What age is an electric toothbrush suitable for children?

Electric toothbrushes are a product that children are very fond of, and they are loved by children because of their novel features. Not all children of all ages are suitable for using electric toothbrushes. Generally, it is not recommended for children under 7 years old, mainly due to operational issues.

Experts remind: Children under 7 years old should use electric toothbrushes with caution

Children's electric toothbrushes usually have a timer, and the toothbrush will not stop until the full 2 ​​minutes have passed, which helps children to fully clean their teeth. However, if you keep the electric toothbrush on the surface of one or two teeth for a long time, it will not only easily damage the periodontal tissue, but also wear out the tooth enamel.

In addition, bristles that are too hard can damage teeth and gums, and the bristles of electric toothbrushes are relatively hard. Moreover, electric toothbrushes for children are also split type. When children are brushing their teeth, they may get stuck in the detached brush head or accidentally swallow the brush head, which may cause danger.

Experts suggest that the electric toothbrushes currently available on the market for children have larger and longer handles and are more suitable for older children. Parents are advised to choose soft-bristled toothbrushes that are suitable for the size of their children's mouths for children under 7 years old, and teach their children how to brush their teeth correctly.

Tips for choosing children's toothbrushes

Look at the material of the bristles:

Toothbrush bristles come in two types: natural bristles and nylon bristles. Natural bristle toothbrushes have better cleaning effects and absorb toothpaste, but they dry very slowly and easily accumulate dust and bacteria. Nylon bristle toothbrushes are excellent in cleaning and massaging teeth. They are uniform and elastic, more in line with the characteristics of baby teeth, and more conducive to oral health.

Look at the texture of the bristles:

Generally, bristles can be divided into three types: soft, neutral, and hard. Hard-bristled toothbrushes are better at cleaning teeth, but they also cause greater wear and damage to teeth. Toothbrushes with neutral hardness are more suitable for adults. Young children generally use softer toothbrushes, which will not wear out their teeth and gums. When parents buy a toothbrush, they can press the bristles with their fingers. If their fingers feel a tingling sensation, it means it is too hard. If the bristles bend freely and their fingers feel a little itchy, it means it is relatively soft.