The Pros & Cons of Spinning Toothbrushes for Kids

Electric toothbrushes have been used for many years. In those years, they have evolved from awkward, oversized toothbrushes with stiff bristles that did more harm than satisfactory results; to streamlined, controllable appliances that help with daily oral care. Spinning toothbrushes have been successful in fighting gum disease and dental decay. Although they are an asset, use much care when operating a spinning toothbrush, especially for children.

The Evolution of Spinning, Electric or Rotary Toothbrushes

• The electric toothbrush made its entrance into American culture in 1939. This was in an attempt to provide Americans a tool that would clean their teeth better. Original electric toothbrushes were clunky and hard to maneuver. The brushes, stiff and hard, often caused complications such as gum recession and nerve death due to the heat they put out when concentrated on one tooth. Over time, they have evolved to meet the needs of the times. Small, handheld marvels help people with their oral hygiene with fewer risks. That does not mean there is no risk. Improper use of any device creates risks.

Pros for Spinning or Rotary Toothbrushes in Adults

• Pros for adults is the reduction of the occurrence of gum disease, as the toothbrush can clean under the gumline better than a manual toothbrush. In some cases, the brush can get into periodontal pockets against teeth, minimizing the tartar buildup that would otherwise grow there. A rotary brush can remove stain from teeth more effectively than a manual tooth brush. Unlike the old stiff-brushed, rotary brushes, the newer spinning brushes are compatible with gum tissue, tongue and, of course, teeth.

Cons for Spinning or Rotary Toothbrushes

• Having a spinning toothbrush does not remove the need for proper dental care at least twice per year. The rotating brush does not remove tartar already under the gum line; it only assists in slowing the development of more. Gum and mouth damage can occur with improper use of the spinning brush. The brush can remove the gum at the necks of the teeth over time if there is too much concentration on them. This creates a condition called erosion, and it exposes the sensitive cementum under the gum line. This can result in severe sensitivity. In addition, focusing too much time on one tooth can cause friction, overheating the tooth to the point where the nerve will die.

Pros for Kids Using Rotary Brushes

• Kids have advantages that their parents probably did not have. The rotary toothbrush did not become a household word until the 1990s with the Soniccare and Rotadent toothbrushes. Spinning toothbrushes, made by Crest and other toothpaste manufacturers, are designed so that kids can pick them up right at the grocery store with their toothpaste. A practical advantage is that children are now better educated about the use of toothbrushes, and care of their teeth, and become part of the discussion by allowing them use of the marvels of spinning toothbrushes.

Cons for Kids Using Rotary Toothbrushes

• With pros, always come cons. When it comes to spinning toothbrushes, the cons beat the pros, unfortunately. While it appears that today's children learn faster and are also efficient, that is not necessarily so when it comes to using a product that can cause damage in the mouth. Children are notorious for racing through brushing as quickly as possible. They press the head of the brush harder against the teeth and gums, thinking if they do it harder, it can be done for less time, letting them get on with their day quicker. Holding a spinning brush to a tooth for too long causes friction heat that can destroy the nerve in it, necessitating a root canal. Bristles pressed against gums over and over again in the wrong place and for too long, causes the gum line to withdraw. It can also cause painful mouth sores created by the friction of the brush.