We all know that good dental care is essential for your child’s health. However, some kids just don’t like to brush as much as they should. Using an electric toothbrush can be a great way to encourage kids who are reluctant brushers or those who have difficulty using a manual brush.

Many electric toothbrushes for children come in a variety of popular, character-themed styles. These are fine, but just as with a standard toothbrush, it is important to choose the right size and style for your child. Select a child-size head so that it fits properly in your child’s mouth and can reach their back teeth properly. For young children and toddlers, you should choose a head with soft bristles which are better for children who are getting new teeth. Having your child select the powered toothbrush they want can help involve them in the process and may make them more enthusiastic about brushing.

Keep in mind that in order to prevent cavities, proper technique is still important when using an electric toothbrush. So show your child how to place the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline for better effectiveness. Remember that the brush (even though it’s powered) still needs to be moved back and forth against teeth and gums using short, gentle strokes.

Proper maintenance of an electric toothbrush is also important. Have your child rinse the brush head well after each use and remember to store it upright. Brush heads should be replaced every three months or when the bristles look frayed. The American Dental Association states that manual and electric toothbrushes are equally effective. So whichever type your child prefers, the most important thing it to make sure they use it twice a day for good dental hygiene.