Kids' Toothbrushes: Buying Tips for Parents

Taking care of your child’s teeth early is essential for preventing oral health issues later. Building good dental habits helps avoid cavities, tooth decay, oral pain and discomfort, dental infections and diseases, while also saving you from expensive dental treatments. By establishing a solid oral hygiene routine, you’re making it easier for your child to maintain these habits throughout childhood.

When it comes to brushing, a good toothbrush is important for keeping those tiny teeth clean and healthy. With so many options available, it can be tough to choose the right one. To help, we’re consulting pediatric dentist Elyse Kerschner for expert advice on selecting the best kids' toothbrushes and tips for encouraging great brushing habits.

Types of kids' toothbrushes

With so many kids' toothbrushes to choose from, we’re breaking down the different types to help you choose the best one for your child.

Manual toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes are non-electric brushes that require manual movement to clean teeth. These are often the first toothbrushes kids use because they’re simple, affordable, and come in small, kid-friendly sizes that are easy to use.

Electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are battery-powered and make the bristles vibrate, oscillate, or rotate to clean teeth. They’re highly effective because they do most of the work for you—just move the brush from tooth to tooth and let it do its job. Dr. Kerschner recommends electric toothbrushes for kids starting at age four.

Mouthguards and U-shaped toothbrushes

Both mouthguard toothbrushes and U-shaped toothbrushes are hands-free, automatic brushes shaped like a sports mouthguard. They fit over your child’s teeth and claim to clean all surfaces in seconds. However, Dr. Kerschner advises against them:  “Mouthguard toothbrushes are pretty much the same and we don't recommend them. They are ineffective at plaque removal and can't get to those hard-to-reach places. This can lead to continually missing the same spot over and over and not getting all of the tooth surfaces.”

However, in her review of Autobrush, a u-shaped toothbrush, Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist says "I noticed a significant improvement in plaque removal—especially on the back molars, which are tricky for young kids to reach on their own." Speak with your child's dentist before choosing a U-shaped toothbrush. Or, get your kids to alternate between a U-shaped automatic toothbrush and a manual or electric toothbrush.

Manual toothbrushes for children

When shopping for a manual toothbrush for your child, choose one that’s age-appropriate and easy for them to use. Short handles are best for toddlers, while longer handles work better for older kids. Be sure the brush head isn’t too small to avoid gagging, or too large to make it difficult to use. Dr. Kerschner recommends soft or extra-soft bristles because they’re gentle on gums and teeth. This can be particularly helpful for teething toddlers, who may resist teeth brushing in the first place.

Manual toothbrushes are often a child’s first toothbrush because they’re simple and easy to use. While electric toothbrushes may offer a more thorough clean, younger children need something straightforward to build the habit of brushing twice a day.

Electric toothbrushes for kids

Electric toothbrushes are powered by rechargeable or regular batteries, which make the brush head oscillate, vibrate, or rotate to clean around each tooth. Unlike manual brushing, the electric head does the work for you, offering a more efficient clean. Many electric toothbrushes come with extra features that add value, such as built-in timers or app connectivity and management.

“The best electric toothbrushes are Philips Sonicare or Oral B. They are designed with a vibration frequency that will most efficiently eliminate plaque,” says Dr. Kerschener. She explains that these toothbrushes come with useful features, such as built-in timers that signal every 30 seconds for brushing each quadrant or a two-minute timer for the entire brushing session.

Dr. Kerschner recommends electric toothbrushes with app-controlled features that pair with your phone or tablet. These apps often have reward systems to make brushing more engaging and help kids look forward to this daily routine.

However, keep in mind that electric toothbrushes are typically heavier, which might make them challenging for younger children to hold. The vibrations can also feel uncomfortable for kids who are sensitive to new sensations, so it’s important to consider your child’s comfort and preferences.

Choosing the best kids' toothbrush

“Whatever brush they are going to use is going to be the best one,” says Dr. Kerschner. In other words, the ideal toothbrush is the one your child actually uses, because it means the job is getting done. However, if you’re starting from scratch, electric toothbrushes are generally better at removing plaque and food particles. If your child dislikes the sensation of an electric toothbrush, a manual one is a great alternative.

Here are some key factors to consider, whether you choose an electric or manual toothbrush:

• Bristle texture: Choose one that has soft or extra soft bristles which are more tolerable, comfortable, and gentler on gums and teeth.
• Handle materials: Manual toothbrush handles come in materials like plastic and wood, and some have rubber grips for better hold. It might take some trial and error to find the handle your child feels most comfortable using.
• Fun or novelty: If a special colour or favourite character makes brushing more exciting for your child, go for it! A fun toothbrush can be a great motivator.
• Functionality: You won’t know if a toothbrush is the right fit until you try it. Experiment with a few options to see which one your child likes and can use independently (if age-appropriate).
• Ease of use: Some electric toothbrushes have bulky designs or overly complicated features which are tricky to operate, especially for children. Look for ones with simple designs and easy for your child to use.

Tips for encouraging good brushing habits

For some kids, brushing their teeth is fun, but for others, it’s just another chore before bedtime. Here are some expert-approved tips to encourage good oral hygiene:

• Use timers: For electric toothbrushes, built-in timers can make brushing more interactive, helping kids feel like they’re working toward a goal.
• App-connected toothbrushes: Choose an electric toothbrush with app features that offer games or rewards for consistent brushing—it turns a routine task into a fun challenge.
• Play a podcast: Put on a kid-friendly podcast to keep them entertained while they brush.
• Sibling challenges: Turn brushing into a friendly competition with prizes.
• Read books about dental care: Stories about visiting the dentist or keeping teeth clean can help kids understand why oral hygiene matters.

When to replace your child's toothbrush

Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months. Dr. Kerschner explains that this is because bacteria can build up on the bristles, and regular use causes the bristles to wear down or flare out. If this happens before three months, purchase a replacement. Additionally, if your child has been sick, it’s a good idea to replace their toothbrush to avoid reintroducing any lingering bacteria.

Dr. Kerschner notes that excessive wear on a toothbrush may indicate aggressive brushing. Many kids believe that brushing harder means better cleaning, but that’s not true—and it can actually cause pain or discomfort to the teeth and gums. If you notice this, gently teach your child to brush with lighter pressure to protect their gums and teeth.

Shop toothbrushes for kids

Philips Sonicare for Kids Bluetooth Connected Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Oral-b Kids Electric Toothbrush With Sensitive Brush Head and Timer

Orajel Kids Paw Patrol Toothbrush with Soft Bristles

The Future Is Bamboo Rainbow Kids Bamboo Toothbrush

Autobrush

Experts

• Pediatric dentist, Elyse Kerschner DDS