Good oral hygiene should start early as a child grows. For this reason, most pediatric dentists recommend brushing your kid’s teeth as soon as you notice the first set of teeth.

When brushing a child’s teeth, one of the common questions parents ask is whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush. Both types are effective if used correctly. 

However, electric brushes could be better since they have added features to motivate kids to brush their teeth.

Here are common features to observe when buying an electric or manual toothbrush for your kid.

Cost

Toothbrushes vary in cost, with the manual type being cheaper. Manual toothbrushes cost between $2- to $8, depending on the brand, grip, and other functionalities.

In contrast, electric brushes are costly, owing to their pristine features. The price range for an electric toothbrush falls between $20-$200. 

Ease of Use

Manual toothbrushes come in various sizes and lengths, in addition to their simple designs. However, holding and using a manual toothbrush can be challenging if your child has limited hand mobility.

On the other hand, electric toothbrushes are the easiest to use, thanks to power batteries, pressure sensors, and configuration settings. In addition, they have an automatic rotating and stroking mechanism allowing uninterrupted cleaning. 

With the right power and speed settings, you can say goodbye to worries about your child not brushing their teeth properly.

Pressure on the Enamel

When your kid uses a manual toothbrush, the amount of pressure exerted on the enamel depends on the grip on the toothbrush. There’s a greater risk of applying excessive pressure on the enamel, especially if the child is still learning to brush their teeth.

However, an electric toothbrush has efficient pressure sensors to regulate pressure on the gums and teeth.

Cleaning Capability

Children may sometimes fail to clean their teeth properly using a manual toothbrush unless under supervision. For this reason, children require an angled head manual toothbrush to enable easy access to hidden tooth areas.

An electric toothbrush on the other hand, has an enhanced cleaning capability. First, it has a timer that helps your child meet the minimum recommended two-minute brushing period. 

Not only that, you can change the brush heads to give your child what works best. Moreover, you can choose the required settings for rotation, counter-rotation, oscillation, and pulsating motion.

The enhanced rotation and vibration means the toothbrush can achieve a superior movement between the teeth and reach hidden spots that your kid will likely miss when using a manual toothbrush.

Portability

A manual toothbrush is very portable since it doesn’t have many accessories. So, you need not worry about packing and storage if you’re traveling on holiday or on family trips with your kids.

However, electric toothbrushes have many accessories, including batteries, replaceable heads, and chargers. So, if you’re traveling, you should ensure you don’t leave out any essential accessories.

Amusing Features

Some electric toothbrushes have amusement features to make them appealing to children. For instance, some may have whistling bells, music, light, and sound effects which encourage your child to use the toothbrush. 

Good brushing techniques begin when your child is still young. Therefore, your choice of a toothbrush plays a vital role in encouraging your child to develop healthy oral habits. Electric toothbrushes may be costly but prove more effective than manual brushes. However, before choosing an electric toothbrush, ensure your child is three years or older.