At what age can you start using an electric toothbrush?

Parents should start brushing their children's teeth as soon as their first tooth emerges. Familiarizing children with a toothbrush and a dental hygiene routine as soon as possible is essential. Little by little, they will take the lead, always under adult supervision. When asked when a manual toothbrush should be replaced with an electric one, Dr. Joan Pau Marcó, a stomatologist specializing in orthodontics, recommends starting by teaching children to brush properly with a manual toothbrush. The appropriate time should be around three years old. "Then, from six onwards, when tooth replacement begins, I think it's worth introducing an electric one," he points out. However, the professor in the orthodontics master's program at the UB and UIC clarifies, the exact timing will be determined by the child's parents, "since they are the ones who best know their children to determine whether they will use it properly." Experts also say that, once you've mastered the brushing technique and the time commitment, a manual toothbrush's effectiveness is similar to that of an electric one.

However, according to a spokesperson for the Official College of Dentists and Stomatologists of Catalonia (COEC), "for general dental health, a toothbrush with soft synthetic bristles is recommended."

How can parents know that this technique is well-established before giving their children an electric toothbrush?

"Everything in life requires learning," says Marcó, who warns that many adults don't know how to brush their teeth properly. "Everyone knows how to pick up a toothbrush and brush their teeth, but that's not brushing properly," he clarifies. In his opinion, doing it well "requires someone to teach you."

Is it necessary for a pediatric dentist to teach us how to brush our child's teeth with an electric toothbrush in the office?

Marcó emphasizes that it must be a professional dedicated to dental health. "Any qualified stomatologist, dentist, or hygienist can do it, but specialists in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and periodontics are more accustomed to treating children and adolescents," he clarifies.

Receiving an electric toothbrush is very attractive to children. How can we use it as an incentive to improve their brushing skills?

The latest generations of toothbrushes are more attractive because they have sensors that indicate whether you are applying too little or too much pressure on your teeth, and also a green or red light to indicate whether you have spent enough time. In some cases, they have a mobile app that rewards you if you have done it correctly and within the correct time. All of this, according to the dentist specializing in orthodontists, "also provides an incentive to brush better."

What consequences can arise from misusing an electric toothbrush?

Marcó points out that the consequences of improper use of an electric toothbrush aren't immediate. He adds: "Overly aggressive brushing can be harmful to both the enamel and the gums, as can poor brushing." He therefore recommends finding a balance and choosing the right toothbrush for each case, "because our teeth should last for many years."

What features should a good children's electric toothbrush have?

For the COEC spokesperson, the key features are "that it includes a timer, a small brush head, flexible and soft bristles, and an attractive design." Furthermore, he points out, "ergonomically, it should be easy to hold and of good quality so it doesn't break on the first try." According to Marcó, other features to consider when deciding include whether the brush head is rotating and also sonic; whether they run on AAA batteries or have a battery charger, for example with a USB cable; or variations such as a battery indicator, battery life, intensity levels, stickers to personalize the brush, apps that teach how to brush, or even show parents their children's progress.