Finding the best electric toothbrush for kids can make brushing easier and will help children get into a routine. For younger children, you’ll want to find something with a smaller head and softer bristles. For older children, look out for ones with built-in timers.
There are a wide variety of options available from brands such as Oral-B, Philips Sonicare and other children’s oral care companies.
We take a look at the best electric toothbrushes for kids, comparing the features and showing you what to look out for and how to pick the best option for your child’s age, comfort and budget.
What is a Good Electric Toothbrush for Kids?
The best electric toothbrush for kids will be gentle, comfortable and easy to learn. Below are the key factors to consider:
1. Soft Bristles and a Small Brush Head
As children have smaller mouths and developing teeth, you’ll want to look for an electric toothbrush with extra soft bristles and a smaller head
2. Built-In Timer
Children can get into a routine with a 2 minute timer. Some toothbrushes have 30 second prompts to ensure they’re brushing each part of their mouth.
3. Age-Appropriate Design
Ensure you check what age the manufacturer recommends. Some children’s toothbrushes are suitable for ages 3 and above and may not be suitable for toddlers.
4. Rechargeable or Battery-Powered
A rechargeable toothbrush can be convenient to use at home. Alternatively, some children may enjoy a battery operated toothbrush. Consider what will suit your child best, whether you’ll have to replace batteries and what the long-term costs are.
5. Child-Friendly Features
Some electric toothbrushes come with bright colours, fun stickers, music and interactive apps. However, they shouldn’t distract from good brushing habits.
6. Easy Maintenance
Find out if there are replacement heads available. How often do you need to replace them? And is the handle easy to clean? The American Dental Association recommends replacing your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months.
Top Picks for the Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids
Below are some great options which can be suited to your child’s age, brushing, ease of use and interactive features. These are research based recommendations and haven’t been tested by Toothbrush Guide.
1. Philips Sonicare for Kids – Best Overall for Interactive Brushing
The Philips Sonicare for Kids will help your child develop good brushing habits with interactive features.
Key features:
- Rechargeable toothbrush handle.
- Bluetooth connectivity with a brushing app.
- Interactive brushing guidance and rewards.
- Two brushing intensity settings.
- Built-in brushing timers.
- Customizable handle stickers.
Advantages:
- Makes brushing more engaging.
- Helps parents monitor brushing progress through the app.
- Offers a choice of intensity settings.
- Encourages children to develop a consistent routine.
Limitations:
- Requires a compatible smartphone or tablet for app features.
- Replacement brush heads add ongoing costs.
- The handle may feel large for younger children.
Recommended for children aged 3 and above who like interactive features and need encouragement to brush regularly.
Consider if there are replacement heads available and whether your child will enjoy using the app.
2. Oral-B Kids Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush – Best for Younger Children
Oral-B Kids is a rechargeable electric toothbrush featuring a small round brush head and child-friendly character designs.
Key features:
- Rechargeable handle and charging base.
- Extra-soft round brush head.
- Gentle brushing mode.
- Character-themed designs and stickers.
- Compatibility with the Disney Magic Timer app.
Advantages:
- Compact round brush head for smaller mouths.
- Familiar character designs can encourage brushing.
- Rechargeable design avoids frequent battery replacement.
- Replacement brush heads are available.
Limitations:
- Some children may find the handle bulky.
- App features require a separate compatible device.
- The standard package may include only one brush head.
Recommended for preschool & younger school aged children who like bright colours and simple brushing.
Make sure to check the exact model as features can vary.
3. Oral-B iO Kids – Best for Older Children
This rechargeable electric toothbrush is a more advanced option for children aged 6 and above.
Key features:
- Round electric brush head.
- Gentle micro-vibration technology.
- Child-oriented brushing settings.
- Rechargeable design.
- Interactive brushing guidance depending on model.
Advantages:
- Designed for older children’s brushing needs.
- Provides a more advanced brushing experience.
- Round brush head supports tooth-by-tooth brushing.
- Suitable for children transitioning toward greater brushing independence.
Limitations:
- Generally more expensive than basic battery-powered models.
- Requires compatible iO replacement heads.
- Additional features may be unnecessary for children who prefer simple toothbrushes.
Recommended for children aged 6 and above who are becoming more independent.
Make sure you check what age it’s recommended for, with what head and cost of replacement heads.
4. Brusheez Kids Electric Toothbrush Set – Best for Fun and Simplicity
Brusheez have a range of themed toothbrushes to make brushing more enjoyable.
Key features:
- Battery-powered electric toothbrush.
- Animal-themed handle designs.
- Matching accessories in the set.
- Designed for children aged three and older.
Advantages:
- Playful appearance can encourage younger children.
- Simple battery-powered operation.
- The complete set offers useful storage accessories.
- Different character designs are available.
Limitations:
- Requires battery replacement.
- Does not offer the same connected app features as some rechargeable models.
- Check replacement brush head availability before purchasing.
Recommended for preschool children who like fun designs and need encouragement to get into a routine.
Make sure to check what comes in the pack and if batteries and replacement heads are available.
Comparison Table: Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids
| Toothbrush | Power type | Main feature | Best suited for |
| Philips Sonicare for Kids | Rechargeable | Bluetooth app | Interactive brushing |
| Oral-B Kids Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Round head, gentle mode | Younger children |
| Oral-B iO Kids | Rechargeable | Micro-vibrations | Ages 6+ |
| Brusheez Kids Set | Battery-powered | Animal-themed design | Preschoolers |
Note: Features listed are specific to the product versions. Check individual products to see what comes in the pack as this can vary.
How to Choose the Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids
When choosing the best electric toothbrush for kids, consider your child’s age, their ability to brush, their preferences and your budget.
1. Consider Your Child’s Age
Age recommendations vary between models. Some products are designed for children aged three and older, while others target older children.
- Toddlers (2–3 years): Choose a small, soft-bristled, age-appropriate brush. Adult assistance is essential.
- Preschoolers (3–5 years): Look for gentle cleaning, simple controls, and child-friendly designs.
- School-aged children (6–8 years): Consider a rechargeable toothbrush with a timer and easy-to-use controls.
- Older children (9–12 years): Look for comfortable handles, suitable replacement heads, and features that support independent brushing.
2. Brush Features
Look for a toothbrush with a built in timer, gentle settings and a small head. You may also want some pressure feedback to help your child not brush too hard.
3. Brush Head Size
Ensure the head will fit comfortably in your child’s mouth and reach the back of their teeth. Extra soft bristles are ideal.
4. Materials
Look for a sturdy handle that is comfortable to hold. Ensure the brush heads are specific to the model and that there are easy to find replacements.
5. Cleaning
After brushing, rinse the head and leave it to dry upright. Replace every 3-4 months or if the bristles start to fray.
6. Budget
Consider the overall cost of the toothbrush. Rechargeable options may be more expensive but you may have to pay for replacement heads.
7. Personalise to your Child
If your child doesn’t like the vibrations, likes simple controls or struggles to get into a routine, look for a model that will help with this. If they have any special needs regarding their oral care, ask your paediatric dentist for advice.
Common Buying Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes when choosing the best electric toothbrush for kids.
- Ignoring age recommendations: Always check the manufacturer’s minimum age.
- Choosing hard bristles: Extra-soft bristles are a better starting point for children’s teeth and gums.
- Focusing only on appearance: A fun design is useful, but comfort and suitable brush-head size matter more.
- Forgetting replacement heads: Check availability and ongoing costs before purchasing.
- Expecting children to brush independently too early: Younger children need help and supervision.
- Ignoring the two-minute routine: Encourage brushing twice daily for two minutes.
- Overlooking maintenance: Replace worn brush heads and allow them to dry properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best electric toothbrush for kids?
There are 2 popular options – Philips Sonicare for Kids and Oral-B Kids Rechargeable. The best for your child will depend on their age, comfort, preference and if they like interactive features.
2. What is the best electric toothbrush for toddlers?
For children aged 2-3, look for a toothbrush that is suitable for their age with a small head and soft bristles. Many electric toothbrushes will have a minimum age of 3. Check what the manufacturer recommends and ask your child’s dentist.
3. Are electric toothbrushes better for kids?
Both can be effective for cleaning. Electric toothbrushes can make brushing more fun but it is more important that they brush with the correct technique, use fluoride toothpaste and have supervision.
4. How often should children replace their electric toothbrush heads?
Replace every 3-4 months or if the bristles begin to wear. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
5. Should parents supervise children whilst they brush?
Yes. Young children will need help as they may lack coordination to clean all areas of their teeth. The ADA recommends caregivers to assist or supervise until they can reliably spit out excess toothpaste.
Conclusion
When choosing the best electric toothbrush for kids, you want to find one that will suit your child’s age, comfort and brushing. If your family likes interactive brushing guidance then the Philips Sonicare for Kids could be a good option. The Oral-B Kids Rechargeable can be a good option with a round child friendly head and simple to use. The Oral-B iO Kids is a good option for older children. Brushes have fun designs.
Consider the head size, bristles, age recommendation, replacement heads and cleaning costs.
Remember that a high priced electric toothbrush isn’t necessary to keep your child’s teeth healthy. Encourage them to brush regularly 2x a day, use the right fluoride toothpaste and give them guidance.
