As parents, we often expect our kids to brush their teeth like we do, but what if we told you that children simply aren’t developmentally ready for it? In fact, many adults struggle with proper brushing technique themselves! Proper brushing requires precision and patience. Imagine trying to brush at the perfect angle and for the right amount of time when you're still developing motor skills. It’s no surprise that kids can’t brush their teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush just yet.
When Do Kids Develop Dexterity?
Fine motor skills—the abilities that allow us to do things like write, use scissors, or play an instrument—are still developing in children as they grow. Full dexterity typically doesn’t develop until ages 6 to 8. This is the age when kids are mastering tasks like holding a pencil properly or learning how to tie their shoes. However, even then, their ability to achieve the precision and angle needed for proper toothbrushing might still be lacking.
Why Does This Matter for Brushing?
Brushing teeth with a manual toothbrush requires a level of control that children’s developing hands can’t yet manage. To brush thoroughly, kids need to apply the right amount of pressure, angle the brush correctly, and move it in small circular motions—tasks that require coordination and dexterity they simply don’t have yet. Even with an electric toothbrush, kids struggle to achieve the precision needed. This is why many kids end up brushing too quickly, too hard, or missing spots, resulting in plaque buildup.
Adults Struggle Too
It’s not just kids who have trouble brushing properly—many adults also miss key areas or fail to brush long enough. In fact, studies show that a significant percentage of adults don’t brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes, and many miss critical areas, like the back molars. If grown-ups are struggling with technique, why do we expect children, still developing these fine motor skills, to do it perfectly?
How Willo Helps
By automating the process, Willo ensures that your child’s teeth are cleaned properly every time—without needing the dexterity of an adult. Willo’s automated brushing system ensures your child gets the perfect angle, pressure, and timing needed for a thorough clean. Willo is clinically proven to remove 7x more plaque in hard to reach places compared to manual toothbrushing. No more worrying about whether they brushed for long enough or missed any spots. Willo helps kids learn brushing habits as the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
