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Good oral hygiene is based on the daily repetition of a set of good actions. And this also applies to children ! These actions allow optimal elimination of dental plaque , and thus avoid unpleasant and painful dental or gingival diseases and conditions such as gingivitis, cavities and loosening . 🤕
If applying these good gestures every day already seems complicated for many adults, it is even more so for children, especially since their baby teeth require slightly different care from the permanent teeth of adults. 🤷♀️
So, what practices should you adopt to ensure the good oral health of your little ones ? 🤔
The recommended age for your first electric toothbrush
The recommended age for a child's first electric toothbrush depends on several factors, including their oral development and ability to use the toothbrush correctly. In general, dentists recommend starting to use an electric toothbrush when the child reaches the age of three or four.
Indeed, at this age, most children have acquired some motor coordination. They are therefore capable of handling their electric brush , provided they are supervised by their parents!
Keep in mind that it is always advisable to consult the child's dentist to obtain personalized recommendations based on their oral health and their specific needs.
How to choose the right electric toothbrush for your child?
Choosing the right electric toothbrush for children is essential to ensure the best possible oral hygiene and effective removal of dental plaque.
We recommend that you turn exclusively to electric toothbrushes designed specifically for children. These feature a brush head to fit their little mouths and soft bristles for their delicate gums.
Next, make sure the brush has features that appeal to children. For example, cartoon characters or flashing lights help make brushing more fun and engaging.
Finally, check the built-in speed and timer settings options. These help children adopt a regular and effective brushing routine.
The benefits of an electric toothbrush for children
Electric toothbrushes have several advantages.
- They are equipped with brush heads designed to optimally clean small mouths and baby teeth. Their rotating or vibrating movements help remove plaque more effectively than a manual brush.
- Children may find brushing their teeth more fun and less laborious with an electric toothbrush. The device's automatic movements make brushing easier for those who have difficulty maintaining a consistent brushing technique with a manual brush.
- Additionally, many electric brushes for little ones offer special features, such as built-in timers , fun sounds , or cartoon characters. This stimulates the interest of young people in brushing their teeth. It also encourages them to adopt good oral hygiene habits from a young age.
- Finally, using an electric brush helps children develop their autonomy when it comes to dental hygiene. With adult supervision, they learn how to use the electric brush correctly and take charge of their own dental health.
Is there a risk in using an electric toothbrush on children?
Using an electric brush on children is not without risk.
Indeed, incorrect and excessive use of the electric brush can cause injury to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. It is therefore essential that your child is supervised while brushing, to avoid excessive pressure on the teeth and gums.
Additionally, children may be tempted to bite or chew the brush head. As you will have understood, this causes a risk of ingestion of small parts. So choose brushes designed specifically for children.
Finally, some children sometimes find the vibrations or rotating movements of the brushes uncomfortable. This will be especially true if yours has sensitive gums . If this is the case, we advise you to consult a dental professional to determine the best option for your child.
Brushing children's teeth
The surveillance
Younger children should be closely supervised during the entire toothbrushing process . So make sure you are present while your child brushes their teeth and guide them as needed to avoid any sudden or excessive movements.
Also show your child how to use their brush correctly. Emphasize gentle technique and circular movements to avoid injury. Make sure he understands how to handle his brush without applying excessive pressure to it.
Finally, use a timer to respect the recommended duration for brushing your teeth. We remind you that brushing lasts at least two minutes and must focus on all dental surfaces, including the front, back and upper surfaces of the teeth.
How to make it fun?
- Choose electric brushes with attractive characters or designs. This will make the experience more fun and interesting for them. You will see, brushing your teeth will become a game!
- Some brushes come with built-in music or sounds that play while brushing. Cleaning then becomes more fun!
- Offer your toddler a challenge! Time him to see if he can brush each tooth before his brush music stops.
How to manage your first visits to the dentist?
We recommend that parents schedule the first visit to the dentist as soon as the child's first teeth appear . This allows him to get used to the dental office environment from a young age.
Next, select a dentist who specializes in caring for children. Pediatric dentists are trained to work with them.
Finally, before the visit, talk to your child about what they can expect at the dentist. Use simple, reassuring language to explain the visit and emphasize the importance of toothbrushing and oral health.
Once the visit is over, praise your child for their behavior at the dentist. Give him a reward or small gift that will encourage him to maintain good oral health.
