requires consistency and diligence. For kids? Consistency and diligence don’t even begin to cover it. Sometimes, just getting them into the bathroom to brush can be a challenge, let alone making sure each of their tiny little teeth are free of plaque.
I’m a DENTIST and I can’t even claim that I brush my kids teeth throughly twice a day. So, for the times that your tykes let you get a brush inside their mouth, how do you know which one to choose?
What To Look For In A Kid’s Toothbrush
- First, a small head size on the brush. Kid’s mouths and teeth are small and in order to properly get into all the hard to reach places, a small brush head is going to be your friend.
- Next, you should look for a brush with soft or extra soft bristles. This is especially important if your little one likes to brush themselves. A medium or hard bristled brush can actually do quite a bit of damage in kids hands since they have less precise control over the brush and tend to scrub too hard.
- I also like a brush with a shorter handle- this makes it easier to place the head of the brush where it belongs.
- An electric toothbrush is also a fun option for kids, but it’s important to note that these are mostly recommended for kids ages 3 and up. Rotating an electric toothbrush shakes things up (literally!) for your child since it’s something exciting to try. My kids see me using my electric toothbrush, so they feel like big kids when they get to use theirs.
Two of my favourite children’s toothbrushes are the Jordan Step 1 Baby Toothbrush for 0-2 years and the Colgate PJ Masks Toothbrush for Toddlers & little children 2-5 Years old.
How To Get Kids Excited About Brushing Their Teeth
Aside from these guidelines, my best advice is this: choose a brush that will get YOUR child excited. Whether they have a favorite cartoon character or color, find one that they feel connected to. There are literally thousands of options out there, that pretty much guarantees that you will score the perfect one.
In fact you can let them pick it out themselves, whether at a store or online. If you’re overwhelmed by the number of options, looking for a brush with the American Dental Association seal on it is always a safe bet. These brushes are put through rigorous testing.
Maintaining your kid’s teeth daily is a challenge, but hopefully these tips will help make the process a little easier! And as always, we’re here to help with any questions or concerns you have about your family’s oral health.
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