The 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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Electric toothbrushes can make brushing more enjoyable for kids by taking away the manual labor and making the process more fun. "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.
The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested over a dozen electric toothbrushes in the past two years, focusing on performance, ease of use, durability and customer satisfaction. We look at factors like battery life, comfort ease of removing the brush head, and how simple it is to clean. 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.
Philips Sonicare Power Toothbrush for Kids
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 4,000 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+
Arm & Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush Powered Toothbrush
Orthodontist Jamie Reynolds, D.D.S., recommends the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush, which is available in fun themes like Spider-Man and Super Mario. While it's not as powerful as sonic models, he says it's still a great option for helping young kids improve their brushing technique. Online reviewers also highlight that the Spinbrush is easy to hold and simple to turn on and off. Ages 3+
Oral-B 1000 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush
"When my tween kids got braces, their orthodontists recommended Oral-B electric toothbrushes for proper cleaning," says one GH staffer. Dr. De Poto 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+
BriteBrush Interactive Smart Kids Toothbrush
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+
Quip Kids' Electric Toothbrush Starter Set
"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. The subscription plan also includes a refill option for brush heads and batteries. Ages 3+
Oral-B Kids' Electric Toothbrush
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+
FAQs
Do dentists recommend electric toothbrushes for kids?
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 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 dentist Michael De Poto, D.D.S. of Allwood Family Dentistry. He adds that kids' toothbrushes just happen to be smaller, which might better fit in kids' mouths, and usually feature fun and inviting designs.
What to consider when shopping
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.
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
