Kids toothbrush (favorite character or color)
Picking it themselves makes brushing “their own thing”. Choose a head size that suits their age.
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Kids toothbrush: how to choose the best toothbrush for kids (ages 3 to 8)
Once kids start brushing on their own, the toothbrush aisle gets confusing: cartoon characters, lights, timers, electric brushes, U-shaped brushes. Which one is actually a good choice?
This guide covers what to look for in a kids toothbrush for ages 3 to 8, how to keep it clean, and when to replace it. Check the age range on each package, and ask your child’s dentist if you have questions.
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Quick answer: what makes a good kids toothbrush
- A small head that fits easily in your child’s mouth
- Soft bristles
- A thick, non-slip handle that small hands can hold
- An age range on the package that includes your child
- The ADA Seal of Acceptance on the package can be a helpful sign
- A color or character your child likes, so they want to use it
Let your child pick a favorite toothbrush
At our house, finding a favorite toothbrush made a real difference. When our child picked the color and design, brushing felt like their own thing instead of a chore. Offer two or three good options and let your child choose.
When our child was little, we used a toothbrush with a safety stopper so it could not go too far into the mouth. It is worth looking for one while kids are still learning to brush by themselves.
Kids toothbrush (favorite character or color)
Picking it themselves makes brushing “their own thing”. Choose a head size that suits their age.
Toothbrush with a safety stopper
A stopper on the handle keeps the brush from going too far into the mouth. Handy when little ones want to hold it themselves.
Manual or electric toothbrush for kids?
Both can work well. What matters most is brushing every surface, twice a day, with a grown-up checking afterward. Some kids love the buzz and lights of an electric toothbrush, while others find it too noisy or ticklish.
If you try an electric toothbrush, choose one made for kids, with a small head and a gentle mode, and follow the age range on the package.
Kids electric toothbrush
Some kids look forward to the fun sound and buzz. Check the age range, and keep doing finishing brushing.
Kids toothbrush holder: keep it clean and easy to reach
Our child loves rinsing, and having a favorite cup next to the toothbrush made the whole routine more fun.
- Store the toothbrush upright so it can air-dry
- Keep brushes from touching each other
- Avoid closed caps for everyday storage, since a damp brush dries slowly
- Put the holder and a rinse cup where your child can reach them, so they can start on their own
Kids cup & toothbrush stand
A fixed spot for their own things means they can get ready without reminders.
Kids’ rinse cup
Easy for small hands, in a color or pattern your child likes. A favorite cup makes rinsing something to look forward to.
When to replace a kids toothbrush
A common guideline is to replace a toothbrush about every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or splayed. Kids often chew on their brushes, so check the bristles every few weeks.
Make two minutes of brushing more fun
We put a sticker on a calendar after every brushing, and seeing the row of stickers grow keeps our child going. If your child has worries about their teeth, talk to your dentist.
- Use a sand timer or a song so kids can see how long is left
- Let kids brush first, then a grown-up does a quick check
- Mark each brushing on a sticker chart or calendar
Toothbrushing sand timer
A 2–3 minute sand timer for days without the phone or when traveling. It can sit by the sink.
Turn brushing into an island adventure
Hamigaki Island is a kids app: during a two-minute brushing adventure, a boat sails around six islands, and lost baby teeth open new places to explore.
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