Electric children's toothbrush: at what age can it be used?

Strong teeth are the key to good health of the whole body for many years, so it is very important from the very first tooth to teach your child how to care for them using a toothbrush and suitable toothpaste.

At the same time, starting from the age of 2.5-3 years, a child can be offered an electric toothbrush - more interesting, unusual and equipped with additional functions.

How to choose an electric toothbrush for small but very important family members – we’ll figure it out in our article.

Rating of the TOP 9 best children's electric toothbrushes of 2020

Place	Name	Price
TOP 9 best children's toothbrushes
1	Oral-B Stages Power Frozen Elsa, Anna, Olaf D12.513K	Find out the price
2	Oral-B Stages Power Wheelbarrows D12.513K	Find out the price
3	CS Medica CS-561 Kids	Find out the price
4	Oral-B Stages Power Star Wars D12.513K	Find out the price
5	Oral-B Junior	Find out the price
6	Oral-B Stages Power Cars D12.513K + case	Find out the price
7	Philips Sonicare For Kids HX6322/04	Find out the price
8	Oral-B Smart 4 4900	Find out the price
9	Philips Sonicare For Kids HX6311/07	Find out the price

Criterias of choice

You should know! When choosing a children's electric toothbrush, experts recommend carefully studying the main technical characteristics of the device:

Shape and size of the cleaning surface . The main task of the working head is to completely cover the tooth, cleaning out dirt from all sides without causing discomfort. That is why a device with a small working part of a round or oval shape is ideal for a baby.
The degree of bristle hardness . Children's fragile teeth and sensitive gums need soft, rounded bristles that remove plaque without damaging the enamel or mucous membrane.
Pen . A good choice would be a device with a rubberized handle that will fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and will not slip out of wet hands.
Number of movements per minute . For electrical devices intended for small children, this figure usually varies between 4-7 thousand. Electric sonic brushes have 16,000.
Types of replacement nozzles . Modern models are equipped with several types of attachments. Sometimes the product comes with additional attachments for massaging the gums or cleaning the tongue, but only one is required - the standard one.
Quality of material. Villi made from synthetic material are considered safe and wear-resistant. Such fibers do not leave micro-scratches and carefully remove both soft and mineralized plaque.
Operating modes . Children's models operate in standard and delicate modes. However, they are sufficient for high-quality cleansing of the oral cavity.

Manufacturers provide children with the opportunity to independently decide on the artistic and color design of the device.

For this purpose, they produce models of different shades with cartoon or fairy-tale characters.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

The debate about which brush is better - electric or conventional - has not subsided for a long time, since both brushes have their own advantages and disadvantages, as well as their admirers and opponents.

At the same time, most dentists agree that it does not matter what kind of brush is used by a child or an adult, what is important is how well and regularly a person brushes their teeth with it.

When choosing an electric toothbrush for the smallest member of the family, you should be guided by the following criteria:

an electric toothbrush should be specifically for children, since the technical characteristics of an adult brush (number of movements and vibration ability) are not suitable for children’s teeth, for this reason, replaceable “children’s” heads on an adult brush are a very bad solution;
suitable age - the recommended indicators indicated in the documents for the electric brush must correspond to the real age of the baby;
ergonomic non-slip comfortable handle that will allow the child to independently hold the device during use;
small brush head size, convenient for baby;
soft, thick synthetic bristles that do not damage children's tooth enamel;
method of movement of the bristles: reciprocating, pulsating or universal brushes, combining both methods;
the number of head movements, which should vary between 4000-6000 rpm;
presence of a timer (built into the brush or stand);
power sources: batteries, accumulators, cord, combinations thereof;
additional optional features and equipment of the device: number of operating modes, presence of a pressure sensor, replaceable attachments, case, etc.;
cute appearance and additional functionality that the child likes: favorite cartoon characters, bright pictures, pleasant sound accompaniment of the cleaning process.

Is one electric brush enough to teach a child how to brush their teeth properly?

How to teach a child to brush his teeth?

Until the age of seven, dentists recommend the most active participation of parents in the process of brushing teeth, and after seven years - only passive.

Even teenagers are strongly advised to supervise when and how they brush their teeth. After purchasing an electric toy for your child, you can be sure that his delight will know no bounds. However, if the baby does not take brushing his teeth for granted, an electric toy will not be able to correct the situation for a long time. Gradually, the joy of novelty will pass, the electric brush will take its place next to the regular one, and they will have to be bored together. This is, firstly.

Secondly, you can teach a person to brush their teeth correctly with a regular brush only by instilling this skill from childhood, then it will be useless. Think about why we teach children to draw with a pencil first, despite the fact that we can immediately start teaching them to type and draw on a computer. Thirdly, brushing teeth with a regular hand brush helps develop a child's manual skills, and, as any teacher knows, a child's mind is at his fingertips. Brushing your teeth with a regular brush will thus provide additional exercise for the mind.

The best children's toothbrushes

Let's look at the 9 most popular electric toothbrushes.

Oral-B Stages Power Frozen Elsa, Anna, Olaf D12.513K

A convenient and bright brush effectively cleanses delicate children's enamel from plaque and food debris, making up to 7600 rotational movements every minute . This model is highly reliable for 2020.

A pleasant design with your favorite characters from the cartoon “Frozen” will allow both boys and girls to choose a brush to their liking.

The bristles are equipped with indicators that gradually lose their bright color, reminding you when to replace the brush head..

A special bonus for all toothbrushes from the Oral-B manufacturer is a special Disney Maic Timer application, with which parents can control how well their child brushes their teeth, and the child enjoys watching how the picture on the screen clears while brushing their teeth.

Specifications:

number of modes – 1;
speed (max) – 7.6 thousand rpm;
movement of the head is reciprocal;
charging – 5 hours;
work – 30 minutes;
power supply – battery;
features – charging indication, wear control, timer;
complete set – 1 standard nozzle (round shape), stand.

pros

attractive design;
convenient nozzle;
ergonomic handle;
timer;
a light weight.

Minuses

1 nozzle included;
no charging indication;
strong vibration;

Oral-B Stages Power Wheelbarrows D12.513K

A fun brush dedicated to the animated series “Cars” thoroughly and carefully cleans children’s teeth from all sides, while entertaining the child with cartoons and songs from a special application.

The rotating head surrounds each tooth and the ultra-soft bristles reach between teeth for enhanced cleaning.

The built-in timer will tell you the end time of the procedure, and the battery makes the brush convenient and mobile.

Specifications:

number of modes – 1;
speed (max) – 7.6 thousand rpm;
movement of the head is reciprocal;
charging – 5 hours;
work – 30 minutes;
power supply – battery;
features – timer;
complete set – 1 standard nozzle (round shape), stand.

pros

cleans great;
ergonomic: fits well in the hand, does not slip out;
convenient timer;
high build quality.

Minuses

1 nozzle included;
heavy;
does not operate on batteries;

CS Medica CS-561 Kids

An effective and safe brush designed for the youngest children - from 1 year to 5 years..

Cleans teeth gently and very carefully. It has a round shape and small, comfortable for a child, sizes.

For the convenience of parents, there is a backlight that will allow you to see each tooth and understand which side it needs to be cleaned.

The built-in timer signals every 30 seconds that it is time to move to another part of the mouth, teaching your baby to brush evenly..

A nice bonus is that the kit includes additional attachments.

Specifications:

number of modes – 1;
speed (max) – 16 thousand pulsations per minute;
movement of the head - pulsation;
power supply – batteries;
features – wear control, timer, backlight;
complete set – 2 elongated nozzles, batteries.

pros

comfortable shape;
backlight;
timer;
quiet.

Minuses

large handle size;
one color scheme;

Oral-B Stages Power Star Wars D12.513K

The ideal brush for young explorers, designed for ages 3+.

Equipped with a special “delicate” cycle that carefully and effectively removes food debris and soft plaque without damaging sensitive thin enamel or injuring children’s gums.

The bristles fade over time, signaling the need to change the brush head..

It has a sound timer, and the charging indicator will tell you when it’s time to return the brush to the base.

Compatible with a special application installed on a smartphone.

Specifications:

number of modes – 1;
speed (max) – 7.6 thousand movements per minute;
movement of the head is reciprocal;
charging – 5 hours;
work – 20 minutes;
power supply – battery;
features – wear control, timer;
complete set – 1 nozzle (shape – round), stand.

pros

interesting design;
timer;
holds a charge for a long time;
The result is visible after the first cleaning.

Minuses

there are not enough additional attachments;
makes noise.

Oral-B Junior

A universal combined brush designed for tomorrow’s schoolchildren who are already 6 years old.

Operates in pulsation and rotation mode. It has bright colors, extra-soft bristles, and removes twice as much plaque as a regular toothbrush.

The built-in timer will remind the child every 30 seconds to move the device to another area of the teeth.

There is a convenient stand connected to the electrical network. Can be used with attachments from other manufacturers.

Specifications:

number of modes – 1;
speed (max) – 7600 reciprocating movements per minute;
movement of the head is reciprocal;
work – 22 minutes;
power supply – battery;
features – wear control, timer, charging indication;
complete set – 1 nozzle (shape – round), stand.

pros

the timer buzzes;
German quality;
soft, comfortable.

Minuses

no replaceable nozzle;
takes a long time to charge.

Oral-B Stages Power Cars D12.513K + case

A bright brush-gadget with pictures of your favorite cars “Cars” is suitable for children over 3 years of age.

Like all Oral-B brushes, it cleans teeth beautifully, has extra-soft bristles and is compatible with Oral-B's Disney MagicTimer app.

The built-in timer motivates the child to brush his teeth for the 2 minutes recommended by dentists, and the brushes, which change the color intensity, will indicate the need to change the brush head..

Equipped with a built-in pressure sensor that will help protect delicate enamel from damage. Equipped with a convenient travel case.

Specifications:

number of modes – 1;
speed (max) – 7000 reciprocating movements per minute;
movement of the head is reciprocal;
work – 30 minutes;
power supply – battery;
features – wear control, timer, charging indication;
Contents: 1 nozzle (round shape), stand, travel case.

pros

the timer buzzes;
German quality;
soft, comfortable.

Minuses

no replaceable nozzle.

Philips Sonicare For Kids HX6322/04

“Smart” sonic toothbrush with 2 operating modes: daily cleaning and gum care . This is one of the highest quality models for 2020.

Gently cares for sensitive children's teeth, penetrating deeply between teeth and thoroughly cleaning spaces, improving the quality of cleaning. Compatible with special application.

The device itself will remind the owner of the need to change the nozzle, the timer will help brush teeth evenly, and the pressure indicator will tell you to press more gently on the enamel.

The set includes a travel case, 2 attachments: compact - for children from 3 years old and standard - for children 7 years old and older.

Specifications:

number of modes – 2;
speed (max) – 31000 pulsations per minute;
movement of the head - pulsation;
work – 30 minutes;
power supply – battery;
features - wear control, timer, charging indication, synchronization with a smartphone;
complete set – 2 extended attachments, stand, travel case.

pros

buzzes, squeaks and beeps at the end of the cycle;
cleans efficiently;
holds a charge for a long time;
luxurious set.

Minuses

there are no replaceable panels with pictures;
“American” charger plug.

Oral-B Smart 4 4900

A set consisting of 2 electric toothbrushes that meet all the requirements of dentists.

They are synchronized with a free application that helps a child brush his teeth and points out mistakes and deficiencies in care, and also rewards the child for a correctly performed procedure.

Combines reciprocating movements and pulsation, increasing the quality of cleaning.

The built-in pressure sensor will save delicate enamel by turning off pulsation when pressed hard. Suitable for children from 3 years of age.

Specifications:

number of modes – 3;
speed (max) – 8800 reciprocating movements per minute, 40,000 pulsations per minute;
movement of the head – reciprocating rotation, pulsation;
work – 28 minutes;
charging – 14 hours;
power supply – battery;
features – wear control, timer, charging indication, pressure sensor;
complete set – 2 nozzles, stand with holders for additional nozzles.

pros

cleans perfectly;
3 operating modes;
suitable for adults.

Minuses

one stand for all brushes;
uninformative charge indicator.

Philips Sonicare For Kids HX6311/07

The luxury sonic brush cleans teeth efficiently thanks to the inertial flow of water created by gentle sonic technology.

Has 2 operating modes.

Does not injure the gums, prevents excessive pressure on the tooth, keeping the enamel intact and preventing its thinning.

Designed for children over 7 years old.

Specifications:

number of modes – 2;
speed (max) – 31000 pulsations per minute;
movement of the head – reciprocating rotation, pulsation;
work – 28 minutes;
charging – 24 hours;
power supply – battery;
features – timer with melodies, charging indication, pressure sensor;
complete set – 1 nozzle, stand, 8 stickers.

pros

high quality cleaning;
nice design;
replaceable stickers.

Minuses

large, heavy for a child;
strong vibration.

Rating updated September 12, 2020.

What is the device?

For your information! A children's electric toothbrush is a device for gentle but thorough cleaning of the oral cavity from dirt.

Like adult models, electrical devices for young children can be mechanical, sound and ultrasonic .

Children's toothbrushes from products intended for adult users in the degree of bristles stiffness, the size of the working surface, the shape of the handle and design .
Parents choose the type of device themselves.

Or you can use the help of a qualified dentist after conducting an examination and identifying contraindications to the use of certain models.

Types of electric brushes: which ones are suitable for children

The classification of dental care devices is common to everyone – both children and adults. However, not every gadget is suitable for a baby. Therefore, we will further consider those options that are approved for use in children.

Read on the topic: how to choose a good electric toothbrush for an adult - all types of popular devices in one detailed material.

Classic model. The operation of a standard (or classic) device is based on the action of a miniature motor that drives the brush head. The bristles move back and forth or in a circle (and back) at a given speed, cleaning out food debris and plaque.
Sound type. These models have a built-in generator, thanks to which the brush head emits high-frequency sound vibrations. They destroy deposits on enamel with greater efficiency and promote better formation of foam from toothpaste, which washes out even the smallest impurities well. Children can use such a brush, but under the supervision of adults and always under the supervision of a doctor - it is important to understand that sound waves do not cause harm.
Ultrasonic type. The head of such a brush does not just move, the device produces ultrasonic waves that destroy dirt and germs. The frequency of ultrasound is about 40-50 thousand vibrations per minute. Therefore, such models are contraindicated for children, since the effect of ultrasound is detrimental to fragile enamel; it quickly destroys areas with weak mineralization.

Brushes for children from 3 years old

Your baby is already 3 years old and you want to buy an electric brush for him? Please pay attention to these points before purchasing:

Children who have already mastered the skills of brushing their teeth on their own need to choose a brush with a short and thick handle (one that is comfortable to hold).
The bristles are only soft (you can recognize this by the inscriptions “soft” or “extra soft”). The height of the bristles should not be higher than 11 mm.
It’s great if the bristles are of different lengths, this will help the baby to thoroughly clean his teeth in the most difficult to reach places.
Also pay attention to the corrugated neck, which perfectly protects the delicate mucous membrane of the gums. This connection between the handle and the brush head allows you to adjust the force of pressure of the bristles on the enamel.
The brush head should be small - this will make cleaning much more effective.
The bristles should be made of artificial material, since natural materials are an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.

Types of brushes for children

Not so long ago, only classic versions of brushes were presented in stores, but the development of technology also affected the hygiene sector, and electric and ultrasonic models appeared on the shelves.

Classic simple

The simplest and cheapest option. Suitable for the youngest children. They are hygienic, special and preventive. The number of cleaning tufts is from 25 to 40. For the little ones, choose models with soft bristles, for older children with a medium degree of hardness.

Electric

Such models are equipped with additional functions and are more expensive than ordinary ones. However, there are options with replaceable attachments, which allows you to save on buying a new accessory; just buy a removable attachment, and the brush is like new again.

Dentists do not recommend using electric models more than 2 times a week, as they wear away the enamel.

Ultrasonic

The most modern version of a hygiene product, which has not yet become widespread. Recommended for older children.

Due to the influence of vibrations of sound waves, dental plaque is destroyed.