As your child’s teeth begin coming in, teaching them proper dental care is crucial to maintaining their oral health and teaching them habits they’ll carry into adulthood. Picking out a toothbrush for your child is more than just finding one with their favorite superhero or character on it. Keep these four tips in mind when you get to the store.

Top Tips to Picking Out the Right Kid’s Toothbrush

1. Look for an Age-Appropriate Brush

Children’s toothbrushes are sized appropriately for their teeth, gums, and hands. Look for a brush that’s labeled for children to ensure they’re able to comfortably grip it. It should also have a head and bristles that aren’t too large and can easily be maneuvered. If you’re looking for an option for your baby, look for an infant finger brush that can remove bacteria from their gums.

2. Consider Bristle Type 

Toothbrushes come with soft, medium, and hard bristles. And while a harder bristle may sound like it cleans deeper, it’s actually so strong that it can hurt your child’s gums. Select a brush that has softer bristles for your child, and focus on teaching them the right technique to clean their teeth.

3. Examine Electric Options

Electric toothbrushes can provide an effective clean for both children and adults alike, but it’s important you still stick to age-appropriate guidelines when opting for this variety. Make sure you choose one with soft bristles that your child can still easily handle and opt for a model with replaceable heads, so you can simply swap in a new one when it’s time.

4. Let Your Child Help

Since your child is going to be the one using this brush every day, make sure you include them in the dental care decision-making process. If they’re still too young to understand what they need in a toothbrush, give them two to three options you approve of and let them pick the one they like best.

If you want to ensure you’re teaching your child the best dental care practices, talk to the professionals at Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage, AK. Whether you’re looking for advice to pick out the best toothbrush for your child or simply need to have their biannual checkup, Dr. Chris Coplin and his team provide the oral health services your family needs. Learn more about this practice by visiting them online or call (907) 274-2525 to schedule an appointment.