When looking at toothbrush options for your kids, there are a couple of things you should take into consideration. For one thing, their teeth are much smaller than adults-- and are not their fully developed set they will have in adulthood. You should also consider the size of their mouth in general, as well as their hands. These, as well as their age, can all have an affect on what type of toothbrush you try. Talking to your dentist about any concerns they have is also a good place to start-- perhaps there’s an issue they want you to pay particular attention to or have a recommendation in mind.
No matter what toothbrush you choose, it’s important to instill proper brushing techniques and oral hygiene from a young age. These are the skills they’ll take with them as adults-- so start young and get their brushing methods down solid. If you have any questions regarding these brushes, or would like to schedule a dental visit for your child, contact Dr. Elizabeth Wakim’s office.
1. Dr. Fresh Peanuts Toothbrush
Everyone loves the Peanut characters, so why not make brushing fun by inviting Snoopy and the gang along for a brushing! The Dr. Fresh Peanuts Toothbrush is a great option for smaller mouths and hands-- plus it comes in a pack of four. This should make changing your child’s brush out every three months a snap!
2. SmileGuard Toothbrush
The SmileGuard Toothbrush for kids is another great option to consider for your child’s toothbrush. It comes in all kinds of characters, from Hello Kitty to Marvel superheroes-- so you kid should have no problem picking out one that they love. And you’ll love that these small toothbrushes also come with a unique suction on the end of the handle, which should aid in keeping these brushes store properly in the bathroom.
3. Radius Kidz Toothbrush
Both children and adults should have soft bristles on their toothbrush, and the Radius Kidz brush has some that are extra soft. This is great news because younger mouths are very sensitive and can be easily irritated. The head on this brush is also oval, which helps fit into smaller mouths and brush smaller teeth. These brushes are also made with FDA approved plastic and are BPA-free.
4. Firefly Toothbrush
Firefly Toothbrushes are another great option if you’re looking for a manual toothbrush. The bristles are soft and should be perfect for developing teeth and gums. There are all sorts of characters for the kids to choose from, so your kid can pick out a new one every three months!
5. Kolibree Toothbrush
This smart toothbrush syncs with an app on your phone to monitor your child’s brushing technique, as well as how long each brushing session lasts. This is a great way to get rid of any bad brushing habits before they become hard to break. It also offers games for kids to play as they brush, moving the brush into areas of the mouth often neglected.
6. Beam Brush
The Beam Brush is another option if you’re looking to sync up your child’s toothbrush with an app on your phone. This brush can track how often and how long each brushing session is by using a sensor located inside. You can track this data and share with the whole family-- that way everyone knows the truth!
7. Arm and Hammer Spinbrush for Kids
This is a great electric toothbrush for kids due to is oscillating head and comfortable grip. It also comes in tons of fun characters as well. If your child has trouble brushing for the full 2 minutes, consider getting another Arm & Hammer brush that plays a tune for two minutes. This makes it easy and fun to make sure your child is brushing right.
8. Oral-B Pro Health Stages
The best part about using an electric toothbrush for your kids, is that it automatically spins the bristles in the correct manner. This ensures proper brushing technique as well as the appropriate length of brush time. The Oral-B Pro Health does this easily with a smaller head and comfortable grip for smaller fingers.
9. Philips Sonicare for Kids
Electric toothbrushes make it a little easier for kids to brush properly from the start. Their spinning heads ensure that each tooth is gone over in the same method as the last one. Consistency is key in maintaining proper oral hygiene. The Philips Sonicare for Kids make its easy for kids to develop these habits early on. It’s also a good brush for older kids when they’re ready to transition to brushing alone.
Regardless of what brush you choose, it’s important to make sure your child is brushing properly and daily. All of the brushes on this list are recommended by the American Dental Association, so you can be sure that they’ll all help keep your little one’s smile white and healthy.
