Blog Summary: Wondering how to choose a toothbrush for your child? This guide covers what you need to know for every age, from babies and toddlers to older kids.
- Choose a toothbrush that fits your child’s age and mouth and has soft or extra-soft bristles.
- Learn when an electric toothbrush for kids may be a good option and what features to look for.
- Discover what makes a fun toothbrush for kids and get tips on how to get kids to brush their teeth.
- Find out how to clean a toothbrush, how often to replace a toothbrush, and when your child may need a new one sooner rather than later.
By
Dr. Kami Hoss, D.D.S., M.S. Orthodontist
Wondering how to choose a toothbrush for your child? With so many sizes, styles, and features available, finding the right one can feel surprisingly complicated. And as your child grows, the toothbrush that worked during the baby or toddler years may no longer be the best fit.
A child’s age, mouth size, comfort, and brushing abilities all play a role in choosing the right toothbrush. You’ll also need to consider things like bristle softness, manual versus electric options, and features that can make brushing more enjoyable.
Standing in the oral care aisle at your grocery store is sure to leave you with questions.
- What is the best toothbrush for babies?
- What is the best toothbrush for toddlers?
- How do I find the right toothbrush for my child as they get older?
- Should I choose a manual oir electric toothbrush for kids? At what age can a child use an electric toothbrush?
- How do I keep my child’s toothbrush clean? And how often should I replace my child’s toothbrush?
If you feel unsure about how to choose the right toothbrush for your kids, we have you covered. Follow our guide below to help you choose the best toothbrush for your toddler, child, or teen..
How to Choose the Right Toothbrush: Things to Consider
As adults, we rarely put much thought into which toothbrush we use. Other than bristle softness and maybe a cool-looking angled brush head, we tend to think of toothbrushes as “just another purchase.” We may just use the toothbrush we get at our dental visits every six months. These habits sometimes impact how we buy toothbrushes for our children, too, as we often think all toothbrushes are pretty much the same.
But of course, they’re not, and that’s especially true for your children’s toothbrushes. A toothbrush is the ultimate anti-cavity, breath-freshening, mouth-cleansing tool for achieving optimal oral hygiene and health.
Like any other job, having the right tool helps achieve any mission. For parents and guardians, their mission should be exceptional oral health for their kids. After all, rates of tooth decay and gingivitis in children are much higher than you may think.
It might surprise you to learn that the most common chronic disease among children in the United States is dental caries, the disease that causes cavities. In California alone, more than half of children in kindergarten have dental decay and about one in five kindergarteners has more than seven cavities. In children ages 12 to 19 in the U.S. 13% have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
Clearly, pediatric and adolescent dental care could be improved in the United States, but your child doesn’t have to join those statistics. In fact, your child’s toothbrush can play a vital role in preventing and reversing tooth decay and poor oral health.
Buying the right children’s toothbrush is a crucial step in ensuring consistent, effective, and sustainable dental care at home.
Not sure where to start? Begin with your child’s age.
How to Find the Right Toothbrush for Your Kid by Age & Stage
Your child’s toothbrush needs will change as they grow. The right brush for a baby with their first tooth won’t be the right choice for a teething toddler, a school-age child who can grip better, or teen with braces.
If you’re wondering how to choose a toothbrush, start by considering your child’s age. Then, consider also their mouth size and ability to brush independently.
Below is a guide to choosing a toothbrush for your child by age.
Babies: Birth to 12 Months
Many parents are surprised to learn that they should begin wiping their baby’s gums as soon as they’re born.
Infant finger toothbrushes are also a great way to keep your baby’s gums clean and healthy. This helps wipe away milk sugars after eating and also helps establish an oral care routine early.
Once the first tooth erupts, you should begin brushing it. For babies, choose a finger toothbrush or a toothbrush with very soft bristles and a small brush head that can comfortably navigate a little mouth.
Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3
The best toothbrush for a 1-year-old should have ultra-soft bristles and a small enough head to move easily around a toddler’s mouth while still reaching any back molars that have appeared.
When you’re ready to graduate to a toddler toothbrush for 2-year-olds, find one that your child can hold easily so they can begin practicing brushing on their own. You should still help with brushing while your toddler builds the coordination needed to clean every tooth thoroughly.
Preschoolers: Ages 3 to 5
As children become more involved in brushing, look for a soft-bristled toothbrush with a child-sized head and an easy-to-grip handle. The brush should be small enough to comfortably reach the front, back, and chewing surfaces of their teeth.
Excitement about the brush counts, too! A colorful or fun toothbrush for kids can make toddlers more interested in participating in their morning and bedtime brushing routines.
Some children may also be ready for an electric toothbrush for kids. If you choose one, follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations and look for soft bristles and a comfortable brush head. Features such as music or a two-minute timer can also make brushing more engaging.
School-Age Kids: Ages 6 to 12
As your child gets older, their toothbrush needs will change. They’ll need a slightly larger head to accommodate more teeth and their growing mouth. It’s also best to stick with soft bristles to help protect their gums.
To maintain children’s dental health during school years, it can help to present toothbrush options to your child, perhaps including a variety of manual, electric, and even sonic options, so they feel empowered to take a more active role in brushing.
An electric or sonic toothbrush in particular can encourage kids to brush more effectively. Look for electric toothbrushes with a built-in timer to ensure they brush for two full minutes.
If you’re comparing options for the best electric toothbrush for kids, consider brush-head size, soft bristles, ease of use, and features your child will actually use. The goal isn’t to find the brush with the most technology; it’s to find one that helps your child brush comfortably, thoroughly, and consistently.
Teens: Ages 13 and Up
By the teen years, toothbrushes can begin to look more like adult options, but the basic rules for how to choose a toothbrush remain the same. Look for soft bristles, a comfortably sized brush head, and a handle that allows good control.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be fantastic choices for teens when used correctly.
Teens with braces or other orthodontic appliances may have additional brushing needs, so consider choosing a toothbrush made just for braces, like the SuperMouth ULTIM8® SmartBrush® System.
The Bottom Line
No matter your child’s age, these ranges are a guide rather than a one-size-fits-all rule. As your child grows, their toothbrush should grow with them. The best choice is one that fits comfortably in their mouth, has soft or extra-soft bristles, and helps them brush effectively twice a day.
Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes: Which is Better?
The best toothbrush is ultimately the one that helps your child brush comfortably, thoroughly, and consistently. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective when used correctly, so you don’t necessarily need to switch to an electric toothbrush if a manual brush is working well for your child.
An electric toothbrush for kids can, however, offer some helpful features. Timers can encourage kids to brush for the full two minutes, while music and other interactive elements can make brushing more engaging. Powered brushing may also be helpful for children who have difficulty maneuvering a manual toothbrush effectively.
If you’re looking for the best electric toothbrush for kids, choose an age-appropriate model with soft bristles and a brush head that fits comfortably in your child’s mouth. Encourage your child to guide the brush gently rather than pressing or scrubbing aggressively.
Not every child enjoys the sensation of an electric toothbrush, and that’s okay. If your child prefers a manual brush and uses it effectively, there’s no need to force the switch. The best choice is the toothbrush your child can use properly and consistently.
How Often to Replace a Toothbrush
One question still may remain. Do I really need to replace my child’s toothbrush yet?
Knowing how often to replace a toothbrush matters. Generally, toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads should be replaced every three to four months.
Replace the brush sooner if its bristles become frayed, flattened, or worn.
If your child regularly wears out a toothbrush much sooner, ask their dentist whether they may be brushing with too much pressure.
You should also replace your child’s toothbrush after an infectious illness. Learn more about how to clean your toothbrush & when to replace it now.
When it is time for a new one, let your child help choose their next toothbrush. A new color or fun toothbrush for kids can make replacement time another opportunity to get excited about brushing.
How to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Once you buy the brush, you still need to get your kids to use it! That can be the trickiest part of all.
So try to keep brushing positive and consistent by letting kids choose between a few parent-approved brushes.
You can also try brushing together as a family, and using a two-minute song or timer. A colorful or fun toothbrush for kids can also make the routine more exciting.
For more ideas, watch Dr. Kami Hoss explain how to get children to brush their teeth.
Still Need Help Finding the Right Toothbrush?
When it comes to setting your child up for dental success, choosing the right kind of toothbrush can make all the difference. After all, proper pediatric dental care starts with the right tools. Use our guide to find the ideal toothbrush for your child today.
To learn about how your child’s oral health could impact their overall health, pre-order your copy of If Your Mouth Could Talk by Dr. Kami Hoss. You’ll get expert insights into the mouth-body connection and learn how taking good care of your mouth can ensure a happier, healthier life for you and your children.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/what-is-the-ada-seal
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/ada-seal-of-acceptance
https://www.babygearlab.com/topics/health-safety/best-baby-toothbrush
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-baby-toothbrush.html
https://askthedentist.com/best-electric-toothbrush-kids/
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/choosing-a-toothbrush-the-pros-and-cons-of-electric-and-disposable?page=2
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/how-to-select-dental-products
