Using an electric toothbrush for children

First electric toothbrushes appeared in the middle of the twentieth century, but became widespread only recently. The initial models were powered by AC power, which not only caused inconvenience, but it was also unsafe. Emerging later battery copies were extremely cumbersome. Over time, the models were modified and came to the modern look, which has become popular among consumers.

After the electronic toothbrushes firmly took their place on the shelves of the stores, most manufacturers decided to start producing special models for children. At the same time, consumers wondered if they would benefit children. We will try to answer this question.

Efficiency of the electric toothbrush

Among many people, the view was strengthened that electric brushes are more effective than ordinary brushes. This statement can be considered true, as the process of cleaning teeth will not be affected by the cleaning techniquewhich man uses. This is an absolute plus for children who have not yet learned how to brush their teeth properly or are not serious enough to approach this issue.

There is a perception among individual dentists that using an electric toothbrush for children is a way to overcome the fear of visiting the dentist. Children get used to the sound of an electric motor, resulting in reduced fear of dental instruments.

Studies confirm the advantages of using electric toothbrushes - a significant reduction in plaque on the teeth has been found, and there has been a decrease in cases of inflammation.

For babies who brush their teeth as a burdensome and boring procedure, an electronic toothbrush is the perfect solution. Modern tech gadget attracts the attention of the younger generation and is capable of generating interest in an often unloved procedure.

At what age can a child use an electric toothbrush?

Despite the increased children's interest in electronics and the very process of using an innovative tool in the process of brushing teeth, parents often have a question, can the device not harm the child?

Consider the issue of brushing teeth for children of different ages:

• It is recommended to take care of children's teeth from the very beginning. This is usually the age of six months. At this age, simply wipe your teeth with boiled water. For this procedure there are special brusheswhich are put on the adult finger. Sometimes they are replaced with a gauze napkin, but this is not recommended, as a special brush is much softer. Already at this age, the child becomes accustomed to the ritual of brushing teeth, and the procedure becomes a daily necessity for him;
• When the child is one year old, you can begin using toothpaste. It should pick up special children's toothpastes. They should not contain fluoride, as children at this age often swallow pasta.For one cleaning procedure, a pea-sized amount of paste is sufficient;
• brushing your own teeth can teach a child until they are two years old. It is also important to set your own example for a child. In the process of brushing your teeth with your child, you can at first hold his hand, guide his movements, so that he will quickly learn how to properly reproduce them himself. Important, so that the child first learned to use a regular brush to consolidate cleaning skills. Giving electric to children under 2 years is not recommended;
• Dentists believe that a child can start using an electric brush from the age of two. However, this should not be done on an ongoing basis. The enamel of the child’s primary teeth does not have sufficient hardness; it can be easily damaged if it is not sufficiently delicate. If the child has learned how to use a regular brush, you can buy him an electric one, but you should gradually train him to handle it. Electric brush has a tougher effect on enamelrather than the usual, children should not use it daily. It is important that the cleaning process is always controlled by the parents;
• Periodically use an electric toothbrush along with the usual can be up to the age of six. After possible full transition to electronic. However, observation from adults is recommended not to stop until the child performs the cleaning completely independently and correctly;
• From the age of 13, you can switch to a toothbrush for adults.

Toothbrush: electric or ordinary?

As mentioned above, children's tooth enamel does not have sufficient hardnessIt requires a careful attitude towards oneself, which can be achieved only by using an ordinary brush.

In addition to the medical aspect, according to which you should not use electric toothbrushes for up to two years, there are also arguments in favor of this:

• To instill the skill of proper toothbrushing is possible only with the help of an ordinary brush;
• not having learned to use a regular brush as a child, an older child can hardly ever use it at all; under certain circumstances this can lead to awkward situations;
• fine motor skills develop in the process of using a conventional brush. He gets the necessary manual skills. These are necessary conditions for the proper development of children.

What should be an electric toothbrush for children?

Specifications

You should pay attention to some technical points when buying an electric toothbrush child:

• Each package must contain the recommended age. These guidelines should be strictly followed;
• Depending on the age, the stiffness of the bristles should be selected. You can’t go wrong if you choose soft for any age. Recently, along with soft bristles (soft), an especially soft (extra soft) has appeared on the market, which is recommended for use by children under five years of age;
• it is believed that the height of the bristles also matters. For a child, it should not exceed 10 mm. A good solution would be the choice of multi-level bristles;
• if the child is still small and his parents clean his teeth, one should choose a device with a sufficiently large handle of optimal length;
• for independent use by the child not suitable with a long handlethat fits well in the palm of a child. This moment affects not only the usability, but also the quality of cleaning;
• To protect the gums from damage due to excessive pressure, you should buy models with a flexible cushioning element.

Appearance

Recently, among the manufacturers of children's toothbrushes, electric models began to look very colorful and began to resemble more toys than devices.In addition to the fact that it arouses interest in the child and develops a desire to use the device in it, sales increase, because children are increasingly asking parents to buy this useful toy for them. It should be noted that in pursuit of sales these toy brushes can be completely uncomfortable in operation. The child will not be able to properly hold it and even more effectively use it.

Care for baby electric toothbrush

There are a number of rules recommended for implementation when purchasing and during the operation of an electric toothbrush for children:

• Buy preferred model in a sealed package. Compliance with this condition ensures the sterility of the device;
• Before first use, thorough washing of the bristles with running water is required;
• it is important to remember that in order to disinfect you can not boil the stubble, since it can just go bad. Modern materials used in the manufacture of the device are not designed to withstand high temperatures;
• nozzles are recommended to be changed every three months or more. This point is important to preserve the efficiency of the device, which is especially important when used by children;
• the traditional method of storing the device is vertical;
• Do not remove the brush in its case or put protective caps on it. It must be well dried to prevent the development of harmful microflora. Cases and caps can only be used in the case of transport.

Varieties of Electric Toothbrushes

Classification in the direction of movement of the bristles

Depending on the pattern of movement of the bristles during operation, electric brushes can be divided into two categories:

• with reciprocating motion of the bristles. The cleaning technique of this type of model is most similar to the cleaning technique of a regular toothbrush. The movement of the hand when using such a brush is most familiar;
• with reciprocating movement of the bristles. When using such brushes, it is necessary to slowly move the working surface from one tooth to another.

The choice among these options depends on the preferences of the person rather than on any objective factors. Each method has its advantages.

Bristle speed classification

There are two fundamentally different technologies for cleaning teeth, depending on which electric toothbrushes are divided into the following types:

• so-called sound brushes. The movement of the bristles is clearly audible to the human ear. The oscillation frequency is from 20 Hz to 20000 Hz. The basic principle of cleaning is the mechanical removal of plaque;
• ultrasonic brushes. Their work is not audible, since the bristles oscillate with a high frequency of 20,000 Hz. Most ultrasonic brushes operate at a frequency of 1.6 MHz, approved more than twenty years ago and has undergone numerous tests not only for efficiency, but also for safety. The principle of action is based on the damage to the chains of bacteria and the violation of their attachment to the surface of the teeth. Efficiency is proven even under the condition of exposure from a distance of up to 5 mm;
• combined brushes. Combine the positive qualities of both types, ultrasound destroys the bacterial chains, and the effect of sweeping movements contributes to their removal from the surface of the teeth.

It is important to remember that ultrasonic brushes not recommended for gum disease or sensitive tooth enamel. In addition, the effects of ultrasound shorten the life of the fillings. It is necessary to abandon the use of ultrasound models by young children.

Additional options for electric toothbrushes

Depending on the model, given its cost, the electric brush can be equipped with various useful additional options:

• timer. Allows you to detect the time spent on cleaning the entire area or part of it. In a two-minute cleaning cycle, 30 seconds are given for every quarter;
• display.As a rule, the LCD shows the cleaning time, battery charge and other parameters;
• pressure sensor. To prevent damage to the enamel of the teeth due to strong pressure, a special sensor can either beep or turn off the device;
• ultrasound exposure indicator. Used on ultrasonic brushes in order to inform the user about the operation of the devicebecause the ultrasound is beyond the ears of the human ear;
• switch cleaning modes. Several cleaning programs can be stored in the memory of the device. In addition to the standard there are special modes for sensitive teeth for whitening. If the model has the function of cleaning the tongue, there is also a special mode for it.

To ensure the health of your child's teeth, you should consider the full range of tips on the use of both conventional and electric toothbrushes. Armed with knowledge, you can independently choose the optimal model, but still better to use the advice of a pediatric dentist, who will find an individual approach to the child and give his recommendations on the selection of a children's electric toothbrush.

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