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Getting kids to brush their teeth can be challenging, but using an electric toothbrush can help. They can be pretty fun to use, often displaying colorful lights, playing music, and syncing with apps that use games and rewards to encourage kids to brush. More importantly, research has shown that electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease than manual toothbrushes. An electric toothbrush can also help kids get used to the vibration of dental tools, which prepares them for dentist visits, according to Nasem Dunlop, DMD, a mother of two and board-certified pediatric dentist. To find the best electric toothbrushes for kids, we first consulted experts who helped us narrow our list of potential contenders down to 16 options. Next, we personally tested the toothbrushes for several months with our kids to evaluate their quality, ease of use, effectiveness, functionality, and value. Finally, we had a family physician on ourReview Boardreview the contents of this article for medical accuracy. Our top 11 picks are those that performed best in our testing: they effectively clean teeth, are gentle on gums, and get kids excited about brushing for the recommended two minutes, twice a day. Our Top Picks Best With Sensor: Best Disposable: Best With Rechargeable Battery: Best for Big Kids: Philips Sonicare Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush at Amazon ($30) Best Subscription: Best for Toddlers: In This Article Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested Our Experts What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 4.6/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Uses augmented reality game to guide kids through brushing Built-in 2-minute timer App allows parents to track kids’ progress Cons Requires screen time Batteries must be replaced regularly App has a learning curve This high-tech toothbrush is our top pick due to the brushing experience it provides. The Hum is designed to be used in tandem with an app that uses augmented reality to guide your child through brushing their teeth. Although it required a bit of training for kids to position their heads correctly, the app itself is easy to download, and the toothbrush arrived with batteries installed.Our kids loved it; even those who used to argue about brushing daily look forward to brushing their teeth. We call this a win! In terms of functionality, we like that this toothbrush is designed to stand on its own, but we would prefer it to have a plug-in rechargeable battery. Other pros include a built-in, two-minute timer and a small brush head with a tongue cleaner. And while there’s always a learning curve with technology, we noticed that kids caught on to the augmented reality portion quickly, which was worth the effort of talking them through it. It’s worth mentioning that the screen time (albeit brief) associated with this toothbrush could be a downside for some parents. If you’re trying to limit your kids’ exposure to screens, you may need to weigh the pros and cons of using this particular toothbrush. The brightly colored toothbrush and interactive app incentivized kids to brush their teeth and made them look forward to doing so. In fact, the kids said they felt a sense of accomplishment when brushing their teeth with the Hum. Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Rechargeable battery Built-in timer Compatible with other Oral-B brush heads Cons Doesn’t automatically turn off after two minutes Brush head must be detached and cleaned daily Transitioning your child to an electric toothbrush can be a chore, but this Oral-B will make the process simple. Set up is a breeze: After opening the box, we simply popped the brush head onto the base and were ready to go. We also like that it comes with its own charging station, has a strong, grippy handle that is easy to hold, and only one button to turn the toothbrush on or off. We also give this toothbrush five stars for functionality. The small brush head allows kids to clean their back teeth independently and enables them to maneuver it around their mouth with ease. While it has a built-in timer that vibrates every 30 seconds, it doesn’t automatically turn off when brushing is complete. If you want to ensure your child brushes for the entire two minutes, you’ll need to download the Disney Magic Timer app, which provides an interactive brushing experience that motivates your child to brush and tracks their progress. One small inconvenience is that this toothbrush needs to be cleaned daily to prevent residual dried saliva, toothpaste, or water build-up under the brush head, according to Dr. Dunlop. Oral-B recommends removing the toothbrush head from the handle after each use, rinsing it thoroughly under tap water, and then letting it air dry. Despite this minor setback, our observations confirm that this toothbrush is a quality product that does a better job at brushing teeth than a manual toothbrush. Oral-B is a top brand for adult electric toothbrushes, and it's obvious they didn't skimp when making this kids’ toothbrush. We appreciate that it’s ergonomically designed for a child's hand and mouth and is intuitive to use. Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Alerts kids if they brush too hard Includes two refill brush heads Built-in timer Cons Doesn’t automatically turn off after two minutes Replacement brush heads are pricier than other brands This Oral-B toothbrush is ideal for kids because they simply need to hold it on each tooth and let the brush do the work. We also like that there’s only one button for on, off, or slow mode and that it pauses every 30 seconds to alert kids to move to the next quadrant of their mouth. This toothbrush also features one of our favorite tools: a coaching sensor that lights up if kids brush their teeth too hard. Doing so may not only be painful, but it can also damage their teeth and gums. In addition to this coaching feature, this electric toothbrush has a round, sensitive brush head and gives kids the option to brush in a regular or gentle mode. However, the toothbrush doesn’t turn off after two minutes of brushing, so you must supervise your child or download the Disney Magic Timer or another timer app. Another minor drawback is that the brush heads are pricey to replace, but the overall value is great. During testing, we discovered that this toothbrush cleans teeth so well that we did not have to go back and brush their teeth again. Their teeth were visibly clean, and we especially liked that the kids were happy to accomplish this on their own. The Best Toothpastes for Toddlers, According to Dentists Who Are Moms Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Inexpensive Easy to pack for vacations Choose from six different themes Cons No built-in timer Brush head is not replaceable This Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush is ready to use right out of the packaging, and the on and off buttons are easy enough for a 3-year-old to push. We also like that it has a flat back, so it doesn’t roll around the countertop when your little one is learning to apply toothpaste. Since this toothbrush is meant to be used for only a few months at most, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that a more expensive electric toothbrush has. For example, it doesn’t have a timer, and the brush head isn’t replaceable—but since the toothbrush costs less than $10, you can buy a new one for less than the cost of a brush head from other brands. Parents will especially appreciate its easy-to-grasp non-slip grip and small brush head that is convenient for kids to maneuver. During testing, we observed that its vibration successfully cleaned teeth and was surprisingly quiet for an electric toothbrush. We also found that it’s easy for toddlers to hold and they get excited to use it due to the fun character design. Despite being disposable, the overall quality of this toothbrush meets our standards. We also appreciate that it's quite affordable, so you can have toothbrushes in multiple locations (grandma's house, a different bathroom, etc.), which is very practical. Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 4/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Compact brush head Battery lasts 30 days on a single charge Lifetime warranty Cons Charcoal bristles may be too abrasive for some kids The BURSTkids electric toothbrush is so easy to use that even the toddlers in our test were able to brush their own teeth. We like that it has one button to turn it on and off, a compact brush head that fits easily inside little mouths, and a sturdy silicone handle. It is also topped with bristles that contain activated charcoal nanoparticles, which may result in less wear and more plaque removal than nylon bristles. However, Dr. Dunlop warns that activated charcoal use in dental products is still relatively new and hasn’t been thoroughly studied. For some kids, it can be too harsh and potentially weaken and wear down teeth. You also want to make sure kids spit and rinse thoroughly. A huge selling point for this toothbrush is its battery life. After charging it overnight, you won’t have to worry about charging it again for up to four weeks, even when used daily. This feature is great if you’re going on vacation or the toothbrush is used in different bathrooms at home. The kit comes with the toothbrush, toothbrush head, and a charging dock, but a wall adapter is not included. To get the most out of this toothbrush, consider signing up for a subscription through the manufacturer's website, which will automatically send you a replacement brush head every 12 weeks. The $7 price tag is slightly higher than other toothbrush heads, but the automatic replacement means you won’t have to worry about forgetting to order. The company also provides a lifetime warranty. We love this pick for its incredibly long battery life, simple interface, sturdy handle, and kid-sized brush head. Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Functionality 4/5 Quality 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Pros Built-in timer Long battery life Customizable handle with solid grip Cons App is cumbersome to set up Can feel heavy when younger kids first use it When it’s time to upgrade your older child’s toothbrush, we recommend this Philips Sonicare Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush. To help kids learn how to brush for the recommended time and effectively clean each quadrant of their mouth, this toothbrush has a KidTimer and a KidPacer. We liked these features because they prevent kids from wondering when to move to a different quadrant of their mouth or missing areas altogether. This toothbrush arrives fully charged and has a long battery life. It also connects to a free interactive app designed to educate kids and get them excited about brushing, but we found the app cumbersome because it required a lot of information before setup. While it has a solid grip on the handle, the brush appears to be the size of an adult brush, which initially seemed heavy for some of our younger kids (it weighs 9.63 ounces, which is quite a bit more than most of the other toothbrushes on our list). This toothbrush is a top choice and was highly recommended by our experts. “The small brush head size and the vibration of the bristles does an amazing job of cleaning hard-to-reach spots and, in my opinion, give the best results for cleaning,” says Dr. Dunlop. Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 4.5/5 Quality 4/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Subscription includes battery, brush head, and toothpaste Small handle with rubber grip Built-in timer Cons Kids need to do most of the brushing themselves Adhesive doesn’t hold up after being moved From a new tube of watermelon-flavored toothpaste to a replacement brush head and battery, this Quip toothbrush subscription comes with everything your child needs to keep their teeth healthy and clean. The toothbrush arrives ready to go; the only setup required is installing the toothbrush mirror mount, which is done with micro-suction tape (an acrylic sheet with holes that work like suction cups). However, while this tape is supposed to be transferable, we noticed that it didn’t stick as well after taking it with us on a weekend getaway. Unlike other electric toothbrushes that vibrate and oscillate, this toothbrush only vibrates. Because of this, we had to move the toothbrush back and forth just like we would with a manual toothbrush. Although it doesn’t feature games or fun characters, the Quip does include a two-minute timer with pulses every 30 seconds so kiddos know when to switch sides. With a Quip subscription (purchased from the Quip website), you’ll pay $7 every three months to have a new brush head, toothpaste, and battery shipped straight to your door. You can choose to receive one, two, or three brush heads (for an additional $7 each) every three months, which is handy if you have multiple kids sharing the same toothbrush base. We only wish the Quip had a rechargeable battery. The Quip toothbrush features a basic design and prioritizes functionality over bells and whistles. However, its subscription service makes it a great choice for busy parents who won't have to worry about remembering to change brush heads. Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 5/5 Quality 3/5 Value 5/5 Pros Small, round brush head Includes two toothbrushes Comes with a year’s worth of brush heads Cons Have to push button twice to activate toothbrush Battery installation requires a mini screwdriver (included) This cute little electric toothbrush is specifically designed for children ages 0-3, and the set includes a second toothbrush for your child to use as they get older. Inserting the battery is more complicated than in other toothbrushes, as it requires you to take the bottom cap off, undo the tiny screw, release the compartment, place the battery, and then secure everything back in place. Once the battery is in, this electric toothbrush is very easy to use and hold. It also has a small brush head that is perfect for little mouths. We were impressed by how durable it is, as it stood up to being repeatedly dropped by toddlers. Another flaw we found with this Dada-Tech brush is that turning it on is not entirely intuitive. After pushing the on/off button once, a light turns on, but the toothbrush doesn’t. Only after you push the button twice does the toothbrush turn on, which required us to intervene when kids tried to use it themselves. We aren’t quite sure about the purpose of the light, but it could be helpful if brushing teeth in the dark or if you need to see inside of your child's mouth. The low price point and the additional brush make this set a great value. While it's not as easy to use independently compared to most of our other picks, it stands out for its affordability and toddler-centric design. The Best Baby Toothbrushes for Budding Pearly Whites Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Functionality 4/5 Quality 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Easy to use Bristles oscillate to clean with minimal effort Available in different character prints Cons No built-in timer Brush head is not replaceable This Arm & Hammer Spinbrush is proof that you can still get a good electric toothbrush on a budget. We recommend it to parents who want to introduce an electric toothbrush but aren’t sure if kids will like the vibration in their mouth. Although it’s a bare-bones brush, it allows you to try out the concept of an electric toothbrush without spending a lot to see if it's something your child is ready for and enjoys. This disposable brush comes fully equipped with batteries, but you can’t replace the brush head, so it’s not ideal for long-term use. One thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have a non-slip grip, which could make it challenging for a younger child to hold. Our older kids didn’t have a problem with it because the handle is wide enough for them to hold securely. It also doesn’t have a built-in timer, so you’ll need to set one or supervise your child when they brush. This is basically one step above a manual brush, but given the price point and the fact that it’s fun for kids to use a character-themed brush, we think it’s a great electric toothbrush for kids. Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Functionality 4.5/5 Quality 4/5 Value 4/5 Pros Multi-functional storage stand Small, round brush head Available in nine different characters Cons No option to turn light off Batteries not included This electric toothbrush set is enclosed in a stand that can be kept on the bathroom counter or mounted on the wall. Mounting hardware is included with your purchase, and the stand has a spot to hold the toothbrush, replacement brush head, and rinse cup. It also has a place for a small rotating hourglass that can be used as a two-minute brushing timer. We like this toothbrush because its handle is comfortable to hold, the brush head fits nicely in small mouths, and it has a reasonable price tag. However, it doesn’t come with batteries, so it's a good idea to keep a few on hand. Having a dedicated stand for their toothbrush can make little ones feel special, and this colorful stand, combined with the cute character options on the toothbrush itself, can easily make brushing time more fun. Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 4/5 Quality 4.3/5 Value 3/5 Pros Entire brush head glows Built-in auto-off timer Small base fits comfortably in kids’ hands Cons No option to turn light off Not meant for big kids The Papablic Baby Electric Toothbrush is incredibly easy to use. In fact, we gave it to a 2-year-old to test, and he was able to turn it on right away. We like that the base is smaller and more lightweight, making it ideal for little hands to grip and grab. What our kids liked most was that the entire head glows and functions as a timer: It turns off after two minutes so kids know when they’ve brushed for the recommended time. The downside to the fun light is that it was a little distracting for the younger set—the toddlers wanted to play with the light instead of brushing. In terms of functionality, we found that this toothbrush handle is comfortable to hold, and the brush head size is appropriate for a little kid’s mouth. It also comes with a smaller brush head for younger kids. One issue we encountered is that the brush head can get dislodged if your child bites down on the brush, as kids often do. The biting also resulted in prematurely frayed bristles. If anything, this brush is too much fun and had our toddlers thinking it was a toy rather than a tool. But once kids get over the excitement of the light, this brush does a great job of keeping tiny teeth clean. To determine the best electric toothbrushes for kids, 12 parenting editors and their families tested a variety of dentist-recommended toothbrushes for several months. We set up the toothbrushes according to the manufacturer's instructions, showed our children how to use them, and encouraged them to brush independently. During the testing process, we took notes on our overall brushing experience with each product, focusing on: We also shared any comments by their dentists regarding the presence of plaque and the overall oral health of their kids. We consulted the following experts: Do kids need an electric toothbrush? According to Dr. Dunlop, electric toothbrushes are superior to manual ones. “If your child tolerates it, I recommend using an electric toothbrush as [often] as possible,” she says, noting that the nighttime brush is the “most important brush of the day,” so kids should definitely utilize the electric toothbrush then. When can kids use an electric toothbrush? “The earlier, the better!” says Dr. Dunlop. She personally started using an electric toothbrush for her kids when they were around 1.5 to 2 years old. Although you might not be able to do a full brush initially, establishing the habit is more important. Just because your child’s toothbrush is electric doesn't mean the grownups' job is done. Parents should always supervise and help with brushing until kids are mature enough to do it correctly on their own. How much does an electric toothbrush cost? Electric toothbrushes can range anywhere from $6 to $100 or more. To be mindful of all budgets, we selected electric toothbrushes that range from $6 to $70.The electric toothbrushes that tend to cost more upfront are rechargeable subscription models. While it's a bigger initial investment, the motor and charger should last for several years, making your only cost that of the replacement brush heads. Laura Lu, M.S., is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. Her quest for a healthy smile began more than two years ago when she gave up soda to help her teeth stay white. She has been a happy quip customer for more than three years and has two young children, each of whom loves their themed Arm & Hammer Kids Spinbrush. The 8 Best Children’s Vitamins of 2024, According to a Dietitian:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Electric-Toothbrushes-for-Kids-of-2023-tout-6beff64488cb485bb48f1157ce11e8a3.jpg "The 11 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids to Keep Their Smiles Healthy and Clean (1)")
Best Overall
Colgate Hum Kids Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush
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Best Grip
Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush
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Best With Sensor
Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush
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Best Disposable
Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush
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Best With Rechargeable Battery
Burst BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush
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Best for Big Kids
Philips Sonicare Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush
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Best Subscription
Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush
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Best for Toddlers
DADA-TECH Baby Electric Toothbrush
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Best Budget
Arm & Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush Electric Toothbrush
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Best Storage
Brusheez Kids Electric Toothbrush Set
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Best With Light
Papablic Baby Electric Toothbrush
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We Also Tested
How We Tested the Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids
Our Experts
What to Look for in Electric Toothbrushes for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Family
