I was worried she’d just let the brush do all the work, but honestly, with kids, half the battle is just getting them to keep the thing in their mouth for two minutes.
That part made me laugh—so true. I had similar worries about my son just zoning out and letting the electric brush do its thing, but it actually kept him more engaged than the manual ever did. He’s not in braces yet, but he’s definitely more willing to brush when there’s a gadget involved. I agree, manual isn’t useless (we’re always losing chargers), but for us too, electric just makes life a little easier.
He’s not in braces yet, but he’s definitely more willing to brush when there’s a gadget involved.
This made me laugh because it’s exactly what happened with my daughter—she used to drag her feet about brushing, but once we got her an electric toothbrush (with a cartoon character on it, of course), she suddenly wanted to brush all the time. I was actually nervous she’d just stand there and let it buzz around, but weirdly, she started paying more attention. Maybe it’s the noise or the vibration? I still have to remind her not to just “paint” the front teeth and call it done, but honestly, it’s less of a struggle now.
Manual brushes are fine, I guess, but when we tried going back after the electric died (charger lost in the abyss), it was like pulling teeth—pun intended. I do worry sometimes that she’ll get lazy about technique, but at least she’s brushing without a fight. That feels like a win for now.
We had the exact same thing with my niece. She was so uninterested in brushing until she got this sparkly pink electric brush with a timer and now she’s actually excited for it. I do catch her zoning out sometimes, like she’s just enjoying the buzz, but at least it’s happening without a meltdown. Honestly, I used to think manual was better for learning technique, but if the electric keeps her motivated, I’m all for it.
- Gotta admit, I used to be on “Team Manual” too. Always thought it was like learning to ride a bike—gotta master the basics first.
- But then my nephew got a superhero-themed electric brush and suddenly brushing became his favorite part of the day. Go figure.
-
“I do catch her zoning out sometimes, like she’s just enjoying the buzz, but at least it’s happening without a meltdown.”
That’s a win in my book. If the brush is actually in their mouth, we’re already ahead of the game.
- Noticed the same thing with my kid. He treats the timer like a mini-challenge—sometimes he even keeps brushing just to see if it’ll buzz again. Technique isn’t perfect, but hey, at least he’s not running away screaming.
- I still wonder if they ever really “learn” how to brush properly with electrics or if it just becomes a button-pushing exercise... Anyone seen their kids transition back to manual later on? Or is it electric for life once they get hooked?
Honestly, I was the same way—thought manual was the only “real” way to brush, like anything else was just cheating. But then my youngest started using this cartoon-themed electric brush (gotta love those clearance sales), and suddenly it was like I had a totally different kid at bedtime. No more negotiations, no more hiding behind the couch. I’ll take the win, even if it means he’s mostly in it for the flashing lights.
I do get what you mean about the technique, though. Sometimes I’ll peek in and he’s just sort of moving the brush around, not really “brushing” in the old-school sense. But hey, at least the thing is doing some of the work for him. I figure, as long as the teeth are getting cleaned and we’re avoiding dentist drama, I’m not too worried about whether he could pass a manual-brushing exam.
If electric keeps things meltdown-free and saves me from buying extra toothpaste to bribe him, I’m calling it money well spent. Maybe one day he’ll switch back, but for now, I’m just glad we’re not fighting about it every night.
