Electric Toothbrushes - From what age ?

[Kayleigh]

My ds1 (almost 7) has started having sleepovers and most of his friends seem to have electric toothbrushes. Are these as good or better than brushing with an old fashioned brush? And what age are they meant for ? If my ds1 has one ds2 would want one and he is not quite 4.

DD is 2y 11m and has just got a battery operated toothbrush, and she loves it. On the reverse of the packaging it has that Not for 03-year symbol. But DD is nearly there, and enjoys brushing her teeth - she's odd I know!!!

I've been using an adult electric toothbrush on ds (now 4) for a year or so as a treat. The dentist I had at the time when I started using the electric toothbrush said that it was fine, but that if ds wanted to brush his teeth himself then I would still need to teach him and supervise him as if he was using a manual to amke sure that he brushed everywhere.

I still supervise their tooth brushing so maybe even ds2 would be ok with one - as long as he lets mummy "finish off" .

I think from 3 is fine. My DD (nearly 3) is looking forward to her birthday because she knows one of her presents is going to be an electric toothbrush like her DB's!

ds has had one since 2 as I htink they brush the teeth more thoroughly. He loves it!

Looks like I'm off shopping !

btw, there are some incredibly naff (princesses, mermaids) ones in sainsbury's at the moment, reduced to £1.60 from £4.99 (crest ones iirc)..we bought one as they were cheaper than "normal" toothbrushes..

oooh thanks bundle, not sure princesses or mermaids would go down too well with ds1 and ds2 though . Did they have any boys ones ?

kayleigh, not sure if they had boys ones, hmmmm i suppose i could have got dh one

ToysRUs have plain coloured ones.