When the spinbrush toothbrush first came out in the early 1990s, I was one of the first ones to own it for free since I worked as a dental assistant in this large practice. I can see the ease of using it as an adult. It has a built-in timer that times your brushing, it is battery-operated and you can charge it. It’s been two decades and spinbrushes are still around in different colors, gimmicks and brands. Now, I no longer have a spinbrush and went back to traditional toothbrush. I have three kids and none of them has a spinbrush. It did not take me long to convert to the traditional one. Part of it I guessed is because old habits are hard to break and the other reason is because it is more work to replace the batteries and charge it, especially when you have three kids to take care of.
I do not have anything against spinbrushes, particularly for the adults. It just feels gimmicky for kids. One of the reasons you may be inclined to buy one for your kids is they come in different styles and some of them have built-in music. There are, however, some safety precautions you have to be aware of if you or your children own one. Not all brands are created equal. Sometimes, you are better off paying a pricey brand than getting one from a discount store. After all, we are talking about the safety of your children’s oral health here, right? But, then again, keep in mind that even buying the expensive spinbrushes is not enough of a guarantee that you will get a better outcome.
I personally choose traditional toothbrushes for my children, not only because they are more affordable than the spinbrushes, but because it teach them discipline and patience. Yes, it might be boring to some, but you can still buy traditional toothbrushes that have built-in music. My 3-year-old has a musical toothbrush (traditional kind), and I also started my two older boys with musical ones. The music kept them brushing their teeth longer and more efficiently without you pleading them to brush some more. The best part about it is you don’t have to worry about their safety. Back in 2009, there were certain spinbrushes that were taken out of the market by FDA because of several reports of the spinbrush parts popping off. Two years later, on May 16, 2011, FDA has released warnings to some spinbrush manufacturers due to violations and failure to be in compliance with the products that are considered unsafe that are still in the market.
There is no right or wrong reason for using either a traditional toothbrush or a spinbrush, only “right and wrong way.” Before buying a spinbrush or if you already have one, please consider reading the FDA article related to the safety precautions you have to know about spinbrushes. It is very informative. It also contains pertinent information on what steps to take if you happen to have any concern or questions about a particular spinbrush.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have medical questions or concerns, please seek the advice of your primary care physician.