Oral Hygiene Basics: Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When the time comes, many parents need clarification about what type of toothbrush is best for children. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many options; does it really matter what kind of toothbrush your child uses?

The truth is the type of toothbrush significantly impacts one's oral health. To help you find the right brush for your child, here is a breakdown of the different types and their pros and cons.

Electric or disposable

When some parents first learned oral hygiene basics, disposable toothbrushes may have been the only option. However, there are many electric models today. Unlike disposable toothbrushes, electric versions do the bulk of the brushing for the child with a moving head powered by a rechargeable battery. So, is a new electric toothbrush or an old-school disposable one better to have in the cabinet? Before making a decision, consider the factors below.

Safety

If the child has sensitive teeth or gums, an electric toothbrush may be a better option than a manual one. When using an electric brush, the child only has to hold the head against their teeth gently, and the motor does the rest. However, with a regular toothbrush, the child will have to apply the pressure on their own. This makes it easier to exceed the recommended pressure and wear down the enamel, ultimately resulting in even more sensitive teeth.

Effectiveness

Certain electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes. Also known as oscillating-rotating toothbrushes, these dental tools clean in circles, which is the recommended technique.

Whether using an electric or disposable brush, the child will still have to clean for the recommended two minutes. An electric toothbrush may make it easier to do so, especially if they have reduced grip strength.

Cost

Electric brushes are significantly more expensive than disposable ones, making some people hesitate to purchase them. Buying an electric toothbrush can be worthwhile since the brush base can work for years. Parents must replace the head every three months, but these brush heads are much more affordable than the base. The heads even come in packs to maximize savings.

Soft or hard bristles

The prevailing wisdom in oral hygiene basics is that soft bristles are better, but that does not stop manufacturers from producing medium- and hard-bristle brushes. Why are these options available if dentists do not recommend them?

While hard-bristle brushes are not recommended for daily use, they do serve a purpose: stain removal. Occasional use of hard-bristle brushes is perfectly fine as long as the child is careful and not overzealous. Brushing too hard against the gums can damage them, resulting in the following:

• Bleeding.
• Pain.
• Gum loss.