How to Find the Right Toothbrush for Your Child
In a market-driven world saturated with options for the consumer, parents can easily have a hard time determining the best toothbrush for their child. In an effort to help you navigate and assess products on the shelves, the staff at our Harrisburg dentistry practice, have put together some pointers for overcoming this very problem. The goal is to give your child the tools and instill oral hygiene habits that will cultivate his or her dental health, and essentially their well being for a lifetime, from a young age.
A Harrisburg cosmetic dentist like Dr. Silvers may not be in the aisle with you at the pharmacy, but checking off the list of advice below will make him there in spirit.
Checklist for Choosing Your Child’s Toothbrush
A “yes” for each of the following questions means the toothbrush being considered is the right call for your child.
- Approved: Does the toothbrush have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval? This is the “gold” standard for expert approved and recommended dental products intended for your family.
- Size: Is the toothbrush easy for your child to hold? Do the proportions work well with the size of the little one’s teeth and mouth? Small children will need a “child-sized” toothbrush.
- Bristles: Are the bristles soft? Are the tips of the bristles rounded? For optimal protection against damage when brushing, look for soft, rounded bristles on the toothbrush.
- Safety: Electronic toothbrushes that oscillate can be very effective, but they should be reserved for older children and adults. Give your little one(s) toothbrushes that are not electric or battery-operated for their own safety and your own peace of mind.
- Price: Do you believe the toothbrush quality warrants the amount the instrument costs? Look at purchasing the toothbrush as an investment in your child’s dental health and overall well-being.
- Preference: Does your child appreciate the toothbrush on some level, even if it’s just for the glittery plastic handle?
At the end of the day, the best toothbrush for your child is the one he or she is most likely to use on a daily basis. If the child is old enough, bring him or her along on the shopping trip; give children who are mature enough the option of choosing their own toothbrush. If your child is excited about their girly pink, boyish blue, or cartoon-themed brush, odds are that his or her smile will get the maximum benefit from it in terms of oral health, reducing the need for smile makeovers or restorative dentistry procedures later on in life.
Reach Out Today
For our patients in Harrisburg, restorative dentistry options such as dental fillings and crowns can be used to improve the health of damaged teeth. The skilled team making up the cosmetic dental practice of Silvers Family Dental Care looks forward to treating your family. Please contact us for more information about choosing the ideal toothbrush or to schedule a cleaning and checkup for your child. We want to see you grow bright, healthy smiles!