Kids Toothbrushes: What to Buy for Your Child?

A child’s smile is the most precious gift a parent can get. To protect this smile and to ensure that it stays pretty, parents must be proactive in maintaining their child’s oral health. The most important part here to brush their teeth regularly. However, the markets are filled with toothbrushes for babies. So, which baby toothbrush is appropriate for your child?

Unlike adult toothbrushes, baby toothbrushes come in various sizes and shapes. Each of them has a different purpose and is meant for babies of different age groups. Only the appropriate baby toothbrush will efficiently clean the child’s teeth. Here are a few guidelines that will help you choose the right toothbrush for your child.

Basic guidelines for buying a toothbrush for your baby

1. The toothbrush must have a round end
2. Use one soft-bristled brushes for children
3. The toothbrush must comfortably fit in the child’s mouth
4. The toothbrush must not have a foul odour or taste

Toothbrushes for different ages

Babies: Most parents use a wet cloth or a cotton gauge to clean the oral cavity of an infant. Others use the toothbrushes that have been specially designed for a baby’s mouth. These brushes help keep their gums clean and accustom them to the toothbrushing routine. A gentle massage with these also provides the baby some relief from the constant itch caused due to teething.

Toddlers: Toddlers have a definitive grip and can hold their toothbrushes by themselves. However, they cannot control the movement of the brush and may end up hurting themselves if left unsupervised during toothbrushing time. Toothbrushes for toddlers must have a small and rounded head, should be made of soft material, and should be easy to hold. Parents must guide their children while brushing; they may choose to hold their child’s hands to teeth them the proper brushing technique. Alternatively, battery-powered toothbrushes for toddlers can also be used at this stage.

Pre-schoolers: By this age, children have a better grip. They are fairly independent with respect to their dental care routine. For pre-schoolers, the preferred toothbrush is one with soft bristles, a round head and a slim handle. Though the child can brush his/her teeth independently, parents should supervise the activity. Apart from guiding them during the process, parents will also ensure that the child knows the importance of brushing twice a day.

School-age children: For older children, the toothbrushes are quite similar to adult toothbrushes. These children can handle both manual or powered toothbrushes with ease. However, even at this stage, parents must ensure that the toothbrush head is not too big or uncomfortable for the child’s mouth.

Choosing the right baby toothbrush is only the beginning. It is the first step towards teaching your child good oral habits. A toothbrush is not only important for keeping the child’s teeth clean but also ensures that their gums stay healthy. Parents must always ensure that the toothbrush is comfortable for their child. Since children have a habit of chewing their brushes, they must be replaced as soon as their bristles get frayed. For a little older child, the toothbrush must be changed every three months.