Bath & Body Products The 11 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids of 2023, Tested and Reviewed By Laura Lu, MS Laura Lu, MS Laura has written for some of the nation’s top health care organizations, including Mayo Clinic and University of California, San Francisco. She’s also composed a variety of health and wellness articles for Brit+Co. She is passionate about translating complex health care information into stories that everyone can relate to and understand. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 05, 2023 Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD LinkedIn Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and currently serves as the medical director of an outpatient clinic. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Marcus Millan 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. In addition to being more fun and making the job easier on parents, an electric toothbrush can also help kids get used to the vibration of dental tools in their mouth, which prepares them for dentist visits, according to Nasem Dunlop, DMD, a mother of two and board certified pediatric dentist. To select the best electric toothbrushes for kids, we talked to experts and parents to find out what to look for and what features work best to promote kids’ oral hygiene. We then narrowed our list to the top 16 electric toothbrushes for kids and put them to the test in the homes of 12 families in our team who evaluated their quality, ease of use, effectiveness, functionality, and value. Caregivers were instructed to follow manufacturer instructions to set up the toothbrushes, required apps, and batteries and then allow kids to brush their teeth independently. After a couple of months of testing, children provided feedback on their favorite features and whether or not they enjoyed brushing their teeth, while parents checked on how well they brushed and shared any comments made by their dentists regarding the children’s plaque and overall oral health. We also had a family physician on our Review Board review the contents of this article for medical accuracy and the efficacy of electric toothbrushes for kids. Our favorite picks are those that clean kids’ teeth effectively, are gentle on their gums, and get them excited about brushing their teeth for the recommended two minutes twice a day. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Colgate Hum Kids Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Grip: Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Sensor: Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Disposable: Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Rechargeable Battery: Burst BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Big Kids: Philips Sonicare Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Subscription: Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Toddlers: DADA-TECH Baby Electric Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Arm & Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush Electric Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Storage: Brusheez Kids Electric Toothbrush Set at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Colgate Hum Kids Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush 4.9 Colgate View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Colgate.com 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. 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. 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. Even 5-year-olds who used to argue about brushing daily look forward to brushing their teeth. We call this a win! 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. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs: Timer: Yes | App: Yes | Battery Type: AAA (included) Verywell Family Best Grip Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Instacart.com 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 so simple even a kid could do it—and love every minute of it. Setting it 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. 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. 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. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs: Timer: Yes | App: Yes | Battery Type: Plug-in rechargeable Verywell Family Best With Sensor Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush with Coaching Pressure Sensor and Timer 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target 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 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 so well that kids didn’t 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. Price at time of publication: $50 Key Specs :Timer: Yes | App: Yes | Battery Type: Plug-in rechargeable Verywell Family The Best Toothpastes for Toddlers, According to Dentists Who Are Moms Best Disposable Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS 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 only costs $6, you can buy a new one for less than the cost of a brush head from another brand. However, we still think it’s an effective toothbrush worth every penny. Parents will especially appreciate its easy-to-grasp non-slip grip and small brush head that is convenient for kids to maneuver. Despite being disposable, the overall quality of this toothbrush meets our standards. 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. Price at time of publication: $6 Key Specs: Timer: Yes | App: No | Battery Type: AA (included) Verywell Family Best With Rechargeable Battery Burst BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush 4.7 Burst View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Burstoralcare.com 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 adaptor is not included. The company also provides a lifetime warranty. To get the most out of this toothbrush, consider signing up for a subscription, 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 ineffective worn-down bristles. Price at time of publication: $45 Key Specs: Timer: Yes | App: No | Battery Type: Plug-in rechargeable Verywell Family / Jessica Mahgerefteh Best for Big Kids Philips Sonicare Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Brandsmartusa.com 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 Philips Sonicare Rechargeable 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). That said, this toothbrush is still a top choice, and it’s 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. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs: Timer: Yes | App: Yes | Battery Type: Plug-in rechargeable Verywell Family / Sabrina Weiss Best Subscription Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush 4.5 Quip View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Quip 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. The Quip toothbrush features a basic design focused on functionality instead of bells and whistles. 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, you’ll pay $5 every three months to have a new brush head, watermelon-flavored toothpaste, and battery shipped straight to your door. Although this is convenient, we wish the Quip had a rechargeable battery. Price at time of publication: $35 + $5 every three months Key Specs: Timer: Yes | App: Yes | Battery Type: AAA (included) Verywell Family Best for Toddlers DADA-TECH Baby Electric Toothbrush 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dadatk.com 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 a bit 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. But 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. That said, the low price point and the additional brush make this set a great value. Price at time of publication: $37 Key Specs: Timer: Yes | App: No | Battery Type: AAA (not included) The Best Baby Toothbrushes for Budding Pearly Whites Best Budget Arm & Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush Electric Toothbrush 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon 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. Price at time of publication: $6 Key Specs: Timer: No | App: No | Battery Type: AAA (included) Verywell Family / Rachel Abraham Best Storage Brusheez Kids Electric Toothbrush Set 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Belk.com View On Brusheez.com 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. However, it doesn’t come with batteries, and there’s no option to turn the light off. 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, and the external timer requires extra work. Price at time of publication: $20 Key Specs: Timer: External | App: No | Battery Type: AA (not included) Verywell Family / Kimberly Zapata Best With Light Papablic Baby Electric Toothbrush 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon 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. But what the kids in our test 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. Price at time of publication: $19 Key Specs Timer: Yes | App: No | Battery Type: AAA (included) Verywell Family How We Rated the Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best electric toothbrushes for kids we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These electric toothbrushes for kids are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great electric toothbrushes for kids, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These electric toothbrushes for kids are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend electric toothbrushes for kids with this rating; you won't find any on our list. Electric Toothbrushes for Kids We Also Tested Firefly Clean n’ Protect: We like that this budget-friendly toothbrush has a rotating brush head and is ready to use right out of the packaging. However, it has a noisy motor, doesn’t have a built-in timer, and the brush head seems too big for toddlers. AutoBrush Pro Kids U-Shaped Electric Toothbrush: While the concept of a hands-free toothbrush sounds appealing, we found that it actually complicated things. The AutoBrush is worn like a mouthguard, so we couldn’t see how or if it cleaned a child’s teeth. Plus, the efficacy of U-shaped toothbrushes has been questioned by scientific research. This toothbrush also requires a lot more toothpaste than a regular toothbrush, which could be a costly factor in the long run. How We Tested the Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids To determine the best electric toothbrushes for kids, we relied on first-hand feedback from 12 different families in our team who tested a variety of dentist-recommended toothbrushes. During the testing process, these families focused on everything from the toothbrush’s battery type and handle to the overall brushing experience. They also paid attention to each toothbrush’s ease of use, functionality, quality, effectiveness, and value, and provided thorough notes on their experience with each product. In addition to using the toothbrushes, these families observed the battery life, portability, quality of the brush heads, and extra features. Each family was given the same methodology and was asked to record their feedback and rating of each product. They were instructed to set up the toothbrush according to the manufacturer's instructions, show the child how to use it, and encourage them to brush independently. After a couple of months of testing, caregivers reported back and provided insights on the experience, focusing on how well the toothbrush worked, what the children thought of the product, and how it improved (or not) their oral hygiene. Parents also shared any comments by their dentists regarding the presence of plaque and the overall oral health of their kids. We also consulted the following experts: Nasem Dunlop, DMD, board-certified pediatric dentist and owner of Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Erin Issac, DMD, board-certified pediatric dentist, Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and assistant clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Marc Schlenoff, DDS, FAGD, VP of Clinical Development at Tend Dental What to Look for in Electric Toothbrushes for Kids Size Naturally, a kid’s toothbrush should be smaller than an adult’s. This is especially important with electric toothbrushes, as children will need a small enough handle that they can grip and maneuver on their own. The brush head should also be small enough to comfortably fit inside their mouth and reach their molars. Dr. Isaac suggests purchasing one with a “small or compact head” that is appropriately sized for your child’s mouth. “Brushes with large heads not only encourage more chewing on bristles, but they also make it more difficult to reach all the way to the backs and corners of little mouths,” she says. If a child is not brushing their mouth correctly, it could lead to dental problems in the future, like cavities. If your child has a small mouth, we recommend the BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush. Some toothbrush manufacturers also make toothbrush heads that pertain to a child’s age. For example, the Papablic Baby Electric Toothbrush comes with two brush heads: one for children up to 18 months of age and one for children who are older than 18 months. Other electric toothbrushes, like the Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush, are meant for children aged 3 years and up, so they wouldn’t be appropriate for young toddlers. Timers and Apps A built-in timer is an important feature of your child’s electric toothbrush. Typically, these timers vibrate or make a sound every 30 seconds to let your child know it’s time to move to the next quadrant of teeth. After two minutes, the toothbrush should make another sound or turn off altogether. Without a built-in timer, you’ll need to set one on your own and supervise your child to make sure they brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes twice a day. Many of the electric toothbrushes on our list have built-in timers, including the hum Kids Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush and the Philips Sonicare for Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush, to name a few. Alternatively, you could try the Brusheez Kids Electric Toothbrush Set, which comes with a rotating miniature hourglass that is set for two minutes. It’s hard for some adults to brush for a full two minutes, let alone little kids, which is why Dr. Issac recommends looking for an electric brush with a fun timer. Nowadays, some toothbrushes have a corresponding app that can motivate kids to brush their teeth and track their progress. Our Best Overall pick, the hum Kids Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush, uses augmented reality to guide kids through brushing their teeth. While standing in front of a smartphone or tablet, the augmented reality turns on and invites kids to choose from a variety of fun filters as they play a brushing game. Similarly, several of the toothbrushes on our list, such as the Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush, sync with the Disney Magic Timer app, which takes the place of a built-in timer and allows parents to monitor their kids’ brushing. Ease of Use When your child begins to use an electric toothbrush, you should expect them to encounter a learning curve. Whether or not a toothbrush is easy to use is an important factor to consider, as ultimately, it will determine how well (and willingly) they will brush their teeth. Some electric toothbrushes, like the Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush, require no setup and are ready to use right out of the box. One toothbrush in particular, the Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush with Coaching Pressure Sensor & Timer, is designed to “coach” kids as they learn to brush their teeth by lighting up when they apply too much pressure. Since pressure isn’t necessarily intuitive for kids, we found this feature to be unique and helpful. Another electric toothbrush we think is particularly easy to use is the quip Kids Electric Toothbrush. Its sleek, minimalist design won’t overwhelm kids with additional features and comes with an automatic brush head and toothpaste refills every three months. Every 30 seconds, the quip vibrates to let kids know it’s time to move to the next quadrant of teeth. The quip automatically turns off after two minutes, leaving no room for guesswork on how long your child brushed their teeth. Battery Life When it comes to electric toothbrushes, there are two battery types: disposable and rechargeable. Several of the toothbrushes on our list contain disposable batteries, including the Colgate Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush, hum Kids Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush, Papablic Baby Electric Toothbrush, and the Arm & Hammer Kids Spinbrush Electric Toothbrush, to name a few. While these electric toothbrushes are easy to travel with, you’ll have to remember to replace the batteries regularly. Alternatively, you could sign up for a quip Kids Electric Toothbrush subscription, which includes a new battery with every brush head refill. If you prefer a rechargeable toothbrush, you’ll have to devote some counter space to its charging base. We like the Philips Sonicare for Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush because it has a relatively low profile and comes highly recommended by our experts and caregivers. The BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush is another rechargeable option that doesn’t take up much space and boasts an attractive, modern design. Frequently Asked Questions 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. Dr. Dunlop also notes 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, she says. “By the time they're 3 or 4 years old, they'll be fully using an electric toothbrush, and you'll be starting amazing habits for life.” Dr. Issac adds that 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 the subscription models. The quip Kids Electric Toothbrush is a good mid-range subscription product, with an average price tag of $30, and refill brush heads and toothpaste for just $5 every three months. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you the peace of mind that your investment will last for years. Why Trust Verywell Family 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 7 Best Children’s Vitamins of 2023, According to a Dietitian 5 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Yaacob M, Worthington HV, Deacon SA, et al. Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Oral Health Group, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014;2014(6). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002281.pub3 American Dental Association. Toothbrushes. Kini V, Yadav S, Rijhwani JA, Phad SG, Farooqui A, Joshi AA. Comparison of plaque removal and wear between charcoal infused bristle and nylon bristle toothbrushes: A randomized clinical crossover study. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. 2019;20(3):377-384. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10024-2525 Brooks JK, Bashirelahi N, Reynolds MA. Charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2017;148(9):661-670. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2017.05.001 Nieri M, Giuntini V, Pagliaro U, Giani M, Franchi L, Franceschi D. Efficacy of a U-Shaped Automatic Electric Toothbrush in Dental Plaque Removal: A Cross-Over Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 28;17(13):4649. doi:10.3390/ijerph17134649 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit