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Sometimes it feels like a never-ending struggle to get children to brush their teeth. In this article we look at some of the best toothbrushes for kids to add a little excitement and fun to your child’s brushing routine. Couple one of these brushes with one of the best children’s toothpastes and you’ll be sure to turn a boring routine into an enjoyable one.
There are many children’s toothbrushes available on the market including manual, electric and all have varying features and price points. We break down some of the basics, providing some of our top recommendations to ensure you select a children’s toothbrush best suited to your child’s individual requirements or circumstances, and above all provide a pleasant brushing experience for your youngster!
Our Criteria
We sought feedback from customers, our team, research and most of all, kids! We coupled this with professional advice from our resident dental practitioner and evaluated children’s toothbrushes based on three criteria:
Durability: A kid’s toothbrush should (hopefully) be put through its paces. Our recommendations were based on power toothbrushes that outlasted manual toothbrushes or manual toothbrushes designed to last at least 3 or more months.
Price: Power toothbrush pricing can stack up quickly, however, all our recommendations fall under $50 for power brushes and $6 for manual toothbrushes.
Popularity: Our recommendations were based around the feedback we received from our team, children and our research and were shown to be some of the most popular and well received options available on the market.
How to Choose a Kid’s Toothbrush
There are a few factors you need to consider when choosing a children’s toothbrush. This will ensure you choose the best toothbrush for your kid.
Manual v Electric Toothbrushes for Kids
The ADA’s review of scientific studies showed there were benefits of using electric toothbrushes compared to manual toothbrushes, primarily, showing electric toothbrushes were able to remove plaque and reduce gum inflammation more than manual toothbrushes.
For children using a power toothbrush can help add some excitement to and make tooth brushing more fun. Children’s toothbrushes now include a variety of fun features including timers, lights, vibrations, music, interchangeable stickers and more.
Above all whether you choose a manual or electric toothbrush it is important you brush your children’s teeth twice daily, every day.
Age
Many children’s toothbrushes are designed for specific age groups and using a toothbrush specific to your children’s age is important.
0-2 Years: During this age bracket children have their deciduous (baby) teeth erupting and require a very small head and extra soft bristles for small mouths and delicate gums.
2-5 Years: By this age children will have all of their deciduous teeth and should attempt brushing their own teeth each day. A small head and extra soft bristles with fun, creative designs will help instil the best brushing habits.
5-7 Years: During this age bracket, children will start to lose their first deciduous teeth and their first adult molars will also start erupting – still, using a small head and soft bristles is recommended.
8+ Years: This age is where refining great oral health habits including using a standard size toothbrush with soft bristles and a slightly more mature design is vital. This age group is the ideal time to also introduce tongue brushing.
Tips to Help Kids Brush Their Teeth
Teaching children to brush their teeth early is key to instilling long lasting oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Brush Together – Up until the age of about 10 years, allow your kid to brush their teeth on their own, followed by an adult going over their brushing after. Parents should brush at the same time as their children to ensure consistency.
Choose a Delicious Toothpaste – Selecting a delicious child’s toothpaste which tastes great will make brushing fun, more rewarding and something kids will actually look forward to. See our recommendations for best children’s toothpaste here.
Learn Together – Select a dental or oral care themed story book to integrate into their reading routine, this will help educate children about the importance of brushing and encourage them to brush regularly.
Reward their Efforts – Achievements and great efforts should be rewarded and this is no different when it comes to toothbrushing for kids. Offer incentives such as a sticker chart for each time they brush, decide on a few rewards they can choose from once they reach a certain number of stickers.
Visit the Dentist – Instilling great habits and overcoming dental anxiety can be achieved by bringing children along to your dental visits to simply observe or go for a ride in the dental chair. When it is time for their first check-up, they will feel a lot more comfortable with the surroundings and dental environment.
Our Top Children’s Toothbrushes
Best Manual Toothbrush 0-2 Year Old Kids
Jack n Jill Bio Toothbrushes
Jack n Jill’s range of biodegradable toothbrushes are suitable for a child’s first teeth, with extra soft bristles and a small head. Composed of corn starch and with a selection of fun characters and a super comfortable grip for small hands these toothbrushes are 100% plastic, BPA, and PVC free – this means there is little waste and your youngsters will absolutely love them!
Best Manual Toothbrush 2-5 Year Old Kids
Colgate Junior Smiles Toothbrushes
Colgate Junior smiles toothbrushes are a favourite among kids and parents alike. These economical toothbrushes are designed with the latest Disney or cartoon characters, and consist of a compact head and extra soft bristles that help with brushing delicate mouths and baby teeth. Colgate Junior smiles toothbrushes are proudly recyclable through TerraCycle.
Best Electric Toothbrush for 0-3 Year Old Kids
Jack n Jill Tickle Tooth Sonic Toothbrush
The Jack n Jill Tickle Tooh Sonic toothbrush gently cleans your child’s teeth through soft sonic vibrations. The toothbrush also contains a built-in 2-minute timer and LED light helping with the ongoing care of your kid’s teeth. This toothbrush is cutely designed and is super comfortable for tiny mouths and small hands.
Best Electric Toothbrush 3+ Year Old Kids
Philips Sonicare for Kids Power Toothbrush
The interactive and fun Philips Sonicare for Kids brush contains built-in Bluetooth which connects the toothbrush to the Philips Sonicare Coaching App – available in the App Store. With two different modes, two replacement brush head sizes (Standard and Compact), and interchangeable handles, the Philips Toothbrush will support your child’s brushing habits from 3+ years.
Best Toothbrush Alternative for Kids
iKo Finger Brush
iKo has reinvented brushing with the innovative designed iKo Finger Brush for kids. Available in four delicious flavours the reusable finger brush can be used up to 100 times, contains no SLS or chlorine and can be recycled after use. Each finger brush contains a hygienic storage case making brushing at school, whilst camping, on holiday, anywhere or anytime a piece a cake! Simply pop onto your or child’s finger and start brushing.
Oral Health Advice and Assistance
Do you have questions about the products recommended to you, your child by your Dental Professional or need help selecting a product suited to your child’s needs? One of our Dental Professionals will be more than happy to help – Contact Us today.
(07) 55 34 8603
