Manual vs Electric toothbrushes - What should you get for your kid?

This is a question that many parents ask for which the most simple reply has been given by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD); anything that boosts a child’s interest in brushing his/her teeth would be a novel idea.

It would be best to consider the following points in making a choice between a manual and electric toothbrush:

A manual toothbrush is more ideal for a kid that wriggles; it does a more thorough job as it scrubs back and forth and covers multiple teeth at one time. It is however to be noted that for a toddler who is very patient an electric toothbrush with circular heads that cover one tooth at a time would be more efficient.

The choice of a manual or depends on one’s own choice; just observe which works better for your kid.

The choice of a manual or electric toothbrush also depends on if it has a seal of approval of the American Dental Association or ADA; they require rigorous standards to be approved. The brushes should not have round edges or unsafe components and also last for a long period.   
Also ensure the toothbrush for your toddler whether manual or electric has soft rounded bristles also known as polished; the bristles should not be firm or even medium bristles. This would ensure the tooth brush is gentler on your toddler’s teeth and gums.

The toothbrush whether manual or electric should have a child-sized head and long handle that fits comfortably in your toddler’s mouth and can be easily maneuvered into all the nooks and corners where the bits of food hide. Choosing a big handle helps the toddler to hold it and control it.

It would attract your toddler if you get him/her a brush that plays music or lights up; your kid will enjoy his/her own private dental disco.

Allow your kid to select his/her toothbrush. Make sure you make brushing of his/her teeth after each meal a regular routine until one is seven or eight, Most kids would do so if they have a brush and tooth paste of a flavor they like; you have however to be persistent to create a habit.

Here are a few techniques that would help create a habit of brushing in your kid:

Sing a song your child loves and knows during the tooth brushing session; he/she will know exactly how much time is left for the session to get over. 

   
You could make a game by counting the 20 choppers, ten at the top and ten below that most kids by the time they are 3 years old. 

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