How to Choose a Toothbrush For Your Child

Pediatric dental care team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, Taylorsville.

How to Choose a Toothbrush For Your Child

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Choosing a Child's Toothbrush

Friendly pediatric dentist with child patient in Sandy, UT near me.

At Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, we love helping parents make the best decisions for their little ones. We pride ourselves on parents and patient education. In fact, one of our most frequently asked questions is how to choose a toothbrush for your child. With so many options on the market, it can be a challenge.

If you’ve ever been to your local grocery store’s dental area, you’ll understand what we’re talking about. There are brushes with varying lengths of bristles, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when used. In addition, there are brushes that play songs, brushes that light up, and more.

Options to Consider When Picking a Toothbrush

Toothbrush Size

When choosing a toothbrush for a child, ensure it fits comfortably in their hand. If the size and angle are uncomfortable, the youngster will be less inclined to use it long enough to clean all mouthparts. Our dentist for kids in Salt Lake City shares that small, age-appropriate toothbrushes work the best in little mouths to get into tight spaces. If you are doubtful, consult with your kids dentist.

Soft Bristles or Firm Bristles?

The hardness of the bristles is a critical consideration. Stiff bristles may be more effective for cleaning charred meat from a grill or hard water deposits from a shower floor-  your teeth! Our friend Dr. Boals, shares that brushes with medium or hard bristles might cause gum injury.

The bristles of soft and extra-soft toothbrushes are firm enough to provide a deep clean and remove plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles are also more adaptable for reaching and can reach all the nooks and crevices. So, make sure to always look for a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Electric Toothbrush or Manual Brush?

Kids’ toothbrushes come in both electric and manual options. When deciding which one is best, it will largely depend on your child’s preferences. Research shows that an electric toothbrush with a small brush head does clean teeth better than a manual toothbrush. That being said, the BEST toothbrush for your kids is the one they want to brush with. Dr. Ari brushes with a manual toothbrush some days, and an electric one on other days, depending on how he feels. An electric toothbrush is not a replacement for good brushing technique and habits.

Toothbrushes for Different Age Groups

Pediatric dental care team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, Taylorsville.

Toothbrushes for Babies

Oral-B Pro-Health Stages Toothbrush (Ages 0-2)

This brush has a rubber grip handle which allows for easy brushing for parents. The handle also allows for your child to eventually begin to use the brush themselves. It has ultra-soft bristles that are perfect for your baby’s tender gums.

Toothbrushes for Toddlers

Colgate My First Toothbrush

This toothbrush is perfectly sized for toddlers and has an easy grip handle so your child can start to learn how to brush their teeth on their own. It features soft bristles that are gentle yet still effective at cleaning your toddler’s teeth.

Colgate Kids Battery Toothbrush

If your toddler prefers an electric toothbrush, the Colgate Kids Battery Toothbrush is a great way to get them starting to learn how to brush their teeth. These brushes are available in multiple different colors and feature popular cartoon characters. It also has a timer that will help to encourage your toddler to begin the habit of brushing for two minutes.

Toothbrushes for Kids

Oral-B Kids Electric Tooth Brush 

The Oral-B Kids Electric Tooth Brush is a great option for kids. It has a small circular head like the cleaning tools you would see at the dentist. It is also available in lots of fun themes and colors.

 

Get Your Child Involved

We want your child to be excited about their oral health. Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in SLC, shares that letting your child pick out their toothbrush is a great idea. Having a toothbrush that plays their favorite song, is their favorite color, or is an excellent, funky shape, is an easy way to get your kiddo excited to brush.

“Our team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry will do everything possible to avoid cavities with frequent cleanings and examinations. We are highly qualified to provide your children with high-quality, cutting-edge dental treatment while developing excellent dental habits that they can carry with them at home.” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll

What About Flossing?

Smiling child at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry in Cottonwood Heights, UT

Maintaining good oral hygiene in children is crucial for their overall health, and this includes both brushing and flossing. While it’s beneficial for kids to start practicing these habits early on, it’s important for parents or caregivers to actively assist with brushing and flossing until children develop the necessary dexterity. Typically, this level of manual dexterity is similar to the skill required to tie shoelaces quickly and efficiently, which usually occurs around the age of 7.

Until then, children might not have the fine motor skills needed to thoroughly clean between their teeth and along the gumline. By taking an active role in their dental care routine, you can ensure that their teeth and gums remain healthy, preventing cavities and gum disease. Encouraging your child to practice alongside you can also help them learn the correct techniques and build good habits for the future.

Plan A Dental Cleaning For Your Child

Dentist showing a child how to brush teeth properly

Are your child’s toothbrush and brushing methods effective? We can help you find out. Our exceptional dental hygienists at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry teach our patients of all ages to correct brushing practices.

Cavities can emerge when your child’s teeth are exposed to sugary or carbohydrate-containing meals. Sugars and carbs can build upon and around your child’s teeth after they eat, causing plaque to form on the enamel. As a result, your children may develop cavities. Fortunately, we specialize in Children’s Cavity Prevention.  In addition, we will work hard to instill a passion for brushing and flossing in your child, resulting in better checkups and fewer cavities. Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry today to learn more!

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Cavity Prevention Tips

Child smiling in a dentist's chair at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry in Midvale, UT

Cavity Prevention Tips

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Cavity prevention tips from our pediatric dentist in slc

Every day, we see parents who are astounded to hear that their child has a cavity. After all, their youngster brushes and flosses his or her teeth every day. Despite brushing and flossing on a regular basis, some children develop cavities.  Unfortunately, brushing and flossing aren’t always enough to keep cavities at bay. Thus, understanding what causes tooth decay is the first step toward cavity prevention. Below, our pediatric dentist Murray Utah shares cavity prevention tips. 

The Cause of Cavities

Tooth decay is caused by a variety of circumstances. First, Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in Salt Lake City, shares that bacteria play a significant impact.  When bacteria colonies go unchecked, they develop plaque, a white sticky coating made up of millions of germs. Plaque begins to coat the teeth more and more when brushing is neglected or not done correctly. When these bacteria are allowed to grow unchecked for an extended period of time, they create acids that destroy tooth enamel. This is why it’s essential to visit your kids dentist near me. 

Cavity Prevention Advice From Our Pediatric Dentist

Fortunately for you and your child, there are simple behaviors you may acquire to reduce the likelihood of them developing a cavity. Below, our pediatric dentist SLC shares cavity prevention tips. 

Increase Water Intake

Food particles are washed away by water. It also keeps the lips moist and the pH adjusted. Sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, should be avoided. Juices should also be avoided! As follows, juices are high in sugar, and some juices, such as orange juice, are also high in acidity. Thus, the nasty bacteria in your child’s mouth are fed by a combination of sugar and acid.

Choose Non-Starchy Foods

Sugar gets a lot of flak for creating cavities, but starchy snacks are just as dangerous. Little crackers and pretzels are two examples of starchy snacks. Starchy meals adhere to your teeth and make them gummy for hours. The same may be said for any sticky snack, such as fruit-shaped gummy candies and raisins. Foods that attach to teeth remain in the mouth for a long time, feeding germs. Avoid them, especially if your child will be unable to brush his or her teeth for an extended period of time.

Brush As Soon As First Tooth Erupts

Brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. It is not required to use fluoride at this age. A pea-sized dab of fluoride-containing toothpaste is acceptable for youngsters aged 3 to 6 years and those who can spit out toothpaste.

“Brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. With your young baby or infant, a washcloth or teething toothbrush can be used until they age. ” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Look Into Dental Sealants

Deep grooves on molars, in particular, might be difficult to reach and brush well. Our friends at High Desert Dental, Grand Junction dentist, explain that you may ask your child’s dentist to apply sealants to your child’s teeth. Thus, this provides an extra layer of protection against cavities until their enamel fully develops.

See Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry For A Cleaning Twice a Year

Importantly, tartar can be removed with regular professional cleanings. Furthermore, your pediatric dentist near me can use fluoride treatments to assist your child’s teeth to strengthen as they grow.  Finally, your dentist will be able to detect decay in its early stages. As follows, early intervention alleviates discomfort. Additionally, it prevents more costly dental repairs in the future. Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry today to schedule your child’s next appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Why See A Pediatric Dentist in SLC

Smiling child receiving pediatric dental care in Holiday, UT near me.

Why See a Pediatric Dentist in SLC

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

The Benefits of Seeing a Pediatric Dentist in SLC

Pediatric dentists, aka pedodontists, are trained to care for the dental requirements of newborns, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. In fact, pediatric dentists must complete an extra two or three years of child-specific training after graduating from dental school. Today on the blog, we share why see a pediatric dentist in SLC. 

What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different

First, pediatric dentists specialize in child psychology in addition to dental training. Additionally, our pediatric dentist near me explains that this helps them to speak effectively, gently, and non-threateningly with youngsters.  Thus, children should see a pediatric dentist before the age of one, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) (or approximately six months after the emergence of the first primary tooth). Though it may appear early, biennial preventive dental treatments are essential for good oral health.

So, for the following reasons, parents should take their children to visit a pediatric dentist in Murray UT:

  • First, parents can get their children seen for their first dental cleaning.
  • Then, parents can learn how to implement no-fuss dental tips at home.
  • Additionally, seeing your kids dentist in SLC allows our team to determine whether or not the youngster is at risk of acquiring caries (cavities).
  • Lastly, parents can learn how to get rid of bad dental habits, click here (e.g., finger-sucking, etc.).
    to undergo preventative care (fluorides and sealants).

What is the role of a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dental offices are brightly colored, entertaining, and kid-friendly. As follows, dental phobias are frequently entrenched in childhood. Thus, it is critical that the kid feels at ease, safe, and trusting of the dentist from the start.
Dr. Ari Hobfoll, our kids dentist near me, specializes in numerous types of dental care:

Prevention

The most common childhood disease is tooth decay. Fortunately, it is virtually entirely avoidable. Aside from offering home care recommendations, your pediatric dentist can apply sealants and fluoride treatments to protect tooth enamel. Additionally, this reduces the risk of cavities. By using in-office technology like an intraoral camera, we’re able to fully assess your child’s smile. 

Examinations, X-rays, and Computer Modeling

As follows, this technology enables the pediatric dentist to forecast future dental disorders. A poor bite, bruxism, and jaw abnormalities are among examples. However, in certain circumstances, initiating therapy early yields the best results.

“Great oral health starts at home. Parent education is one of the most important aspects of our appointments, allowing us to teach families how to implement strong oral health habits.” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Treatment

Pediatric dentists provide a wide variety of services. Aside from preventive care (fluoride and sealant applications), the pediatric dentist also provides pulp therapy and addresses oral injuries. If primary teeth are lost prematurely, space maintainers may be used. This will keep the teeth from becoming misaligned.

Education

The dental education component of any pediatric practice. As follows, your pediatric dentist can assist the child to realize the need for regular dental hygiene. Additionally, parents may also obtain guidance on toothpaste selection, nutrition, thumb-sucking cessation, and a variety of other issues.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry Today

Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding when to see a pediatric dentist. Our team would love to help you feel at home at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry. Check out our patient reviews to learn more about our practice. 

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