Toothbrush for a child: electric or sonic? Expert opinions
In addition to traditional manual toothbrushes, which have been around for centuries , we now also have electric and sonic toothbrushes to choose from . Is it worth investing in them from the very first tooth ? What's the difference between an electric and a sonic toothbrush for children?
What are the opinions of experts? What to choose for children? In order to answer the question of what is the difference between an electric toothbrush and a sonic toothbrush, it will be easiest for us to go to a brief description of each type of these toothbrushes.
Electric toothbrushes for children
Those made for children differ little from those for adults – they only have a smaller head, softer bristles, and more attractive colors. They work by rotating the head alternately back and forth around its axis (oscillating-rotating motion), which is intended to help clean teeth more thoroughly.
An electric toothbrush is a huge help in cleaning teeth , especially for children. Just be careful not to miss any teeth or press too hard, as this will prevent it from working properly and can also irritate the delicate tooth enamel or mucosa.
Sonic toothbrushes for children
The offer of sonic toothbrushes for children is also very wide. According to manufacturers' declarations, there are products available even for infants who are several months old. However, experts' opinions on the age of children from which sonic toothbrushes can be used are divided.
The operation of the sonic toothbrush is based on the fact that the wave emitted by the sound excites vibrations in the bristles of the brush, and at the same time sets the water molecules (i.e. a mixture of water, toothpaste and saliva) in motion. This creates micro-bubbles that hit the teeth, effectively breaking up plaque. This also makes it easier to reach the space between the teeth.
However, brushing isn't so easy for a child, as a sonic toothbrush must graze the teeth to function properly. For young children, this pressure threshold is quite difficult to achieve, which can result in poorly cleaned teeth. Caregivers should keep this in mind when monitoring their child's brushing.
In order to meet parents' needs, manufacturers of sonic toothbrushes equip them with additional functions that help in thorough cleaning of teeth.
The Baby Penguin sonic toothbrush by SEYSSO , which received a positive review from experts at the Institute of Mother and Child, features an illuminated head, making it easier to see teeth while brushing. Designed for the youngest children, ages 0 to 3, the sonic vibrations are adapted to the delicate gums and sensitive baby teeth. This makes it ideal not only for cleaning first teeth but also for massaging and stimulating gums.
Sonic toothbrushes for children: expert opinions
Expert advises
Parents should be aware that, despite the availability of products for a few-month-old babies in stores, sonic toothbrushes should be used with caution for safety reasons. Mainly due to the fact that younger babies have delicate gums. However, it is worth knowing that sonic toothbrushes dedicated to children are equipped with sonic vibrations instead of sonic movements. Thanks to this, their use does not threaten to damage sensitive milk teeth.
Electric or sonic toothbrush for children in opinions
As always, common sense provides the best answers. In reality, it's not so much whether we choose a manual, electric, or sonic toothbrush that matters. Far more important than what we use is how thoroughly we brush our teeth . Even the most expensive, best toothbrush won't take over this task for us.
It is worth knowing that a sonic toothbrush produces on average 30. movements per minute, the electric one 8, and the regular one - well, as many as we can make, i.e. on average 200 movements.
A toothbrush is only a tool in a person's hand, and the most important things in cleaning teeth from an early age are:
- brushing time - cleaning the teeth should take at least 2 minutes;
- frequency - brushing our teeth should accompany us at least twice a day, especially in the morning and evening;
- accuracy - movements should be careful. So as not to miss any of the cleaned surfaces;
- patience - the one that both us and our children often miss, and is necessary to ensure thorough and sufficiently long brushing.
You can read more about choosing the right toothbrush for your child in the article: Which toothbrush is best for your child?
A few more tips
Besides the dilemma of choosing an electric or sonic toothbrush for children, it's worth remembering a few steps that will make daily toothbrushing easier for our little ones. What can be helpful when introducing children to the habit of proper oral hygiene?
Expert advises
It's a good idea at any age to brush your teeth in front of a mirror - so you can see what you're doing. So let's make sure that our children have the opportunity to see their face in the mirror and follow the brush movements while brushing their teeth. We also teach them not to swallow the foam, but to spit it out. Let's also let the children use a floss, let's create a nice atmosphere.
All this will make oral hygiene seem natural and obvious to children – and that's what we want.
Author: Barbara Obłoj – MD, PhD, dentist, expert at the Institute of Mother and Child, owner and medical director of the ODENT Center of Orthodontics and Implantology in Warsaw;
Consultation: A licja Zawiślak – PhD, orthodontist, acting head of the Department of Maxillofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics at the Institute of Mother and Child.
Medical consultation
