8 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids, According to Dentists
With adult supervision, dentists say these toothbrushes are great for children's teeth.
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Convincing kids to brush their teeth can be a challenge, to say the least, but the best electric toothbrushes can not only make it more fun for them, but also more efficient. "Kids' manual dexterity isn't fully developed until they're older, so it's difficult for young children to be able to brush properly," says dentist Camille Little, D.D.S. While the American Dental Association (ADA) states that both manual and electric toothbrushes can effectively remove plaque, Dr. Little notes that electric versions often do a better job, especially when they feature built-in timers to ensure kids brush long enough.
They're also great for teens with braces, says pediatric dentist Mallory Marquie, D.D.S. "Brackets, elastics, and wires can make brushing tricky, and poor brushing while wearing braces can lead to decay or gum tissue inflammation." That's why she says electric toothbrushes are a smart solution for kids and teens, to help prevent these problems.
These best electric toothbrushes for kids will make brushing more fun—and more efficient.
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The dentists we spoke to recommend this Philips Sonicare toothbrush—even Dr. Little’s daughter uses it! Dr. Marquie appreciates its compatibility with both compact and standard brush heads, making it perfect for growing kids. "It even connects to a fun, instructional app that logs brushing performance, teaches proper techniques, and lets kids earn rewards as they improve their brushing routines," she says. Ages 4+
With over 21,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this toothbrush is a hit. "I bought two packs because they’re such a great price," one Amazon reviewer shares. "They suction right to the counter, have super soft bristles, and are just adorable." The brand also notes that the toothbrush lays flat for easy toothpaste application. Choose from a variety of kid-friendly designs, including Bluey, Pokemon, and Minecraft. Ages 5+
Starting good oral hygiene habits young is crucial and this pGH Parenting Award winner makes that easy. Despite being toddler-friendly, it’s packed with good cleaning features including gentle vibration, a built-in two-minute timer, soft bristles, a lightweight feel, an easy-to-grip handle, and a long battery life, so it doesn’t need to be charged frequently. “My son wanted to brush his teeth!” one tester mom said. “The vibration helps when he’s not completely brushing himself; I feel like it is still somewhat cleaning his tiny teeth. It is the perfect size for a toddler.”Ages 6 months–3 years
"When my tween kids got braces, their orthodontists recommended Oral-B electric toothbrushes for proper cleaning," says one GH staffer. Dentist Michael De Poto, D.D.S., of Allwood Family Dentistry agrees: "For braces, we usually recommend Oral-B toothbrushes because they spin rather than move back and forth, and they have certain attachments that can clean around the wires." Ages 3+
This interactive toothbrush comes in fun character styles like Baby Shark. We love its smart sensors and side-change recognition for a seamless brushing experience. The set also comes pre-loaded with seven fun games and a tutorial mode to guide kids through proper brushing techniques. Ages 5+
"This toothbrush is extremely popular among my patients and is perfect for families new to electric toothbrushes," says Dr. Marquie. She loves the fun color options and the built-in timer that ensures proper brushing time. "The small brush head is also great for reaching tricky areas on both primary and permanent teeth," she adds. Ages 3+
Oral-B is a trusted name in oral hygiene, so it’s no surprise this toothbrush is a best-seller with a cult following on Amazon. It features a rechargeable design with a two-minute timer, and the handle is compatible with various Oral-B brush heads. Some online reviewers note that the toothbrush feels as powerful as the adult version, making it potentially better suited for older kids, despite being marketed for younger ones. Ages 3+
How we chose the best electric toothbrushes for kids
Our top picks for the best electric toothbrushes for kids have been recommended to us by dentists, with most featuring interactive apps, built-in timers, and fun designs with bright colors or popular characters to make brushing more enjoyable. We also included a GH Parenting Award winner and scoured reviews, considering factors like performance, ease of use, durability, satisfaction, battery life, comfort ease of removing the brush head, and how simple it is to clean.
What to look for when shopping for a kid's electric toothbrush
Here’s what to look for when buying an electric toothbrush for kids:
- Two-minute timers: This is the recommended brushing time according to the ADA. "Some brushes even prompt kids to move between sections of the mouth for optimal cleaning," says Dr. Marquie. "These features ensure all teeth surfaces get proper attention for the full two minutes."
- Pressure sensors: Special lights alert users if they are brushing too hard. Dr. Marquie emphasizes that adult supervision is important until around age 8 to ensure safe and effective brushing.
- Kid-friendly handle: A longer handle allows for easier grip and gives adults space to assist and guide the brush when needed.
- Coaching apps: Dr. De Poto says that some toothbrushes, like Oral-B, include instructional apps to ensure kids brush properly in all the right spots.
At what age can kids use an electric toothbrush?
Both Dr. Little and Dr. Marquie say that children can start at 3 years old, with adult supervision and after consulting with a trusted dentist. "Kids can brush their gums too hard and that can cause sore spots or gum recession," explains Dr. Little, "so it's helpful to have an adult around to prevent that." But to this point, Dr. Marquie adds that fortunately, a lot of electric toothbrushes include a pressure sensor that alerts the user if they're brushing too aggressively.
Can kids use electric toothbrushes designed for adults?
You don't have to fret about getting an electric toothbrush specifically marketed to kids. "Kids can use the same toothbrush as adults; they're virtually the same," says Dr. De Poto. He adds that kids' toothbrushes just happen to be smaller, which might better fit in kids' mouths, and usually feature fun and inviting designs.
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Contributing editor Shanon Maglente is a writer and editor specializing in best-of product roundups and deals across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting, and more. Contributing editor Celia Shatzman, who has covered beauty and health for 20 years, most recently updated this article.
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