Choosing A Toothbrush For Your Child | La Costa Dental Excellence

At La Costa Dental Excellence, Drs. Stephen and Kimberly Dankworth are often asked how to select the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush can be as hard as choosing a paint color, and there seem to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local grocery store, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up.

Choosing a Toothbrush for a Child

When deciding on a toothbrush for a child, make sure the brush feels comfortable in his or her hand. If the size and angle feel awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth. Children do not necessarily need a child-sized toothbrush. Some kids can handle an adult size brush better than a short, narrow child-size brush. If you are unsure, ask your dentist.

Is your child’s toothbrush and brushing technique doing the job? Schedule an exam at La Costa Dental Excellence to find out. At La Costa Dental Excellence, our committed to excellence dental hygienists help our patients of all ages learn proper brushing techniques.

Beware of Firm Bristles

One vital factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can weaken your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to clean plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also provide more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Schedule a Dental Cleaning

If your teeth have a plaque that has hardened into calculus, you need to come in for a dental cleaning. A stiff-bristled toothbrush won’t be able to safely remove it. A dental cleaning will prevent and gum disease. Plus, your teeth will feel fantastic!