Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids
A kids electric toothbrush can make brushing fun, which can be a big help in encouraging kids to develop good dental hygiene habits—even before they get their first baby teeth. But it’s important to find one that cleans well, is easy for kids to use, and has unique features that encourage good brushing habits right from the start. We put the best brushes side-by-side with our child testers to find the ones that clean kids’ growing smiles the most efficiently and effectively and have kid-friendly design elements, like character themes, songs, timers, built-in rewards and app controls.
Whether you opt for a traditional electric toothbrush or one with sonic technology, experts recommend selecting a brush that has a small head and soft nylon bristles designed specifically for kids’ sensitive teeth and gums. Also, many kids’ electric toothbrushes come equipped with a 2-minute self-timer that pulses every 30 seconds to remind children to move to another area of the mouth. Some are even designed with a LED light that illuminates the teeth and gums for better visibility.
If your kid is new to using an kids electric toothbrush, it may be helpful to consider a brush with a special setting that slowly increases the power of the brush over the first 14 brushing sessions. This helps prevent kids from feeling too overwhelmed and can help them get used to the increased pressure of an electric toothbrush.
The Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids
Many electric toothbrushes for kids have built-in settings such as a daily clean, sensitive or tongue cleaner. This can be helpful for kids who have trouble brushing for the full two minutes dental health experts recommend or need a little extra help with tricky areas like the back molars and other hard-to-reach spots in the mouth.
Lastly, many kids’ electric toothbrushes are compatible with Bluetooth, which allows them to connect to smartphone apps that track brushing duration, coverage and strokes. While these types of toothbrushes aren’t a necessity, they can be a fun way to help kids stay engaged in their brushing routine and track their progress over time.
Ultimately, we recommend opting for a brush that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance as an indication of quality and safety. However, you should always speak with your dentist before purchasing a kids’ electric toothbrush. They can advise you on the most suitable option for your child and provide a list of recommended brands.
