TEXT Andrew Parkin
T raining your toddler early with oral
hygiene habits is very important if you
want your child to have healthy teeth for
the rest of his life. A good toothbrush is
an excellent tool to get the best results out
for brushes that are rechargeable and with
replaceable heads.

»» Regular Toothbrush. By the time your
child reaches 9 years of age, the development
of his teeth is almost complete, so a regular or
of brushing.

Getting the right toothbrush is the number one rule
in kids’ dental care. Many toothbrush brands are
available on the market, so choosing the best can be
confusing. While all toothbrushes guarantee good
quality and value, not all of them can live up to their
promises. The next time you shop for your toddler’s
toothbrush, remember these tips.

adult-sized brush can be used.

Check Bristles
Regardless of the type of toothbrush you choose,
always look for a brush that has soft and tiny bristles
since your toddler’s teeth and gums are
still in their growing phase. A hard-bristled brush
can cause bleeding and pain especially if your
Get The Correct Brush Size
toddler is a hard brusher. Remember, his toothbrush
The key to finding the right match for your little one
is to get a toothbrush based on your toddler’s age. A
small brush can be a choking hazard while a big one
may not clean his teeth properly. Here is a guide to
age-appropriate toothbrushes:
must massage his gums and teeth, not cause him
»» Finger Toothbrushes. Finger brushes
are extra soft making them easy to use.

Your toddler can simply use a non-fluoride
toothpaste or water. Best for toddlers between
8- and 12-months old.

»» Toddler Toothbrushes. When your toddler
reaches the age of 2, he can now switch to a
toddler toothbrush. The brush’s head is slightly
bigger, which effectively helps in getting the
hard to reach baby tooth molars that erupt in
the back of your toddler’s mouth. When your
toddler starts to spit out his toothpaste, you can
now shift to using toothpaste with fluoride.

»» School Age Toothbrushes. Once his adult
teeth start developing, a larger children’s brush
is recommended to ensure his adult teeth
remain healthy and strong. Make the switch
once he hits the age of 5.

»» Electric Toothbrush. Best used by 5- to
8-year-olds, kids love electric toothbrushes.

Some even have a 3-minute timer built in which
ensures complete and longer brushing. It also
helps boost your child’s motor skills. Look
discomfort.

Ensure Strong Grip and an Appealing Design
An unbreakable handle that is easy to grip permits
your little one a proper grasp. The perfect fit gives
brushing handiness without the threat of excessive
air inhalation and choking. Choose a brush with an
interesting design to make tooth brushing extra fun,
like flashing lights or a picture of your child’s favorite
cartoon character.

Go For a Round-Headed Brush
Your toddler’s toothbrush must be in accordance to
the size of his mouth and age. A toothbrush with a
round head guards his teeth and cheeks on the inside
and is easy to put into your toddler’s mouth.

Andrew Parkin owns a website that provides
guidance on toddler health, toddler development,
toddler parenting, toddler activities and more.

Visit his website at ToddlerHub.com.

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