Tooth brushes: Traditional or High Tech?

Parents usually ask which tooth brush their child should use – the traditional variety or the newer, high tech, electronic variety. Both are effective in cleaning teeth thoroughly, you should use the toothbrush that entices the child to brush. In either case, brushing time is about 2 minutes.

Manual toothbrush

The positive aspects of using a manual tooth brush are many and include: (a) the quality of the bristles can be matched to the gingiva (gums), with soft bristles most suitable for sensitive gums. (b) available in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes; some with logo of cartoon characters; all designed to make your child want to brush; (c) travel friendly – batteries or charging outlets are not needed; does not break when dropped; and (d) inexpensive.

The negative aspects of using a manual toothbrush are few, and include: (a) brushing is more laborious with a manual, as compared to an electric toothbrush; (b) brushing time must be estimated.

Electric high tech toothbrush

The positive aspects of using an electric toothbrush include: (a) toothbrushes have a built in timer that stops brushing after 2 minutes, thus, eliminating the guesswork of evaluating brushing time; (b) the “tickling” sensation may be more child-friendly, changing teeth brushing from a chore to a game. Many kids like the vibrations, (some don’t); and (c) some studies suggest that an electronic toothbrush with a rotating-oscillating head (i.e., the bristles rotate in one direction and then switch and rotate in the opposite direction) or a head that uses ultrasonic pulses to move the bristles may be more effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis (gum disease) than a manual toothbrush. (d) Cool apps, such as games, personal brushing coaching, and tracking your brushing activity may engage children to brush more thoroughly.

The negative aspects of using an electric toothbrush are practical, rather than dental, issues and include: (a) some young children may not like the vibrations; (b) requires charging or batteries; (c) toothbrush may be damaged when dropped; (d) inconvenient when traveling and costly

General information when using either a manual or an electric toothbrush

• When cleaning teeth, the bristles should be angled 45° towards the gum line, allowing one row of bristle tips to slip slightly under the gums;
• Brushing should only take about 2 minutes;
• Brush at least twice a day (with braces, brush after every meal and clean around the braces);
• Toothbrushes and brush heads of electric toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or when bristles have frayed.
• Flossing is an excellent adjunct to proper brushing and, if performed correctly, will not only remove food particles from between the teeth but can also scrape off plaque.

Pediatric Dentistry: Dr. Sara B. Babich, DDS
116 E 84th St
New York, NY 10028
(84th St. btw Park Ave / Lex Ave)
☎ 212-988-4070

Contact us today to learn more about our
New York City pediatric dentistry practice (212) 988-4070