Introduction
Electric toothbrushes are gaining more and more popularity among adults and also among children. As is well known, brushing teeth is often an ordeal for children and parents. The rotational or sonic movement of electric toothbrushes makes them easy to use even for small children, and new models can interactively make brushing a positive experience with apps, games and music.
In this way, daily tooth brushing can be combined with fun, so that even small children can develop lasting, thorough oral hygiene that does not arouse negative associations. But to what extent does an electric toothbrush make sense and from what year is the child able to use it? What do I have to consider when buying a toothbrush for my child and how much does it cost?
Advantages of the electric toothbrush
Brushing teeth with an electric toothbrush is made easier for children. The movement of the toothbrush makes it easier to remove plaque, even if the haptic abilities and skills are not yet developed enough to ensure thorough oral hygiene. The child does not have to perform movements as with a manual toothbrush, but these are performed by the vibrations of the toothbrush.
The toothbrush only needs to be held against all sides of the teeth. A further advantage is the clock integrated in many models, which creates a sense of time in the child and makes it easier to keep track. Through the vibration of the brush, the child knows exactly when it can change the side or half of the jaw.
In addition, some manufacturers offer apps with toothbrushing games that combine brushing with an interactive adventure in which the movement of the brush solves a puzzle or wins a race. Music and games cover up the motor sounds of the toothbrush and stimulate children to combine the often tiresome process of brushing with fun. In this way, the child has a motivation to brush and enjoys doing it.
The electric toothbrush is battery or rechargeable and usually compatible with the chargers of the adult models of a company, so that several chargers do not have to be used in the bathroom at the same time. Another advantage is the built-in pressure sensor in some models, which signals when brushing with too much effort. The brush then stops briefly until the pressure is released again.
All articles in this series: