Many moms ask me during their child’s First Dental Visit, “What’s the best toothbrush for my child” or “How can I choose the right toothbrush for my child’s teeth?”. It may seem like a small decision, but it’s a big deal for their teeth.
When it comes to toothbrushes, it’s important to get the right toothbrush from the start as first impressions on your child count first, right?
With so many toothbrush options out there, it can be tough to pick the right one for your child. This is why I’m here to give you the top 3 things you need to know as a parent to choose the right toothbrush for your kid!
Which toothbrush size is best for my child’s age?
The size of your child’s toothbrush counts a lot. The ideal toothbrush for your child should have a small head, so you can reach the backside of his/her mouth and back teeth.
A small head of a toothbrush also allows you to brush your child’s tongue without him/her gagging.
For newborns, use a baby toothbrush 0-2 years. This toothbrush has a small head that helps you brush the gums softly, the inside of cheeks, and the tongue where formula milk and/or breastmilk residues stick in the crevices…Good oral hygiene starts early!
We usually recommend upgrading the size of your child’s toothbrush to a 3-5 toothbrush, which has a bigger head, once your child has all his/her milk teeth which is around 2 to 3 years of age.
Should I go for soft or hard hair bristles for my child’s toothbrush?
Choose a toothbrush with soft hair bristles for your child. Look for one that has its filaments certified by a recognized medical seal, or a certified standardized lab.
This feature indicates that the toothbrush is of high quality. Which also means it has:
- Better performance in brushing
- Less trauma on your child’s gums and teeth
- Less need to change your toothbrush after a few uses
Which toothbrush handle design should I go for?
A grip of a toothbrush is where all the fun comes to your baby and child.
Toothbrush handles come in all forms and shapes, from big ones to small, from dinosaur shapes to rounded, hollow or oversized, wooden or plastic. Which can get quite confusing for many parents and children…
I find oversized handles better as they keep you or your child from going too far in his/her mouth while brushing. A big handle helps your baby/ toddler to train his/her fine motor skills and allows a good start in being an independent brusher.
PRO-TIP: Involve your child in choosing his/her toothbrush
Involving your child in choosing their toothbrush can be really helpful. Allow them to be part of the decision by picking the color of the toothbrush or choosing their favorite disney character as a handle.
This makes it easier to instill brushing and it makes brushing more fun and a positive experience for them.
To sum it up, it’s best to choose a toothbrush for your child with soft bristles, big handles and an age-appropriate size. Regardless of the shape and size, toddlers and babies chew a lot on their toothbrushes; so please don’t forget to change their toothbrushes whenever the hair bristles diverge, or when your child gets sick – it’s usually every few weeks!
