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At Children’s Dental FunZone we find that one of the most prominent questions we get asked is what type of toothbrush is best. Parents may be wondering whether a high-tech powered toothbrush may be more effective in cleaning children’s teeth than a manual toothbrush. Dental experts at the Children’s Dental FunZone suggest that parents take time to review the advantages of both methods so that they may decide on which one their children should use.

Many children think that electric toothbrushes are a lot of fun and this makes them more enthusiastic about brushing their teeth. Because of the powered rotation and stroke action, parents believe that electric toothbrushes are more efficient and clean teeth quicker than the manual version. The current demand for electric toothbrushes has skyrocketed in the last few years because of this. Some dentists believe that the combined rotation and oscillation actions in electric toothbrushes are more effective in removing plaque from the teeth. While research does not show a significant difference in the amount of plaque removed, we recommend an electric toothbrush if it will get the kids excited about brushing and assure that they will do so twice a day.

Manual toothbrushes, on the other hand, can be just as effective as their high-tech counterparts. Their soft bristles help clean teeth surfaces and effectively remove plaque and even food deposits. Some children may prefer to use manual toothbrushes because the vibration and powered motion of electric brushes may make their gums bleed. Manual toothbrushes on the market today have added technology that make them more effective. Crisscrossed bristles, rounded tips, ergonomically designed handles, angled brush heads, gum stimulators, tongue cleaning pads—these are all advanced features incorporated into the conventional toothbrush to make them more effective in cleaning and maintaining dental health for children and adults alike.

Overall, it doesn’t matter whether your child prefers to use an electric or a manual toothbrush. What it all comes down to is the proper technique that they use in brushing their teeth, the frequency with which they do it, and how well they actually clean their teeth each time. The most important take home message is that they make sure to brush two times a day, focusing their attention on the fact that the bristles of the toothbrush glide against the gums. They also have to brush their “back teeth” or their molars just as much as they brush the teeth they can see in the mirror. With proper brushing technique and regular dental visits, the pediatric experts at Children’s Dental FunZone are confident that your child will have a healthy smile for years to come.


Frequently Asked Questions

Electric toothbrushes are just fine for kids that are at least 3 years old. Any young children below that age should stick to manual toothbrushes and work on proper brushing procedures that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

In some cases, electric toothbrushes can make the chore of brushing more entertaining for your kids. It can provide extended motivation and help their brushing habits by making things easier. There are several childrens’ models of electric toothbrushes available with flashy characters and colors.

According to several new studies, electric toothbrushes are superior to manual toothbrushes. They clean the gums and teeth better, especially the models with rotating and oscillating heads. They are better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease and decay.

The vibrating and rotating action of electric toothbrushes are superior at removing plaque and preventing gum disease and decay. The additional movements can create a superior brushing technique and reach spots that kids will miss using manual toothbrushes.

Several reviews have shown that electric toothbrushes do indeed remove more plaque, as well as reduce gum disease over time. Because of the small oscillating heads, electric toothbrushes can reach spots that manual brushes miss, particularly toward the back of your mouth.

It depends on whether or not the child can hold, operate, and manipulate the adult electric toothbrush with the same efficacy. Most young children require electric toothbrushes with smaller heads that let them brush their teeth and reach the back of their mouths.

For some children (and adults) using an electric toothbrush is easier and more efficient than using a manual brush. Electric toothbrushes can reach spots easier than manual brushes, and the helpful brushing action is good for kids who have trouble with the daily chore.

It’s a good idea to hold off on using an electric toothbrush on your child until they are at least age 3. Don’t use an electric brush on any child younger than 3, instead safely use a manual brush. Good brushing techniques start young.