The 5 Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids

More than half of all children in the US will develop a dental cavity by roughly the third grade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While an electric toothbrush is not a magic solution for preventing dental issues, experts believe that these brushes can help kids establish better oral hygiene habits more easily.

While an electric toothbrush is not a magic solution for preventing dental issues, experts believe that these brushes can help kids establish better oral hygiene habits more easily.

However, for more powerful and engaging options, the Philips Sonicare for Kids Sonic Electric Toothbrush and the Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush stand out. The Philips Sonicare brush, in particular, offers wireless syncing with an interactive app, which can be a great motivator for young brushes.

Our Recommendations

What to Consider

Built-in Two-Minute Timer

A built-in timer ensures that children brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes, helping to establish a thorough brushing routine.

Appropriately Sized Brush Head

A smaller brush head allows kids to effectively clean all their teeth, including hard-to-reach back molars, promoting better overall dental hygiene.

Our Pick: Philips Sonicare for Kids

If you’re on the hunt for an exceptional electric toothbrush for kids at a reasonable price, the Philips Sonicare for Kids Sonic Electric Toothbrush stands out as a top contender. Our young testers favored its ergonomic design and handling, particularly appreciating the brush head. We also valued its additional features, such as multiple brushing modes and a dedicated on/off button.

Engaging App

The toothbrush comes with a fun, interactive app that encourages kids to build healthy brushing habits. The app guides children through their brushing routine, providing tips and rewarding them with bonuses. Both of our child testers found the app’s activities engaging and motivational.

Design and Handling

The Philips Sonicare for Kids is designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. Its smaller brush head is ideal for young mouths, ensuring thorough cleaning even of hard-to-reach areas. The brush features two modes—low and high—making it suitable for children of different ages and brushing preferences.

Brushing Modes

This toothbrush offers two brushing modes: low and high. Switching between these modes is straightforward, although it must be done before turning the toothbrush on. The high mode delivers full power and is perfect for older, more independent brushers, offering a complete two-minute session. The low mode starts with reduced power and a one-minute timer, gradually increasing to the full two minutes over time.

Timers

In addition to a two-minute timer that ensures thorough brushing, there’s a 30-second interval timer that pauses briefly to remind kids to move to the next section of their mouth. This feature helped our testers cover all areas of their teeth evenly. For those new to electric toothbrushes, the easy-start feature gradually increases the brush’s power over the first 14 sessions.

Brush Heads

Philips offers two types of brush heads: one for children aged 7 and up, and a smaller version for kids 3 and up. Both have soft bristles for gentle brushing. Our testers liked the feel of these brush heads, though they noted that the branded replacements are quite pricey. Fortunately, generic alternatives are available at a fraction of the cost.

Battery and Charging

The toothbrush comes with a rechargeable base and wall plug. It takes about 24 hours to fully charge, with the battery lasting up to two weeks. Keeping the brush on the charging base when not in use ensures it’s always ready.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Philips Sonicare for Kids connects via Bluetooth to the SonicareKids app, which provides guidance throughout the brushing session and tracks progress. The app’s setup is user-friendly, and it helps parents monitor their child’s brushing habits.

Expert Opinions

Registered dental hygienist Ana Perez from Chestnut Dental Associates in Needham, Massachusetts, highlights the benefits of the app, noting it can significantly improve children’s brushing habits by ensuring they brush twice a day for the recommended duration. As a parent, I found the app to be an excellent tool for keeping my child engaged without taking away their responsibility for brushing.

Performance and Maintenance

From both a kid’s and parent’s perspective, using this toothbrush was intuitive and effective in removing plaque. The combination of the brush’s design, timers, and app support made it a favorite among our testers. And if you’re not entirely satisfied, Philips offers a full refund within 90 days of purchase.

Final Thoughts

The Philips Sonicare for Kids Sonic Electric Toothbrush excels in both performance and user experience. Its engaging app, comfortable design, and effective brushing modes make it a standout choice. While it comes with a higher price tag and some costly accessories, the benefits and features justify the investment, ensuring your child develops strong oral hygiene habits from a young age.

Importance of Proper Brushing

Regardless of age, brushing for a full two minutes twice a day is crucial for maintaining oral health. Research supports that this practice leads to better plaque removal and helps prevent cavities. Both the British Dental Association and the American Dental Association emphasize the importance of thorough, regular brushing to protect even the youngest teeth.

While manual toothbrushes are effective, an electric toothbrush with features like built-in timers, quadrant reminders, and interactive apps can significantly enhance a child’s brushing routine. Dr. Talia Miller, a pediatric dentist in Norwell, Massachusetts, notes that electric toothbrushes can be particularly beneficial for kids who struggle to brush for the recommended duration or reach all areas of their mouth. However, it’s important to ensure children use these tools correctly, with proper supervision and guidance.

By focusing on these aspects, the Philips Sonicare for Kids Sonic Electric Toothbrush proves to be an excellent tool for helping children maintain healthy teeth and gums.

More Electric Toothbrushes for Kids

Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush

The Quip Sonic Toothbrush for Kids is designed to blend simplicity with effective oral care. Emphasizing a gentle approach to brushing, this model aims to make dental hygiene an enjoyable and straightforward routine for children.

The Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush features a sleek, rubber-coated handle that’s comfortable for little hands to grip. The brush head is small and tailored for children’s mouths, equipped with soft bristles that are gentle on sensitive gums. While the compact design and soft bristles are generally appreciated, some child testers found the sonic vibrations less intense compared to other electric toothbrushes, which could affect the perceived thoroughness of the cleaning.

This toothbrush utilizes sonic technology to enhance brushing effectiveness, aiming to clean teeth and remove plaque more efficiently than manual brushing. The built-in timer is a standout feature, encouraging children to brush for the full two minutes recommended by dental professionals. This timer function is crucial for instilling good brushing habits early on. However, a few users noted that the sonic vibrations felt weaker compared to other models, which may impact the overall brushing experience.

Quip’s toothbrush is designed with convenience in mind, including a travel cover that makes it easy to carry on family trips. It operates on batteries, which last up to three months before needing replacement. This long battery life is a practical feature for busy families, though the reliance on batteries rather than a rechargeable option might be seen as a drawback by some users. The battery-powered design eliminates the need for a charging base, but could be less convenient compared to rechargeable models.

The toothbrush includes a built-in tongue scraper to help remove bacteria and enhance overall oral health. This feature complements the brushing process by addressing bacteria that can cause bad breath and contribute to oral health issues.

The brush head is replaceable, ensuring that the toothbrush can maintain its effectiveness over time. While the replaceable heads are designed for easy maintenance, there have been some concerns about the durability of the handle. A few users have reported issues with the handle’s longevity and difficulties in dealing with customer service for replacements.

The brush head is replaceable, ensuring that the toothbrush can maintain its effectiveness over time. While the replaceable heads are designed for easy maintenance, there have been some concerns about the durability of the handle. A few users have reported issues with the handle’s longevity and difficulties in dealing with customer service for replacements.

Overall, the Quip Sonic Toothbrush for Kids offers a user-friendly design with features aimed at improving children’s oral hygiene. Its gentle bristles, timer, and travel-friendly design make it a solid choice for introducing electric brushing. Potential buyers should consider the battery-powered aspect and the reported durability issues, but it remains a well-regarded option for parents seeking simplicity and effectiveness in a children’s toothbrush.

Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush Featuring Disney’s Frozen

The Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush, adorned with Disney’s Frozen designs, is crafted to make dental hygiene a more engaging experience for children aged 3 and up. Combining playful aesthetics with functional features, this toothbrush is tailored to encourage good oral care habits in young users.

This toothbrush stands out with its customizable handle, featuring four interchangeable stickers of Disney’s Frozen characters. This design element not only appeals to young fans of the franchise but also makes brushing a more enjoyable routine. The handle is lightweight and made from durable plastic, ensuring it is easy for small hands to grip.

The Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush offers a rechargeable handle and includes a charger, eliminating the need for constant battery replacements. It boasts a high-performance round brush head with extra soft bristles, designed to be gentle on young teeth and gums while effectively removing plaque. According to the manufacturer, it removes up to 75% more plaque than a manual toothbrush, providing a superior clean.

The brush head’s design is intended to surround each tooth, delivering an individual clean that addresses all areas of the mouth thoroughly. The built-in brushing timer, integrated with the Disney Magic Timer app, encourages children to brush for the full recommended two minutes. The app features characters from Frozen and provides a fun and interactive way to keep kids engaged during their brushing routine.

The built-in timer is a key feature, ensuring that children brush for the full two minutes as advised by dental professionals. The Disney Magic Timer app complements this by providing a visual and interactive brushing session that motivates children to meet their brushing goals. This integration is particularly useful for making brushing a consistent and enjoyable part of a child’s daily routine.

The Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush has garnered positive feedback, with a high customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 5,400 reviews. Parents appreciate the ease of use, the engaging Frozen design, and the effectiveness of the brushing timer. The customization options and app integration are also highlighted as major benefits.

However, some users have noted that while the brush is effective, the small size of the brush head might require occasional adjustments for optimal coverage, especially as children’s mouths grow. There are also comments about the overall durability of the handle and the performance of the charger over time.

Overall, the Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush featuring Disney’s Frozen is an excellent choice for parents looking to make brushing a more enjoyable experience for their children. With its combination of fun design elements, effective plaque removal, and helpful brushing timer, it encourages better oral hygiene habits. While it’s slightly heavier than some other models, its engaging features and effective performance make it a strong contender in the kids’ electric toothbrush market.

Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush

The Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush featuring Bluey combines playful design with practicality to make brushing a fun and hassle-free experience for young children. This budget-friendly toothbrush is designed for kids aged 3 and up, and it provides a straightforward brushing experience with a focus on comfort and ease of use.

This toothbrush is powered by a single AA battery, which is included with the purchase. It features a simple automatic operation mode with an easy-to-use on/off switch. This setup ensures that kids can start brushing with minimal hassle.

The handle of the toothbrush is crafted with a flat base that prevents it from rolling off surfaces, which can be a common issue with many toothbrushes. This thoughtful design makes it more convenient to store and reduces the risk of the brush falling onto potentially unsanitary surfaces.

Equipped with extra soft bristles, this toothbrush is gentle on young children’s sensitive teeth and gums. The softness ensures that brushing is a comfortable experience, even for children who might be sensitive to firmer bristles.

The inclusion of a battery right out of the box is a convenient feature, eliminating the need for immediate replacements. The AA battery provides sufficient power for effective brushing, and replacement is straightforward when needed.

The toothbrush’s simplicity in operation makes it ideal for young children who are still developing their brushing skills. The automatic function does the job of brushing, and the flat handle design aids in keeping the toothbrush within easy reach.

Customers generally appreciate the Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush for its engaging Bluey-themed design and the practical features that make it easy for kids to use. The flat handle design is particularly praised for its functionality, helping to keep the toothbrush in place.

Some users have noted that while the toothbrush performs well, it lacks additional settings or features found in more advanced models. As a basic battery-powered toothbrush, it doesn’t offer variable brushing modes or a timer, which are present in higher-end electric toothbrushes.

The Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush is a solid choice for parents seeking an affordable and user-friendly electric toothbrush for their children. Its playful Bluey design, combined with the extra soft bristles and practical handle features, makes brushing a more enjoyable and effective routine for young users. However, its lack of advanced features like multiple brushing modes or a timer might be a drawback for those looking for a more comprehensive oral care solution. Overall, it serves as a reliable and cost-effective option for introducing children to electric brushing.

DADA-TECH Kids Electric Toothbrush

The DADA-TECH Kids Electric Toothbrush is designed to provide a fun and effective brushing experience for children. With a unicorn-themed design and a range of thoughtful features, this toothbrush aims to make dental hygiene both enjoyable and efficient for kids aged 3 and up.

This toothbrush is rechargeable and operates on sonic technology, which is known for enhancing brushing effectiveness. The sonic vibrations help in cleaning teeth more thoroughly compared to manual brushing. The toothbrush offers three distinct modes: Clean Mode for older children (7-18 years), Soft Mode for younger kids (3-6 years), and Massage Mode for a gentle gum massage suitable for all age ranges from 3 to 18 years.

The toothbrush includes a built-in timer that ensures children brush for the recommended two minutes, promoting better brushing habits. This feature helps kids stay on track with their oral hygiene routine.

With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the toothbrush can safely be used in wet conditions, making it ideal for use in the bathroom without concern for damage from splashes or rinsing.

The toothbrush features a premium ABS handle that is ergonomically designed for small hands, providing a comfortable grip for children. The bristles are soft, ensuring a gentle brushing experience that protects young teeth and gums.

The rechargeable battery boasts an impressive lifespan of up to 60 days on a full charge, reducing the frequency of charging and making it convenient for busy families.

Soft bristles are used to prevent irritation and ensure a gentle clean, which is particularly important for young children with sensitive teeth and gums.

Users have generally praised the DADA-TECH Kids Electric Toothbrush for its effectiveness, ease of use, and engaging unicorn design that captures children’s interest. The variety of brushing modes is also appreciated for catering to different age groups and oral care needs.

While the toothbrush has received mostly positive feedback, some users have noted minor issues with the handle’s durability over time. There are occasional comments about the difficulty in finding replacement brush heads, which may be a consideration for long-term use.

The DADA-TECH Kids Electric Toothbrush is a well-rounded choice for parents seeking an effective and engaging toothbrush for their children. Its combination of sonic technology, multiple brushing modes, and a built-in timer makes it a valuable tool for improving children’s oral hygiene. The waterproof feature and long-lasting battery further add to its appeal, making it a practical choice for everyday use. However, potential buyers should consider the durability of the handle and the availability of replacement parts. Overall, it offers a blend of functionality and fun that can help instill good brushing habits in young users.

Who This is For

When it comes to brushing, children don’t necessarily need an electric toothbrush to achieve effective oral care. According to Dr. Mary Hayes, a dentist, “Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective for kids if used correctly.” Dr. Joe Castellano adds that electric toothbrushes can simplify the brushing process, making it easier for children to maintain good dental hygiene. Research supports this, showing that electric toothbrushes often remove more plaque than manual ones, particularly for kids aged 3-9.

Many electric toothbrushes designed for children come with appealing features like cartoon designs, animal themes, musical timers, or flashing lights to encourage brushing. While these elements can make brushing more enjoyable, the use of apps or interactive games tied to these brushes hasn’t shown definitive benefits in improving brushing habits. The choice to incorporate such tech features depends on personal preference and the child’s interest (just be prepared for occasional toothpaste splashes on your devices).

Dr. Hayes emphasizes that no matter the type of toothbrush, children typically lack the dexterity and maturity to brush effectively on their own until around age 8. Electric toothbrushes can still benefit kids, but they don’t eliminate the need for adult supervision and instruction on proper brushing techniques. Concerns about the rapid movements of electric brushes affecting gum health are generally unfounded when using reputable brands.

Electric toothbrushes come with a higher price tag compared to manual ones. You can expect to pay at least $25 for the brush itself, with replacement heads costing $5 or more. It’s important to replace the brush heads every three months to ensure effective cleaning, and potentially more often depending on usage.

Electric toothbrushes come with a higher price tag compared to manual ones. You can expect to pay at least $25 for the brush itself, with replacement heads costing $5 or more. It’s important to replace the brush heads every three months to ensure effective cleaning, and potentially more often depending on usage.

FAQs