When Should Your Child Graduate to an Electric Toothbrush?

Getting children to stick to an at-home oral hygiene routine can be hard, especially as they’re still learning the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy. With the right tools, like flavored mouthwash or a fun electric toothbrush, it could improve their brushing and flossing efforts! However, the question that many parents have is, “When do you know the time is right?” Read on to learn when to graduate your child to an electric toothbrush.

Some Considerations Before Buying Your Child an Electric Toothbrush

Before heading to the store to pick out a cool electric toothbrush for your little one, it’s a good idea to consider a couple of details like the ones listed below to know whether or not a manual one is a better fit for them.

Making Sure it Won’t Frighten Them

If your child isn’t familiar with electric toothbrushes, the buzzing and noise can be frightening at first and feel strange in their mouth. Additionally, if your child has a sensitive gag reflex, a bulkier-feeling toothbrush may feel uncomfortable. Keep these considerations in mind while picking out an electric toothbrush and determining whether it’s the right choice for them!

How Does Your Child Breathe?

Is your child a mouth breather or a nose breather? Children who primarily breathe through their mouths are less likely to enjoy brushing and more likely to easily gag. If you notice your child is deterred from brushing because of this, make sure to introduce them to different oral hygiene gadgets in a positive way and check-in to make sure they’re comfortable. If not, try to find new tricks to make brushing more comfortable—an electric toothbrush may be the answer!

Children Look to Parents for Guidance

Children commonly model their parents, so if you’re using an electric toothbrush, chances are they would want one, too! If they’re asking you to graduate to a fancier, electric toothbrush, it might be the right time!

What’s a Good Age to Get Your Child an Electric Toothbrush?

You can introduce your child to an electric toothbrush as early as two years old—just be sure to purchase one that’s suitable for their small mouth. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure they’re using it under supervision. For most children, whenever they ask for one, it’s a good time to get them one! Keeping their experience positive and listening to their wants and needs is a great way to help them build a healthy relationship with their oral health.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey DeMartino has decades of experience as a dentist under his belt, and he loves treating patients of all ages—especially children! As a father himself, he enjoys being able to create positive experiences for his younger patients and give them the tools and knowledge they need to take care of their smiles into adulthood. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning for your child, visit DeMartino Dental Group’s website or call (908) 859-5260.