Finding the best electric toothbrush for kids can help make the habit of brushing their teeth easier to maintain and more fun.
Electric toothbrushes have some slight advantages over regular brushes. For starters, they’re easier for the child to use on their own while still doing a thorough job. Some also come with timers to encourage thorough cleaning.
We’ve taken the sting out of searching and found five of the best.
- Power options
- Timer included
- Replacement reminder
- Ultra-long battery life
- Soft bristles & different speeds
- Two-minute timer
- Waterproof
- Efficient cleaning
- Timer and intervals
- Gentle cleaning
- Easy to use
- LED lights
- Free motivating app
- Superior cleaning
- Fun stickers
The Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids of 2023
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 a lot to offer, even 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
To ensure the cleaning speed is appropriate for the age range, Proalpha included a function enabling you to choose between three power options. 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 has been designed to suit small hands — it’s lightweight and effortless to hold securely. The brush is scaled down, too, fitting comfortably in the 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 with 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
With an adorable dragon design, this electric 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, you’ll get three replacement brushes as well as 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 both 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. Some parents said that it made 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 getting rid of 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 both girls and 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 streamlined design and lightness make it easy to use anywhere, as well as to keep clean.
Efficient Cleaning
With a 100- to 240-volt motor, this electric toothbrush is capable of producing 16,000 high-frequency vibrations per minute. It offers a 3D cleaning action, getting 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 it’s time 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 a recharge. 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.
Product Specs
Recommended age | N/A |
Charging base included | Yes |
Timer | Yes |
Bristle material | Dupont |
Waterproof | Yes |
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 it 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 from as young as one month of age. Still, it’s highly efficient — according to the company, it’s 75 percent 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 design of the toothbrush 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 also illuminating their mouth so you can see their teeth.
Smart Timer
A two-minute timer is included to make sure you brush your baby’s teeth for the recommended time. This will let you know when it’s time to change the area you’re working on as well as when you’re done.
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
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, which you can download on your phone. It will motivate, keep track, and offer advice on brushing. 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. Through Bluetooth, you can connect the toothbrush to your smartphone. 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 take the results for your child’s dentist to monitor.
Superior Cleaning
The Philips Sonicare delivers roughly 500 brush strokes per second. It claims to be 75 percent more effective than a regular toothbrush in hard-to-reach areas. Still, the bristles are soft and gentle for tiny gums.
Fun Stickers
Included with the toothbrush are eight fun stickers your little one can use to customize their new tool. The stickers are interchangeable, so the user can switch it up any time they want.
Helpful Timer
No more guessing — Philips made sure to include 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
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 |
Papablic BabyHandy Sonic Toothbrush | Babies | 1 month – 3 years | Battery-powered | Yes | Dupont | N/A |
Philips Sonicare Toothbrush | App | N/A | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A |
Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth It?
Brushing teeth is essential for young and old to ward off tooth decay, which is a common chronic childhood disease in the U.S. (1). Not maintaining your child’s teeth can lead to various ailments, some of which can affect them into adulthood (2).
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.
How to Choose an Electric Toothbrush for Kids
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 find it funny at first and can’t concentrate on brushing.
There are electric toothbrushes available for young babies. Alternatively, many 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.
No More Cavities
Brushing your child’s teeth is crucial for good oral hygiene as well as establishing healthy oral habits.
Electric toothbrushes have the great advantage of making the process more fun for children. They’re also easier for children to use by themselves while still getting a thorough cleaning.
Make sure your child is ready to begin brushing themselves and look for a toothbrush with speed settings appropriate for their age.
When choosing the best electric toothbrush for kids, ensure it includes high-quality bristles and has an appropriately-sized head and handle. It should also include some fun features to help engage your child in the activity.