Disadvantages of the electric toothbrush

Although experts agree that an electric toothbrush cleans thoroughly and reliably, there is never any certainty about it. Children are only independent and capable enough to brush their own teeth thoroughly from the age of eight. Before that, parents are obliged to check and, if necessary, brush their teeth, because even an electric toothbrush does not replace the aftercare activities of parents.

Furthermore, the use of an electric toothbrush does not replace the additional cleaning of the interdental spaces with dental floss or interdental brushes. Experts advise that children should still learn to brush their teeth with a manual toothbrush, even if they use an electric toothbrush. This trains the child’s dexterity and promotes faster independence in oral hygiene. Another disadvantage of the electric toothbrush is the consumption of electricity or batteries, which is associated with additional costs.

At what age do children need a toothbrush?

Generally, a toothbrush is necessary from the breakthrough of the first milk tooth at about six months of age, but electric toothbrushes are only suitable from the age of three years. Also at this age it is important to take care of the teeth, because milk teeth are more susceptible to caries than the permanent ones and these are so important for the development and space maintainer function for the child. Therefore, from the age of six months, the introduction of oral hygiene for children with manual toothbrushes specifically for the age of the teeth is valid. During this time, parents should serve as role models for their children, show them how to brush in the mirror and also brush again, as thorough dental care is not possible due to the still limited abilities. Dental care for babies and dental care for children

Types of electric toothbrushes

Ultrasonic toothbrushes, unlike rotary brushes, have an elongated rather than a round head. The bristles of the toothbrush do not clean with rotations, but with ultrasonic vibrations with a very high frequency, which correspond to about 20,000 to 30,000 vibrations per minute. Ultrasonic brushes clean very efficiently and thoroughly.There are no studies that show that an ultrasonic toothbrush achieves better cleaning results than a rotary toothbrush.

Ultrasonic toothbrushes are suitable for children from the age of four years. Many models of children’s electric toothbrushes are accompanied by music or have special sound effects. The background music serves to mask the unpleasant motor noise of the toothbrush and to create an incentive.

Children always associate brushing their teeth with music they like to listen to, which serves as a motivation. The goal is to give the children as positive an image of brushing their teeth as possible. Therefore, when brushing their teeth, music can help the child to associate more fun and joy with the daily ritual and is especially recommended for children who do not like brushing their teeth.

Furthermore, there are also tooth brushing taps that use music and adventure to virtually integrate tooth brushing into a game. These functions are highly recommended to give the child a positive experience, but are associated with additional costs. On the one hand with higher acquisition costs, as well as with costs for the game app.

An integrated clock in the electric toothbrushes should not be missing, because it has positive effects on the sense of time. By vibrating after a certain time, either half a minute or a minute, the child knows when to brush the half of the jaw or the jaw. Furthermore, the timer gives a better control of how long the teeth have been brushed and also shows the child if he or she has brushed too fast or too slowly to reach all teeth in a certain area in a desired time. In addition to the models that vibrate, there are also electric toothbrushes for children that play a little melody instead. Both models are equally suitable for the child, so it is important to try out which model the child can best cope with.