Choosing the right toothbrush can make all the difference in your child’s oral care, and we’re here to help you make the right choice.
We’ve seen firsthand how having the best tools can make toothbrushing a playful and engaging experience that kids are more likely to get on board with. But with a market saturated with electric toothbrushes, many of which are little more than poor-quality toys, it can be hard to know where to begin.
We’ve spoken with the experts and spent hours comparing dozens of products to bring you this list of the best electric toothbrushes for kids. Whether you’re looking for effectiveness, a long battery life, an effective design, or an easy-to-use product, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in!
- Ultra-long battery life
- Soft bristles & different speeds
- Two-minute timer
- Waterproof
- Efficient cleaning
- Timer and intervals
Product Reviews
Here are the top 5 electric toothbrushes for kids.
Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Kids
Best Electric Toothbrush Overall
This Proalpha rechargeable toothbrush is suitable for children aged 4 years and up. It comes with a feature that allows you to adjust the power for different ages.
It’s cute, with a child-friendly appearance that has received compliments from parents. With a scaled-down handle and brush, your child will be comfortable while brushing their teeth.
It has much to offer, including a toothbrushing assistant that helps your child brush for two minutes. When it’s time to replace the brush, the bristles will fade to let you know.
What We Like
Power Options
Proalpha included a function enabling you to choose between three power options to ensure the cleaning speed is appropriate for the age range. It covers ages 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and kids over 10 years old. The toothbrush removes plaque effectively without causing damage to the gums.
Included Timer
The toothbrush includes a two-minute timer to ensure your child knows how long to brush. There’s also a 30-second interval pause, reminding the user to switch sides for a thorough cleanse.
Child-Friendly Handle
The handle is designed to suit small hands. It’s lightweight and effortless to hold securely. The brush is also scaled down, fitting comfortably in a child’s mouth.
Replacement Reminder
The bristles on the brush will let the user know when a replacement is due. They’ll begin to fade, changing color. Included in the package is one replacement brush. The manufacturer states that each brush lasts for up to six months.
What We Don't Like
No Blue Option
One of the possible downsides to this toothbrush is that it’s only available in red and white or pink. Some parents mentioned that it would be nice to have some more color options.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 4 years and up |
| Charging base included | Yes |
| Timer | Yes |
| Bristle material | Dupont nylon |
| Waterproof | Yes |
Our Ratings
Vekkia Dragon Lord Kids Electric Toothbrush
Best Battery Life
This adorable electric dragon toothbrush from Vekkia is great for children aged 3 and up.
Your little one can use this for months before it needs a recharge, thanks to its powerful battery.
They can customize the speed to suit their needs, but the soft bristles will always keep their gums safe. It works effectively at removing debris and plaque, leaving a fresh mouth behind.
Included with the toothbrush base are three replacement brushes and a USB charger. The soft Dupont bristles and safe waterproof materials make it child-friendly.
What We Like
Ultra-Long Battery Life
Although the battery is rechargeable, you won’t need the charger for quite a while. Following a three- to four-hour charge, this toothbrush can go for 60 days before needing a boost. It’s fantastic for busy parents or when traveling.
Soft Bristles and Different Speeds
The top rounded bristles are soft — they’re specifically designed to suit children’s sensitive gums while still getting them clean. With three speeds to choose from depending on your child’s age, they can remove all dental debris. The brush head is made from food-grade material, approved for use in the U.S.
Two-Minute Timer
There’s no more guessing or excuses for your little one. This toothbrush includes a two-minute timer with 30-second intervals for changing areas. It’s convenient and will ensure your child’s teeth are squeaky clean.
Cute Design
The blue dragon design is adorable and suitable for girls and boys. Your child will be intrigued, which may encourage them to brush their teeth regularly.
What We Don't Like
Strong Vibrations
The toothbrush tends to vibrate, particularly on the highest setting, making it difficult for small children to hold it.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 3 years and up |
| Charging base included | USB |
| Timer | Yes |
| Bristle material | Dupont |
| Waterproof | Yes |
Our Ratings
Leyoung Kids Electric Toothbrush
Best for Shower Brushing
For children who enjoy multitasking and brushing their teeth while in the bath or shower, this electric toothbrush from Leyoung is completely waterproof and can be used and cleaned under running water.
Beneath the waterproof exterior sits a powerful little motor. The brush doesn’t spin, but it’s suited with strong sonic vibrations, effective at removing gunk and stains. With the long battery life, you don’t have to worry too often about charging.
The design is simple yet captivating for little ones. The bright blue color is suitable for girls or boys. In the bundle, you’ll also receive two replacement brushes.
What We Like
Waterproof
The toothbrush is IPX7 waterproof, so your little one can wash it under the faucet or brush their teeth in the shower. The lightweight, streamlined design makes it easy to use anywhere and to keep it clean.
Efficient Cleaning
With a 100- to 240-volt motor, this electric toothbrush produces 16,000 high-frequency vibrations per minute. It offers a 3D cleaning action to get rid of debris and stains. The soft bristles keep your child’s teeth and gums safe.
Timer and Intervals
For optimal results, your child can use the included two-minute timer. This will indicate three 30-second intervals, telling the user to switch to a different area of their mouth. Once the two minutes are up, the toothbrush shuts off automatically.
Excellent Battery
On a full battery charge, your child can use the brush for up to 30 days before it requires charging. It’s great for trips, and the USB inductive magnetic charger enables you to charge it cordlessly for convenience.
What We Don't Like
It Only Vibrates
This electric toothbrush doesn’t move or spin its head. Instead, it uses vibrations to clean the teeth. A full spin action would do a better job of cleaning.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | N/A |
| Charging base included | Yes |
| Timer | Yes |
| Bristle material | Dupont |
| Waterproof | Yes |
Our Ratings
Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush
Best Electric Toothbrush with App
Sometimes, children require some additional motivation to brush their teeth. So, why not enlist the help of technology and smartphones? That’s what Philips did with its Sonicare Electric Toothbrush.
It’s compatible with a free, interactive app you can download on your phone. It motivates your child with fun rewards, tracks their brushing, and offers tips on getting the best clean. There’s also a helpful timer.
Your little one will love this toothbrush. They can customize it to suit their style or mood, and it’s highly effective.
What We Like
Motivating App
The toothbrush comes with a free, interactive app, which will act as a motivator and brushing coach. You can connect the toothbrush to your smartphone with Bluetooth technology. Then the brushing coach will give tips and show a visual guide for a clean mouth.
Your child can track their progress and brushing times, which motivates and encourages them to keep going. You can even share the results with your child’s dentist.
Superior Cleaning
The Philips Sonicare delivers roughly 500 brush strokes per second. It claims to be 75% more effective than a regular toothbrush in hard-to-reach areas. The bristles are soft and gentle for tiny gums.
Fun Stickers
The toothbrush includes eight fun stickers your little one can use to customize their new tool. The stickers are interchangeable, so the user can switch them up anytime.
Helpful Timer
No more guessing — Philips includes a two-minute timer with the toothbrush. It will tell the user when it’s time to stop brushing, as recommended by the American Dental Association.
What We Don't Like
Large Brush Head
A few parents noted the size of the brush head is relatively large, almost as big as an adult’s. It’s not ideal for young toddlers as it may be too big to brush their teeth comfortably.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | N/A |
| Charging base included | Yes |
| Timer | Yes |
| Bristle material | N/A |
| Waterproof | N/A |
Our Ratings
Papablic BabyHandy 2-Stage Sonic Electric Toothbrush
Best Electric Toothbrush for Babies
Babies must have their teeth brushed too, and this toothbrush from Papablic works well for that. It’s a compact, lightweight brush with an ergonomic handle that’s comfortable for parents to hold.
The bristles are soft, and the brush vibrates gently for a thorough clean. It has some fun elements, too, like LED lights.
It’s suitable for infants, and you get an additional brush, which is a little larger, fitting better for toddlers. It runs on AAA batteries, which are included.
What We Like
Gentle Cleaning
The bristles are extra soft, and the vibration is gentle to suit babies as young as one month. Still, it’s highly efficient — 75% more effective at cleaning than a regular, manual toothbrush. The soft bristles will clean and massage your baby’s gums and teeth.
Easy to Use
The toothbrush design is compact and ergonomic. The lightweight handle and small brush head make it easy to use with little ones. It’s a two-stage brush, so you’ll receive additional heads, which are more suitable for toddlers.
LED Lights
Your little one will love to use this, thanks to the bright LED lights. As they brush, the lights will encourage sensory engagement while illuminating their mouth so you can see their teeth.
Smart Timer
A two-minute timer ensures you brush your baby’s teeth for the recommended time. This will let you know when to change the area you’re working on and alert you when brushing time is up.
What We Don't Like
Not Sturdy
Although the toothbrush is great, if your little one were to throw it, it would probably break. The brush is made of delicate material that can’t take a hit.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | One month to 3 years |
| Charging base included | No — battery-powered |
| Timer | Yes |
| Bristle material | Dupont |
| Waterproof | N/A |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Recommended age | Charging base included | Timer | Bristle material | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic Electric Toothbrush | Overall Pick | 4 years up | Yes | Yes | Dupont nylon | Yes |
| Vekkia Dragon Lord Toothbrush | Battery Life | 3 years up | USB | Yes | Dupont | Yes |
| Leyoung Kids Electric Toothbrush | Shower Brushing | N/A | Yes | Yes | Dupont | Yes |
| Philips Sonicare Toothbrush | App | N/A | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| Papablic BabyHandy Sonic Toothbrush | Babies | 1 month – 3 years | Battery-powered | Yes | Dupont | N/A |
How to Choose an Electric Toothbrush for Kids
Brush Size
The toothbrush’s shape and head size are important for effective cleaning and comfort. The right design can reach all crevices of the mouth, such as between the molars and cheeks. This is essential for getting a thorough clean in a developing mouth.
You also don’t want to pick a brush that’s too large for your little one’s mouth, as it will be uncomfortable and may not reach every spot effectively. It’s best to be cautious and choose a smaller size.
Quality of Bristles
High-quality bristles will last significantly longer before needing a replacement. Worn-down bristles are not only less effective, but they can also cause damage to the enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
Quality bristles will generally last around three months, whereas poorer ones may only last about a month.
Dupont nylon is a common bristle material that typically gives good results and prolonged use. Some bristles will change color to indicate that it’s time to get a new brush.
Effective Plaque Removal
The primary purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque effectively. High-quality toothbrushes will do their job consistently throughout the mouth. It’s difficult to know how efficient a brush is before trying it, so we’ve spent time testing and comparing all the top models.
If you want to know if your new toothbrush is making a difference, ask for a plaque score at your child’s next dentist appointment. This test compares the difference in your child’s plaque between visits.
Plaque that’s left behind will eventually aid the formation of cavities and tooth decay. Eating a diet full of refined carbohydrates and sugars can increase this risk.
Such a diet will leave a thick layer of plaque on top of the biofilm. Biofilm nourishes the teeth, so if it’s covered, your child’s teeth will be overwhelmed by bacteria.
Subsequently, their teeth won’t be able to get a sufficient amount of nutrients, resulting in tooth decay (1).
Power Source
You can choose between battery-powered or rechargeable electric toothbrushes. Both have their pros and cons, but we prefer rechargeables.
Battery-powered toothbrushes may require frequent battery changes, which can be pricey. They’re also less likely to be waterproof, so your child can’t use them while showering or bathing.
Rechargeable toothbrushes usually have a long battery life — some can go up to 60 days on a single charge.
Charging is also easy and inexpensive — most rechargeable types use a USB charger you can use with your phone’s adapter. Others come with a charging base. Most rechargeables are also waterproof.
Fun Features
A huge pro with electric toothbrushes is the fun features many of them include. Features like timers and compatible apps can make the process much more enjoyable for your child. It could even motivate them to brush for longer.
Timers are great as they let users know when they’ve brushed long enough. Some come with 30-second intervals for when it’s time to switch areas. Another fun feature is a compatible app — that allows your child to track their progress and perhaps get some tips.
Attractive Design
The best electric toothbrushes for kids will have a child-friendly design. They may display fun characters or have bright colors. Some even include stickers for customization.
Oscillating or Sonic Brush
Electric toothbrushes come with two different techniques for cleaning: oscillating and sonic vibration.
Oscillating is when the head of the brush spins and moves to simulate brush strokes. Sonic uses vibrations to clean the teeth and is often preferred for small children, as it’s less intimidating.
Both are equally effective, so it’s entirely up to your child’s preference.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth It?
Brushing teeth is essential for young and old to prevent tooth decay, a common chronic childhood disease in the U.S. (2). Not maintaining your child’s teeth can lead to various ailments, some of which can affect them into adulthood (3).
It’s common to wonder if spending extra on an electric toothbrush is justified, but it generally is. If your child is ready and feels comfortable using one, electric toothbrushes have proven to be more effective at removing plaque than manual ones. Other benefits include:
- Encouraging longer brushing sessions.
- Lessening pressure on gums and teeth.
- Simplifying brushing for children.
- Making brushing fun.
- Helping to develop healthy habits.
When to Introduce an Electric Toothbrush?
The best time to introduce an electric toothbrush depends on your child. It’s not uncommon for children to feel intimidated by the vibrations and rotations. For some, it’s too much and may put them off brushing — so proceed with caution.
Some younger children initially find it funny and can’t concentrate on brushing.
Electric toothbrushes are available for young babies — we’ve recommended one on our list — but many parents feel it’s better to wait until a child is 3 years or older.
If you’re considering one for a young child, look for variable power options. Low settings are less intimidating and can help ease your little one into it.
FAQs
Are Kids’ Electric Toothbrushes Different to Adults?
Yes, kids’ electric toothbrushes are specifically designed to be smaller, with softer bristles and fun designs to encourage regular brushing.
Is an Electric Toothbrush Good For Children?
An electric toothbrush can be excellent for children, making brushing easier and more effective, especially for those who might struggle with manual brushing.
What Age Should a Child Start Using an Electric Toothbrush?
Children are able to start using an electric toothbrush around age three, under adult supervision, to ensure they’re using it correctly and safely.
Are Expensive Electric Toothbrushes Worth It?
Expensive electric toothbrushes often have additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and pressure sensors, which can be worth it for older kids who understand their use.
How Long Do Kids Electric Toothbrushes Last?
Kids electric toothbrushes can last several years, depending on the brand and how well they are maintained.
Can You Leave an Electric Toothbrush On the Charger All the Time?
It’s generally safe to leave an electric toothbrush on the charger, but it’s good practice to unplug it once fully charged to extend the battery life.
