A mom and expert tests the Autobrush on her toddler son and five-year-old niece.
As a pediatric dentist—and a mom—I understand how challenging it can be to get children to brush their teeth properly. One of my main passions is public health, particularly finding ways to make children’s oral and dental care more practical and accessible for busy parents and caregivers.
Brushing technique, consistency and hitting every tooth can be hard enough for adults, let alone little ones. And let’s face it, even with an electric toothbrush, teeth-cleaning battles are a cliché for a reason. Kids are easily distracted, rush through the process or just don’t brush long enough.
All of this can lead to dental issues like plaque build-up and gingivitis. Cavities are, after all, kids' no. 1 chronic disease. So, when I heard about the Autobrush—a high-tech, kid-friendly toothbrush designed to make brushing more efficient—I had to give it a try.
What particularly intrigued me was the idea that this brush could also benefit individuals with limited motor skills. For kids and adults with motor disabilities or dexterity challenges, maintaining good oral hygiene can be difficult. A tool like the Autobrush can be empowering and help make dental care more accessible for everyone.
The Autobrush is a U-shaped toothbrush that’s specifically designed to make brushing easier and more effective. Unlike a traditional manual toothbrush, the Autobrush cleans all teeth surfaces at once with its built-in nylon bristles.
The brush offers a quick 30-second brushing cycle and uses dental-grade LED technology for an enhanced cleaning experience. Autobrush has also received the prestigious American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This is a major validation of its performance in plaque removal, improving gum health and reducing gingivitis. Clinically, it has been proven to remove up to 82 percent more plaque and reduce gingivitis by 45 percent.
LED lights in blue and red promise to whiten teeth and improve gum health, respectively. And there are three cleaning modes: Care, for regular maintenance, Clean for a deep clean and Massage to massage gums. The nylon brush heads come off easily so they can be cleaned and replaced. The brush has a rechargeable battery and charging base.
The Autobrush works by simultaneously cleaning the upper and lower teeth with its U-shaped silicone mouthpiece. This makes it much easier to cover those hard-to-reach areas. For children, this is often the back molars or the gumline where plaque likes to hide.
The brush's design forgives the need for precise manual dexterity, which can be a game-changer for kids, elderly individuals, or those with limited motor control. While you can place the Autobrush in your mouth and simply turn it on, moving the handle in a circular or figure-eight motion ensures that the nylon bristles scrub every surface.
And it’s not just for kids! There's an Autobrush for adults, too. It's convenient for those who struggle with maintaining oral hygiene due to health conditions or want a quicker brushing experience.
With a 30-second brushing cycle, it also tackles one of the biggest problems I see as a dentist—kids not brushing long enough. The brush even lights up and plays music (both features can be turned off), making it fun and encouraging for younger children, which is essential for establishing good oral hygiene habits early on.
I decided to test the Autobrush on both my 16-month-old son and my five-year-old niece. I knew that their responses would be very different. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about using it on my 16-month-old, but I gave it a shot anyway.
At this age, kids are still learning the basics of oral care (i.e. parents are doing it for them, often with their resistance). And they don't yet have the coordination needed for a proper brushing technique.
Experts recommend assisting children with brushing their teeth until they can confidently tie their shoes. Even after that milestone, it's important to check that kids are doing a thorough job, especially on the top and bottom back molars.
My 16-month-old was curious but ultimately resistant about the feel of the U-shaped mouthpiece due to the size of the brush. We introduced it a few more times and he became more accepting of it, especially after watching his older cousin use the Autobrush.
I found the Autobrush far more effective on the five-year-old, who already has experience with toothbrushing. In her case, I noticed a significant improvement in plaque removal—especially on the back molars, which are tricky for young kids to reach on their own. The Autobrush was doing the hard work for her, and I loved seeing that it cleaned thoroughly in just 30 seconds.
As a parent, the simplicity of the Autobrush is one of the biggest wins. My niece actually looks forward to brushing because it’s quick, easy and interactive. And I no longer have to remind her to brush for long enough or worry about whether he's missed a spot. That peace of mind is priceless.
In our house, dental hygiene is non-negotiable. I view it similarly to changing a diaper or making sure a baby is in a car seat—there may be some resistance, but it's essential for their health and safety. At the same time, I believe in progress over perfection. It’s not about every single brushing session being flawless but about building consistent, good habits over time.
Beyond its effectiveness for kids, I see a lot of potential for Autobrush to help people with motor disabilities or those who struggle with dexterity. Whether it’s a child with developmental challenges or an adult dealing with conditions like arthritis or Parkinson's, the Autobrush reduces the physical demands of brushing, allowing users to maintain good oral hygiene without requiring full manual control.
Its design also eliminates some of the stress and frustration that often comes with brushing. The Autobrush offers independence and can make daily hygiene routines more manageable for a wide range of users, which is a win for both families and caregivers.
The Autobrush is available online through their official website as well as major retailers like Amazon. They offer fun designs to make brushing more enjoyable for kids, and different models are available for various age groups and needs.
The Autobrush is a great tool for parents looking to improve their children's brushing habits—and for anyone who struggles with the physical act of brushing. Its ease of use, combined with its clinically proven effectiveness, makes it an appealing option for families who want to simplify their dental care routine while ensuring a better clean.
For families like mine, it’s a great supplement to traditional brushing, especially on those hectic mornings or evenings when motivation is low. It’s also a wonderful option for children and individuals with motor disabilities, providing independence and a stress-free brushing experience. While it may not fully replace the need for learning manual brushing techniques, it offers an innovative and accessible way to improve oral health across all ages.
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Dr. Ashley Lerman is a board-certified pediatric dentist, mom, and founder of Firstgrin, an initiative promoting maternal and childhood oral and dental health. She partners with OBGYNs and pediatricians to connect parents to providers. Her work and evidence-based tips have gained viral attention on social media @pediatric.dentist.mom.