June 8, 2018
With so many variables to consider when it comes to your child’s oral health care, you want to make sure that you’re covering all your bases. One vital area to consider is the type of toothbrush your kiddo uses. How can you tell which is the right one? Furthermore, why does it matter what kind of tool is used? Your pediatric dentist in Birmingham weighs in to answer these and other questions as you read on.
Why is the Toothbrush So Important?
Before we tackle the question of what type of toothbrush is best for your child, let’s first take a look at why a toothbrush is so important to oral health. Its bristles, whether on a manual or electric version, work to agitate the debris on the teeth’s surface. In doing so, they allow the rinsing process to flush away the harmful substances.
One reason the right toothbrush is necessary is that the bristles on one model may be too hard and lead to gum irritation when your little one brushes. This can open the door for a host of other problems like infection and gingivitis.
To experience the best results with your child’s oral health, it’s a must, then, to have the right toothbrush, to brush on a consistent basis and to use the right technique.
What’s the Right Type of Toothbrush for Your Child?
One way to find the right type of toothbrush is to look for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval. When you see that, you’ll know that the product at least meets the following criteria:
- All the toothbrush components are safe for your child’s use.
- There are no sharp or jagged edges on the bristles that could cause lacerations or other forms of soft tissue irritation.
- The handle has been manufacturer-tested for durability and has been found to be soundly made.
- The bristles won’t fall out after normal use.
Along with finding the right tool to use, there are other factors that play a role in the effectiveness of your kiddo’s oral hygiene.
How to Maximize the Toothbrush’s Effectiveness
To get the most out of a toothbrush, it’s necessary for your child to brush on a consistent basis and to use the right technique. Initially, you’ll need to monitor his or her routine as best you can to ensure that the right types of habits are forming.
As part of the process, you can check for the following:
- Is the toothbrush being held at a 45-degree angle away from the gums to prevent damage?
- Is your child using too much force when brushing?
- Is he or she brushing long enough? (The ADA recommends two minutes per session.)
By putting all of these components together, you can better rest knowing that your child’s oral hygiene is more productive and that a host of dental problems are being prevented. If you have other questions about how to enhance the dental care of your kiddo, feel free to reach out to your local dentist to schedule a visit.
About the Author
Dr. Angelica R. Rohner earned her dental degree from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. She then went on to complete a two-year residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Additionally, Dr Rohner maintains membership in several professional organizations to stay abreast of the latest changes in the world of pediatric dentistry. She can be reached for more information through her website.
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