Mukilteo Pediatric Dental Care: How to Choose the Right Toothbrush for Your Child
mother and daughter brush my teeth
While it may seem that purchasing a toothbrush for your child should be a relatively simple endeavor, the truth might be far from what you expect. A visit to the oral care section of any chain retailer might just have your head spinning with options. How do you choose the right toothbrush for your child? Here are some things to consider:
Brush head size. Children’s toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes, generally categorized into age ranges. For example, you may find one brand of toothbrush in a size 4 – 7 years and 8 – 12 years. While these age categories may be helpful when choosing the best fit for your child and are a great place to start, they are no substitute for common sense. For example, if your seven-year old boy stands head and shoulders above most children his age, then you may need to purchase the next size up.
Bristle softness: This is an extremely important factor in toothbrush selection as bristles that are too hard for your child’s gums can cause some very troublesome oral conditions, from gum erosion to infection. Generally speaking, most children should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, there are some exceptions to that rule, and your family’s pediatric dentist is the person who can give you the guidance you need in that regard.
Consider electric options: There are a number of fun and effective options on the market that can not only get children more engaged in the process of brushing their teeth, but can also help ensure that your children are getting the thorough brushing they need, each and every time. Explore options like sonic vibration, timing, and music in order to find what works best for your child.
Special considerations for infants and toddlers: Children who are teething have especially sensitive gums, and don’t necessarily need a traditional tooth-brushing. Look into super-soft bristled brushes made for baby’s gums, or skip brushing altogether and wipe new teeth and soft gums down with a cloth twice a day instead.
Oral health is an essential part of basic health care, and much better oral health routines begin in youth. It is vital that you care for your child’s oral health now, so that they can establish their own healthy dental practices as grownups. A necessary part of your children’s oral maintenance is finding a family practice or pediatric dental professional that you can depend on. The Mukilteo family dental practice of Dr. Onishi and Dr. Sarsfield is the one many households in Mukilteo WA, Everett WA, Mill Creek WA and surrounding areas depend on. The professionals at Harbour Place Dental in Mukilteo WA go above and beyond when it comes to providing ideal oral health care to your young ones. Give us a call at (425) 493-8111 or visit our website and contact us in private or e-mail us at harbourpldental@gmail.com
