Many adults rely on an electric toothbrush to keep their teeth and gums healthy. While it is still possible to have good oral hygiene with a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush can clean hard to reach areas and is more effective at removing plaque. Understandably, electric toothbrush enthusiasts want their children to establish these good dental habits. Unfortunately, not all top rated toothbrushes for kids are not as good as described. You cannot assume that the features important in an adult toothbrush are necessary for children.
In our quest to find the best electric toothbrush for kids, our research team considered the power source, which impacts functionality and cost. We also looked at oscillating and sonic technology that affects cleaning power. Finally, we examined features such as pressure sensors, timers, run time, cleaning modes and the number of brush heads. All of these features ensure that not only will your child enjoy using their electric toothbrush, but it will deliver superior cleaning results and improved oral hygiene.
Other features: extra soft brush head, interchangeable handle stickers, Disney Magic Timer app
The Oral-B Star Wars Battery Powered Electric Toothbrush is designed for kids that love the Disney Star Wars movies and characters. This is a great way to encourage young Padawans to develop their force worthy brushing habits. This is an advanced kids’ toothbrush that has battery power to help them get the best results from their daily brushing routines. This may be the best electric toothbrush for kids with braces and it’s our editor’s choice for this list.
This Oral-B toothbrush has a rotating head designed to reach every surface and surround it for a deep and thorough cleaning. The interdental tips of the brush head are ideal for cleaning between smaller teeth. The brush bristles are extra soft making them an ideal option for kids softer and developing teeth. The chewing surfaces are cleaned to a very high standard with a set of raised bristles feature at the center row. The brush head shape is aligned to the mouth allowing the child to brush properly from a very early age.
The Oral-B Star Wars is compatible with the Disney Magic Timer app designed by Oral-B. This encourages kids to brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes as recommended by dentists. The frame of the toothbrush is designed to be held by smaller hands with a choice of Darth Vader, Yoda or a Stormtrooper character on each handle.
Other features: Bluetooth-enabled handle, interactive app, musical Kidpacer
The Philips Sonicare HX6321/02 is a smarter way for kids to brush with a motivational app that is extremely effective and it’s our premium pick. This electric toothbrush is fully compatible with an interactive app which can be downloaded to your child’s favorite mobile device. The Sonicare HX6321/02 is connected to the device via Bluetooth and that’s when the fun starts. This virtual coach offers helpful advice on brushing, it tracks brushing and there’s a handy timer.
The Sonicare HX6321/02 offers a superior cleaning experience with approximately 500 strokes per second! Philips claims that this electric toothbrush is 75% more effective that a standard toothbrush when it comes to those hard to reach areas. The brush bristles are designed for softer teeth and gums making them comfortable and effective.
The toothbrush can be customized with the eight included stickers to suit your child’s mood or style. The Sonicare HX6321/02 is a great way to teach kids how to brush their teeth well. The two-minute timer is accurate and the “kidpacer” let’s the child know when it’s time to move to the next mouth quadrant! The only problem you may have with this toothbrush is to get your kid to stop brushing after two minutes!
Other features: 4 handle stickers, gum pressure control
The Oral-B Kids Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is one of the best rechargeable electric toothbrush models on the market. It’s a popular choice because it features Disney characters from hit movies such as The Incredibles 2 and Frozen. Both boys and girls enjoy these toothbrushes, the colors are vibrant and the design engaging. Aesthetic appeal aside, Oral-B are well known for these types of toothbrushes and this design doesn’t disappoint.
The brush head is designed for smaller mouths, the bristles are soft and this ensures that the child’s teeth and gums are protected at all times. The Oral-B “2D” cleaning process offers differing rotations and oscillations to remove food debris and plaque.
This model has a built-in two minute timer which offers a pause every 30 seconds to allow smaller kids to keep up. This encourages the child to keep brushing for longer and this is especially true when using the Magic Timer app. Oral-B claims that this app encourages kids to brush for 90% longer on average with visual and audio encouragement.
Other features: extra-soft bristles, Disney Magic Timer app
The Oral-B Sparkle and Shine Kids Electric Toothbrush is a great option for kids and adults will love it. This is probably one of the best toothbrushes on the market right now for comprehensive oral care for kids. A built- in pressure sensor detects when the child is applying too much pressure and this is displayed on an illuminated red stripe that runs along the length of the handle.
The Oral-B Sparkle and Shine has a two minute timer built right into the handle that helps kids to brush for the recommended time. This is a great option because this model can use other Oral-B electric toothbrush heads and this makes finding replacement brush heads simple.
The Oral-B Sparkle and Shine has been accepted by the American Dental Association. Oral-B are supplying the Sparkle and Shine with a full two year warranty which shows they have confidence in this model. Some users have mentioned mold issues with the Oral-B Sparkle and Shine but this is mentioned on many electric toothbrush reviews. A brush head should be changed every three months and they can be cleaned to prevent mold growth.
Other features: sonic, extra-soft bristles, soft tongue cleaner
The Fairywill Kids Electric Toothbrush is suitable for kids from age 3 up to 12. This is a waterproof model and it can even be used in the shower and it has noise reduction technology for whisper quiet operation. A pair of rubberized brush heads are supplied, these are superior to plastic alternatives and they have a tongue cleaner on the back. The ultra soft brush bristles are designed to prevent abrasion to developing gums, teeth and enamel.
This is a well designed kids toothbrush, the handle is slim and easy to grip. A custom brush cap has been included so your kids can take the Fairywill Kids Electric Toothbrush in trips. Every battery lasts a full three weeks and a full charge is achievable overnight. When brushing a built-in vibration notifies the child that it’s time to switch to a new area of the mouth.
The Fairywill Kids Electric Toothbrush uses a sonic technology rather than a rotary based drive system. This improves safety for younger kids and it makes the toothbrush quiet and less scary. The toothbrush has up to three personalized modes available to suit kids in a wide range of learning ages.
Other features: versatile stand, brush chart, rinse cup
Brusheez may not be a household mane just yet but their Sparkle The Unicorn Kids Electric Toothbrush Set has garnered a significant fanbase in the US. This is an electric toothbrush set based on color animals and it’s designed for your younger brushes aged three and up. There are several fun themes to choose from, including: Buddy the Bear, Snappy the Croc, Sparkle the Unicorn and many others.
Unlike other electric toothbrush models on our list the Brusheez Sparkle The Unicorn Kids Electric Toothbrush Set doesn’t have an app. Instead, Brusheez have gone for a low tech and effective approach by including a two minute sand timer. This ensures that kids get enough brushing time to give their teeth and gums a thorough cleaning. This electric toothbrush can remove twice as much plaque than a regular toothbrush. A versatile stand is included to hold the toothbrush and it can be wall mounted.
The Brusheez Sparkle The Unicorn Kids Electric Toothbrush Set, includes: the two minute sand timer, the countertop (wall mountable) stand, a printed brushing chart, a replacement brush head, a rinsing cup, a brush cover (animal themed) and the electric toothbrush. These extras add a great deal of value and yet this is one of the more affordable electric toothbrush sets on our list.
Other features: memory function
The Vekkia Sonic Rechargeable Kids Electric Toothbrush features a unicorn design and it’s designed for kids aged three and upwards. This toothbrush has a powerful battery and it can be used for months before it requires a change. The brushing speed is customizable and the softer bristles help to keep the child’s gums and sensitive teeth safe. This toothbrush is extremely effective at removing plaque and food debris and Vekkia have included three spare brushes and a USB charger.
The blue unicorn design is equally attractive for both boys and girls in a wide range of ages. A built-in two minute brushing timer is included with a 30 second delay to give the child enough time to switch between different brushing areas. This toothbrush can operate for up to sixty days on a three or four hour change which is a great option for parents travelling with their kids.
The dupont bristles are soft and rounded to clean childrens softer teeth and gums. The brush heads are made from food grade materials and there are three brushing speeds to select. The slower brushing speeds are ideal for younger brushes and they can turn the speed up as they get more experienced.
Other features: sonic, memory function, 2-in-1 design
The Proalpha Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Kids offers a great deal of functionality at an extremely keen price and that’s why we’ve made it our best value pick. This electric toothbrush is designed for kids aged four and up and the power can be adjusted to suit different games. At first glance you will notice the extremely cute appearance that garnered considerable praise from parents. The toothbrush and handle are scaled down to suit smaller teeth, mouths, gums and hands. This ensures that you child will be comfortable when using this electric toothbrush every day.
This electric toothbrush features an assistant that helps your child to brush for the required two minutes. The power options are broadly categorized as ages 4-6, 7- 9 and age 10 and up. At each stage the power is increased but the Proalpha Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Kids will effectively remove plaque at each and every stage. The handle has been designed to suit smaller hands, it’s light and easy to hold and older kids can still use this electric toothbrush easily.
When the soft bristles start to fade it’s time to replace them with a fresh brushing head. The package includes a replacement brush to get your child started and each brush head lasts for six months of daily use. This is a fun and simple way to remind a parent and child that it’s time for brush replacement, a very smart idea.
An electric toothbrush can be a great way to encourage your child to establish good dental health habits. Unfortunately, with so many electric toothbrushes on the market, it can be a challenge to choose the right one for your child. So, here we’ve compiled a buying guide with features to consider and some answers to frequently asked questions to help you.
When you’re searching for the best dual electric toothbrush for kids it can be a daunting experience. Compared to a standard non-powered toothbrush and electric model more than twice the plaque and debris removal over the recommended two-minute brushing period. The electric toothbrush does all the hard work for you and this is equally true for your child. Let’s face it, it’s hard enough to get your kids to focus on repetitive tasks and if brushing is easier it will be more effective. Reducing the risks of tooth decay at younger ages and promoting good brushing habits for now and the future. An electric toothbrush is also designed to reach those harder to reach areas that a manual toothbrush cannot. Finally, you cannot underestimate the fun factor of a child orientated product such as the Oral-B Star Wars Battery Powered Electric Toothbrush. When a child is engaged and excited to use an electric toothbrush you job as a parent just got a lot easier. This is further enhanced with access to helpful apps and other accessories that many of these electric toothbrushes offer.
There are a number of factors that influence choosing the best electric toothbrush for your child. You need a toothbrush that your child is comfortable using and will encourage good dental hygiene. Fortunately, many manufacturers appreciate this and have designed electric toothbrushes for children that are packed with user friendly and parent approved features. Here we’ll explore the features you should consider before you make your final purchase decision.
As you can see from our list there are many types of child friendly electric toothbrushes available. But, the first thing that you need to consider is that the prospective electric toothbrush is suitable for a child in your child’s age range. Some electric toothbrushes can vary in terms of structure, size and other features. If you have a young toddler, they are not likely to use an electric toothbrush designed for a nine year old with any degree of efficiency. Generally speaking, electric toothbrushes aimed at a younger market have softer brushes to protect developing teeth and gums. Toothbrushes designed for older kids may have more powerful brushing options and this will make them louder which could scare a smaller child. Most of the electric toothbrushes on our list such as the Proalpha Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Kids have a very wide age range. But, younger toddlers may need a dedicated brush aimed at under 3’s until they are ready to make a step up.
The size and shape of the brush head are important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the brush head must be comfortable enough to reach every area in a smaller developing mouth. This is essential when you need a toothbrush that can clean key areas such as the gap between the cheeks and molars. Secondly, you don’t want a toothbrush that’s too large for a child to use effectively. A larger electric toothbrush can easily scare a small child and they will not be able to lift or hold it correctly. If you like the look of a toothbrush and you’re not sure about this size always err on the side of caution and choose a smaller toothbrush.
Most modern electric toothbrushes have a pair of cleaning techniques, they are: sonic vibration and oscillating. A sonic vibration action uses vibrations to clean the teeth and it’s a great option for kids because it’s a less intimidating method. An oscillating toothbrush action is when the brush head moves to simulate the action of brush strokes using a manual toothbrush. Of course, an oscillating action is far more efficient and the brush head can actually spin to dislodge plaque and food debris. Both of these cleaning modes are equally effective and you can allow your child to choose the style of cleaning they prefer.
The best kids toothbrush designs such as the Proalpha Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Kids have a smaller brush size and rubber grip that’s easy to hold and handle. Although an electric toothbrush does a lot of the work a child still needs to be able to comfortably hold the toothbrush during brushing. For an adult aesthetic appeal may be very low on the list of priorities (at least on a conscious level). But, when it comes to an electric toothbrush for kids the design needs to be bright and colorful. Most kids love bold primary colors and a fun design that can spark their imagination, Some toothbrushes such as the Philips Sonicare HX6321/02 even have stickers to personalize the toothbrush further.
We’ve mentioned this in passing but it bears repeating because it is important. A thicker toothbrush handle is preferable and this is easier to grip with smaller or weaker hands. This is true for kids’ toothbrushes and for adults suffering from a loss of fine motor skills.
Some electric toothbrushes have a built-in pressure sensor which detects the level of force applied to the brushing regimen. When excessive pressure is applied an alarm may sound or there may be lights on the handle. This is designed as a gentle warning to back off a little and reduce the level of pressure.
The general consensus amongst dental experts is that the ideal length of a tooth brushing session should be at least two minutes. If the teeth are brushed for a shorter period it can have a dramatic effect on the efficacy of the entire exercise. This can lead to cavities at an earlier age and this is exactly what we are trying to avoid when we invest in an electric toothbrush for our kids. Most delta experts agree that most kids simply don’t spend enough time brushing their teeth and let’s face it, many kids are flexible with the truth. Apàrt from standing over your kids with a stopwatch as they brush, how can you be sure that they are brushing for at least two minutes. This is why many electric toothbrush manufacturers now have a built-in timer that let’s everyone know that the limit has been reached. This is a great feature and some electric toothbrushes even have a 30 second pause that allows the child to switch brushing positions. The end result is a longer and more comprehensive tooth brushing session that will remove more plaque and debris.
Every electric toothbrush has a runtime which determines the number of vibrations or movements that it can make each minute. As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of electric toothbrushes in general use, sonic and oscillating. These both have slightly different running speeds, but a sonic brush will typically have a higher runtime. The higher the runtime the more powerful it will be when compared to a non-powered toothbrush. So, over a two-minute brushing season a higher runtime will offer more cleaning power. This is less of a concern for smaller kids but as they grow older it’s a good idea to make the most of that two-minute tooth brushing window.
As you can see there are some fantastic electric toothbrush models on the market for children. From the Oral-B Disney’s Frozen Kids Electric Toothbrush with its innovative Magic Timer app that encourages kids to brush longer, to the Philips Sonicare HX6321/02. This offers a superior cleaning experience that delivers approximately 500 strokes per second. Additionally, this premium product has brush bristles designed for effective and comfortable cleaning of softer teeth and gums.
However, the stand out as the best electric toothbrush for kids has to be our editor’s choice, the Oral-B Star Wars Kids Electric Toothbrush. This impressive toothbrush has a rotating head that is designed to reach every surface of the tooth for thorough, deep cleaning. Additionally, the interdental tips are ideal for cleaning between smaller teeth, so cleaning surfaces are cleaned to a very high standard.
