Good oral hygiene is essential for a bright and healthy smile in children and it can begin with just a simple brushing routine. “Children can use manual or electric toothbrush based on their comfort and acceptance,” says Dr Tejaswini Dongre, pedodontist from Bengaluru. However, children below three should not use electric toothbrushes, she adds.
Electric toothbrushes have an inbuilt pulsating motion which removes plaque and food particles present on the teeth. The effort taken for brushing with an electric toothbrush is less as it performs most of the work on its own.
Dr Dongre gives the following advice for an effective brushing in children
- Use rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste for children below three and pea-sized amount for those above three
- Set the timer and brush to at least 30 seconds in each quadrant
- Cover one to two teeth at a time
- Move the brush head gently from teeth to teeth along the gumline
- Ensure that the child has spit out the toothpaste after brushing
Parents can make brushing more exciting with stories and videos for their children. It motivates them to develop brushing into a regular habit. Parents can also encourage them to use ‘play toothbrush’ for their stuffed toys or animals. Electric toothbrushes are available in different colours with music, lights, cartoon, or anime characters which attract the children and make their brushing time fun.
Read more about the significances of early intervention for cavities in children.
Read more about the guide to choose the right toothpaste.
