Toothbrush for a child: electric or sonic? Expert opinions
In addition to traditional manual toothbrushes, known practically always, we also have a choice today electric toothbrushes, or sonic. Is it worth investing in them from the first tooth?? What is the difference between an electric toothbrush 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
The ones made for children not much different from those for adults – they only have a smaller head, softer bristles and more attractive colors. Their work consists in the fact that the head rotates alternately in both directions around its axis (oscillating and rotating), which is supposed to help in cleaning the teeth more thoroughly.
The electric toothbrush is huge making it easier to clean your teeth, especially in children. You just need to pay attention not to miss any tooth or press it too hard, because then it does not work properly, and moreover it can irritate the delicate tooth enamel or mucous membranes.
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, cleaning is not so easy for a child, because the sonic toothbrush has to work properly doff To. For the little ones, yes pressure limit it is quite difficult to grasp, which may result in unclean teeth. The caregiver should keep this in mind when checking whether the child brushes his teeth correctly.
In order to meet parents' needs, manufacturers of sonic toothbrushes equip them with additional functions that help in thorough cleaning of teeth.
W sonic toothbrush Baby Penguin by SEYSSO, which has been positively evaluated by the experts of the Institute of Mother and Child, it is, for example, an illuminated tip that facilitates the observation of teeth during brushing. As the toothbrush was created for the youngest, i.e. children aged 0 to 3, the sonic vibrations are adapted to delicate gums and sensitive milk teeth. Thanks to this, it is great not only for cleaning the first teeth, but also for massaging and stimulating the 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. The most important thing is not whether we choose a manual, electric or sonic toothbrush. This is much more important than what we brush our teeth with how accurately we do it. Even the most expensive and best toothbrush will not take care of this duty 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 just a tool in a person's hand, and they have been involved in cleaning their teeth since an early age the most important 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: What toothbrush for a child?
A few more tips
In addition to the dilemma regarding the purchase of an electric or sonic toothbrush for children, it is worth remembering about several activities, which will make it easier for us to brush our children's teeth every day. What can work in the case of introducing children to the habit of caring for 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 like children natural and obvious – and that's what we're all about.
Author Barbara Obłoj - MD, PhD, dentist, expert of the Institute of Mother and Child, owner and medical director of the Center for Orthodontics and Implantology ODENT in Warsaw;
Consultation: ALicja Zawislak - MD, PhD, orthodontist, acting head of the Department of Maxillary Orthopedics and Orthodontics at the Institute of Mother and Child.
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