go back

Teaching your children to brush their teeth properly is an important part of teaching them good, healthy habits. In order for them to establish a good habit of teeth brushing, you need to enable them with the right toothbrush. It can be difficult to make sure your kid is brushing twice a day, but it’s even more difficult if brushing is uncomfortable. There’s no doubt that your child’s developing teeth need to be brushed daily to remain healthy and cavity-free. But you can’t simply offer your toddler the same type of toothbrush and toothpaste you use on your own teeth. After all, kids need different types of dental tools than adults.¹

To choose the right toothbrush for your child, you must consider a variety of factors, including age, ability, and dental health needs. The following simple guidelines will help you choose the right toothbrush for your child.¹

Whatever your child's age, the toothbrush you pick should be easy for your child to hold and manipulate and fit comfortably into the mouth. It’s best to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, with rounded or ‘polished’ ends, as these will be gentler on the gums and tooth enamel.²

Because a child’s mouth is smaller, it does not make sense to buy an adult toothbrush for them. For this reason we recommend buying a toothbrush specifically designed for a child. We recommend a brush that is 2.5cm long and 1.25cm wide for optimal performance. The brush’s surface should be large enough to enable complete cleaning of the tooth when brushing in a circular motion. Be sure that the one you choose adequately reaches behind the molars that are located furthest back in your child’s mouth. Children’s toothbrushes often have a fatter handle that makes gripping easier for kids, who’s manual dexterity is not yet fully developed. ²

As long as you keep the above factors in mind, it can be a good idea to allow your child to choose a toothbrush that suits his or her tastes in terms of color, pattern, and so on. This will make brushing more fun for your child, and encourage him or her to do it more often.²  Toddler toothbrushes should be bright colors that are attractive to small children. This will help encourage your toddler to take an interest in the brushing and flossing routine. Toothbrushes for children this age are typically the most fun. They're often cartoon character-themed, so your child can pick a brush featuring a favorite animated character.¹

Electric toothbrushes are available for children as well. Before you choose an electric toothbrush for your child, however, discuss it with your child's doctor for advice on proper use, the difference in brushing technique, and the best style of head for children.¹

Mohammad Kamal Harb

Pediatrician

¹https://www.smiletownburnaby.com/

²https://www.funtasticdental.com/kids-dental-care-choosing-right-toothbrush/