If you’re looking for a way to help your kids remove more plaque when they brush, an electric toothbrush is the ticket—a review of over 50 studies found that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. As I tested a variety of popular brands with my kids for this guide, I noticed the excitement of using an electric toothbrush makes them want to brush their teeth more, and they tend to do it more thoroughly and for longer. After researching the market, testing some toothbrushes with my kids and interviewing a dentist, I’ve determined that the best kids electric toothbrush is the . It makes brushing fun, has a two-minute timer and isn’t loud and harsh.
Why We Named It Best Overall
While tech isn’t always the answer, if it helps kids brush their teeth better, I’m all for it. The Philips Sonicare For Kids toothbrush connects to an app that gamifies brushing, complete with rewards and data about their brushing. It also includes stickers for customization, which I really appreciate so siblings can tell their toothbrushes apart.
The two-minute timer reminds kids to switch to a new section of their mouth every 30 seconds. Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala’s kids like this toothbrush. “It is super quiet. They really won’t use the loud, harsh toothbrushes,” she says, and adds that they enjoy the app.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
The handle on this toothbrush is a bit chunky compared to many other toothbrushes for kids, and it’s recommended for ages 3 and up. If you’re shopping for smaller or younger kids, check out some of our other picks.
Why We Named It Best Value
Though this isn’t a rechargeable toothbrush with extra heads, it’s an inexpensive option that’s highly accessible, and you can replace the included AA battery as needed. If you don’t know if your child will like an electric toothbrush or you need to pick up something quickly, this is a great option. It features a gentle vibration and soft bristles that served my kids really well as their first introduction to electric toothbrushes. The popular characters on the brush help them get excited about brushing, too—my kids have been excited to use Bluey and Unicorn Academy toothbrushes.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Families who want to invest in an electric toothbrush they can use for years will want to shop for a rechargeable option with replaceable brush heads. Though you can replace the battery in this brush, you can’t replace the brush head, which greatly reduces its longevity.
Why We Named It Best Rechargeable
With a 28-day battery life, you’ll only need to recharge this toothbrush about once a month. It’s decorated with popular characters like Stitch or Spiderman that can help encourage kids to use it. The brush includes a two-minute timer, three cleaning settings and a gum pressure sensor that reduces the speed and alerts kids if they’re pressing too hard. The three settings are super sensitive, sensitive and daily clean. It also comes with a carrying case, making this a good travel option.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
With pressure detection and three brushing modes, this kids electric toothbrush is a bit more advanced than most. It’s recommended for ages 6 and up, so it’s not a great option for toddlers and younger kids.
Why We Named It Best Gentle
I’ve tested a variety of Quip toothbrushes for kids and adults, and they typically have a more gentle vibration than I find with other electric toothbrushes. The handle is also really slim, sleek and lightweight, making it a less drastic change from a manual toothbrush. The two-minute timer has 30-second pulses, which helps guide kids while they’re brushing. While it’s not a rechargeable option, you can replace the batteries and brush heads. An integrated travel cover also functions as a mirror mount, though I’ve had mixed success getting the mount to actually stay on the mirror.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Though you can replace the batteries, some users, including Sala, have noticed that the toothbrushes tend to completely die after some use. Check out another option, like the , if you want something that’s more robust.
Why We Named It Best With Timer
What I like about the two-minute timer on this toothbrush is that the vibrations pause every 30 seconds to remind kids to switch the toothbrush to another section of their mouth. As the name implies, this toothbrush was designed by dentists. I like that it’s for kids ages 2 and up because young kids are often reluctant to brush their teeth, so anything that excites them—like an electric toothbrush—is a game changer. My 7-year-old has been using this toothbrush, and it’s just the right size for her hand. She also really likes the design.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
The vibrations on this toothbrush are slightly stronger and louder than some of the other brushes I’ve tested. If your child has sensory sensitivities or if this is their first time using an electric toothbrush, check out a gentler option.
Why We Named It Best For Toddlers
This toothbrush has incredibly soft bristles, which is nice for toddlers and young kids who are still learning how to brush. It’s also recommended for ages 2 to 12, while many electric other toothbrushes are intended for older ages. The superhero design and light help to make brushing fun, especially for toddlers who are often resistant to brushing their teeth. Though it’s not rechargeable, it takes one AA battery, which is replaceable.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
Though it has features that are nice for toddlers, like soft bristles and a cool design, this toothbrush does have a louder and more intense vibration than some others. If your toddler is sensitive to touch or sound, opt for a gentler option.
Other Toothbrushes We Considered
Though I didn’t test every toothbrush in this guide, I did test quite a few. Here are some others I tested.
- This unique toothbrush is u-shaped, so kids hardly have to do any manual work to brush their teeth with it. It could be a fun and motivating option, especially for reluctant kids. However, I found that even the smallest size was too big for my kids’ mouths, so it might be best for tweens and teens. None of my kids ended up wanting to brush with it, and it’s rather pricey.
- With a variety of designs and a two-minute timer, this toothbrush has good bones. However, it’s really loud and has an intense vibration that doesn’t make for a pleasant brushing experience.
How We Chose The Best Electric Toothbrushes For Kids
We selected electric toothbrushes for kids using the following process:
- Expert insight: We consulted with a pediatric dentist to learn more about the importance of brushing and what to look for in electric toothbrushes for kids.
- Personal experience: We used nearly all of the toothbrushes on this list with kids of various ages.
- Product research: We researched electric toothbrushes from top brands like Colgate, Philips and Oral-B. We also considered lesser-known brands.
- Customer reviews: To include a wide range of experiences, we read customer reviews and considered that feedback.
- Model variation: We recommend different types of electric toothbrushes to be inclusive of varying needs and budgets.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted continuously researches the best products for kids, and we regularly interview industry experts.
- The author of this guide, Alicia Betz, is the baby and kids gear writer at Forbes Vetted. She’s a mom to three and has nearly a decade of experience testing kids products. She tested a variety of toothbrushes for this guide.
- This story was edited by Margaret Badore, the baby and kids gear editor at Forbes Vetted. As a journalist, she has over 18 years of experience covering health and science topics. She’s also a mom to three and has tested a wide range of baby and kids products.
- Forbes Vetted also covers personal care tools for adults, like the best electric toothbrushes and the best water flossers.
Our Expert
- , D.D.S. is chair of the division of pediatric dentistry at The Ohio State University.