Best Toothbrush for Kids With Braces

If your child has braces, maintaining optimal dental hygiene can be a real challenge. The amazing thing about this dental appliance, however, is that once your kid has finished wearing it, their teeth will be straightened and much easier to clean! But while in orthodontic treatment, they will have to pay extra attention to oral care since their teeth will be more susceptible to tooth decay. 

During that time, parents usually want to make sure their children follow a consistent oral hygiene routine and use only dental products that fit their specific needs. Below, we discuss some of the best toothbrush options for kids with medical or cosmetic braces, as well as things to pay special attention to when visiting a toothbrush aisle, so we advise you to keep reading!

What to Look for in a Toothbrush if Your Kid Has Braces?

There are two important things to consider if you want to purchase a perfect toothbrush for your child. First, its bristles need to be soft and angled so that a kid could easily reach areas around wires. Opt for rounded-end bristles if possible since they have proved to be better suited for children with braces. Second, the head of the toothbrush must be small to be ideal for cleaning all those hard-to-reach surfaces in your kid’s mouth, such as the margin of the gum line, which is the perfect breeding spot for bacteria. 

Finally, don’t forget that The American Dental Association suggests looking for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when selecting the toothbrush. Only then will you be positive that you’ve chosen the item that has successfully passed quality control and is approved by professionals. 

If you follow these recommendations, you’re bound to find a perfect tool for preventing cavities, gum irritations, and kicking plaque to the curb.

Are Electric Toothbrushes Better for Kids with Braces?

This is another burning question, not only among parents of kids with braces but also everybody else. The American Dental Association indicates that there’s no difference between electric and manual toothbrushes regarding their effectiveness. This means that when a child learns to brush properly, using a manual toothbrush will be as effective as using an electric one. That said, some kids prefer electric ones simply because they perceive them as more fun and easier to use.

If you believe your child likes manual toothbrushes better or is an avid brusher, make sure to help them pick the one with a smaller head and soft bristles so that they can access hard-to-reach areas in their mouth more easily. The toothbrush should be an age-appropriate size, allowing them to reach areas around wires, as well as all other surfaces in their mouth as effortlessly as possible.

If a child is more than three years old, they are eligible to use an electric toothbrush. The majority of orthodontic treatments start between ages 8 and 14, meaning that every child of that age could start using one of them without any problems. One of the advantages that arise from using electric toothbrushes is a higher chance that a child will brush longer due to their built-in timers reminding them to brush for the recommended amount of time (two minutes) and can have various other indicators to help them meet their brushing goals. They usually come in a range of colors and feature various popular TV shows and comic book characters. Also, numerous manufacturers nowadays pay special attention to toothbrush head design to make it more convenient for children and teenagers with braces, so this is definitely a plus.

But even having the best toothbrush in the world can’t make up for the lack of good oral hygiene habits. Your kid still needs to brush and floss regularly. If they are under seven, they should brush under your supervision. The ADA recommends using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste per brushing. The mouthwash for kids can be very beneficial too. Entice them to eat healthily, drink plenty of water and avoid sugary foods and drinks for the best possible results.

In Conclusion

When choosing the best toothbrush for a child with braces, there are some guidelines every parent should follow. However, every child has a different approach to brushing, and this is also something to take into account when deciding whether to go manual or electric. These days, manufacturers are even designing special lines of products for children and teenagers with braces, which allows them to keep oral hygiene on the right track. On the negative side, electric toothbrushes are often more costly compared to manual ones, including the replacement heads you need to buy every three or four months, so this is something you should also keep in mind before deciding to get one for your child.

Does your child have braces? What kind of toothbrush does he or she use? Tell us all about it in the comments below!