Which Toothbrush is Better? Electric Vs. Manual

Kids often like the feeling associated with an electric toothbrush, and it sometimes makes the experience more “fun” for kids. However, just because kids think it is fun, does not necessarily mean that an electric toothbrush is a better option for every child. In fact, the American Dental Association reports that manual toothbrushes can be just as effective as electric ones. The focus is really on teaching children how to use the brush properly, whether it is electrical or not. In some situations, however, a pediatric dentist may recommend an electrical toothbrush over a manual one for a child.

When is an Electric Toothbrush Better?

If you have trouble getting your kids to brush their teeth, introducing an electric toothbrush may be a good way to spark their enthusiasm. More, better brushing is almost always associated with better oral health. One the other hand, some kids’ dentists shy away from recommending an electric toothbrush because it can be confusing or frightening for a few children.

Electric toothbrushes may also be a better option if your child has trouble moving his or her traditional toothbrush around the mouth. An electric toothbrush can help hit surfaces more in depth for children, who often do not have well-developed motor skills. An electric toothbrush can also provide 6,000 to 30,00 strokes per minute, which can increase the effectiveness of certain poor brushing methods. However, the power can bother children because they are often more likely to have sensitive teeth. Your pediatric dentist may have a few suggestions on how to get around teeth sensitivities for your child.

Certain brands are now developing electronic toothbrushes specifically tailored to fit children’s smaller hands. Dr, Yury Slepak, a pediatric dentist in Brooklyn, can help you find the right electric toothbrush to fit your child.

Other Factors to Consider

Manual toothbrushes allow you to hit more teeth at once while most electric toothbrushes are often designed to clean one tooth at a time. If your child squirms and runs when it is time to brush their teeth, a manual toothbrush may work better in the short amount of time that you have. Nonetheless, an electric toothbrush may still be more thorough.

Talk to your Brooklyn pediatric dentist about which option may be best for your child. Call 718-998-2424 to schedule an appointment or for more information.