Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes for Children (Pediatric Dental Care)

An electric toothbrush is NOT AUTOMATIC. The child has to move the toothbrush from teeth to teeth. The toothbrush does not go round the mouth brushing the teeth on its own! SUPERVISED tooth brushing for children under 6 years old is important.

Electric toothbrush may contain small parts that make it unsuitable for children under 3 years old. Please check the manufacturer’s warning and the age appropriateness of the toothbrush before purchase.

Young children, who cannot even brush well with a manual toothbrush, may hurt themselves if they do not know how to position the electric toothbrush. Again, SUPERVISED tooth brushing is the key!

A manual toothbrush is as efficient as an electric toothbrush if the correct technique is used, and if the child is brushing teeth at the right surfaces and for the right duration. Your child may miss out certain areas during tooth brushing, resulting in accumulation of plaque that can contribute to gingivitis (gum inflammation – which may manifest as gum bleeding). In general, “2 MINUTES 2 TIMES DAILY” is recommended. Ask your child’s dentist for the correct brushing technique and where to place the toothbrush for effective tooth brushing.

If you (parent) are willing to SUPERVISE tooth brushing daily, and if an electric toothbrush makes your child’s daily tooth brushing routine more interesting (i.e. makes him / her more interested in brushing teeth), please go ahead with the electric toothbrush! Please do remember to change the head when the bristles wear out (just like a manual toothbrush).