Parent Guide: Best Toothbrush for Kids: A Parent's Guide by Age

The best toothbrush for kids has soft bristles, a small head that reaches the back teeth and a handle your child, or you, can grip well. Match the size to your child's age, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and replace it every three to four months or sooner if the bristles fray.

No brand paid to be mentioned on this page, and it has no affiliate links. We don't recommend specific brands; we explain what to look for so you can choose any brush that fits.

What is the best toothbrush for kids?

The best children's toothbrush gets four things right. Pediatric dentists look at these, whatever the brand or price.

• Soft bristles. Firm or medium bristles can damage gums and enamel. Choose soft at every age, manual or powered.
• A head that fits. The brush should reach every tooth easily, including the back molars. A head that is too big misses spots and makes brushing uncomfortable.
• A grip that works. Young children need a thick, non-slip handle. Parents of babies need a handle that's easy to steer.
• The ADA Seal of Acceptance. It means an independent panel checked that the bristles won't fall out with normal use, the handle holds up and the brush helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Colors, characters and timers are fine if they get your child brushing. They come second to the four points above.

What is the best toothbrush for kids at each age?

Use this table as a starting point, then check the fit in your child's mouth.

Sources: ADA MouthHealthy (soft bristles, fit, ADA Seal, replacement, child-size brush, wiping gums); AAPD MyChildrensTeeth (brush by age, supervision, braces tools); CDC Oral Health Tips for Children (help until brushing skills are good, watch children under 6).

Best toddler toothbrush (ages 0 to 2)

The best toothbrush for babies and toddlers is a soft infant brush with a tiny head. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth comes in, usually around 6 months. Choose the smallest head you can find, and do the brushing yourself twice a day. An infant oral health exam is a good time to ask which brush and technique suit your baby.

Best toothbrush for a 2- or 3-year-old

Look for a small, soft head and a thick handle your child can hold. Let them practice, then take a turn yourself so every tooth gets cleaned. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by age 3, so the back molars need attention now.

Best toothbrush for a 4-, 5- or 6-year-old

A child-size soft brush, manual or powered, works well. Children this age want to do it alone but can't yet brush well enough by themselves, so help and watch every time.

Best toothbrush for 7- to 12-year-olds

From about age 7, move up to a larger child brush or a powered brush as the mouth grows and adult teeth come in. A 7-, 8- or 10-year-old can usually brush alone but still needs reminders and an occasional check. The first permanent molars are a good time to ask about dental sealants.

Best toothbrush for teens

An adult-size soft brush that fits comfortably is fine. Teens with braces need more than a brush: ask the orthodontist about orthodontic brushes and cleaners for between the teeth and around brackets.

Is an electric toothbrush better for kids than a manual one?

Both clean well. The ADA says manual and powered brushes are equally effective when used twice a day for two minutes. What matters is that your child brushes thoroughly and consistently. The best electric toothbrush for kids is simply a child-size one with soft bristles and the ADA Seal that your child will actually use.

If your child is at higher risk for cavities, ask your dentist whether a powered brush could help with plaque removal.

How should kids brush their teeth?

1. Brush twice a day, morning and night, for two minutes.
2. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
3. Use gentle, short, tooth-wide strokes. Don't scrub.
4. Clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
5. Tilt the brush upright to clean the inside of the front teeth.
6. Once two teeth touch, clean between them every day.

Your dentist will tell you how much fluoride toothpaste to use at your child's age. For a full daily routine by age, see our oral hygiene tips for kids, and if brushing is a battle, try these ideas for making brushing fun.

When should you replace your child's toothbrush?

Replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn brush doesn't clean as well. Rinse the brush after use, store it upright to air dry, keep it apart from other brushes and don't share toothbrushes.

Why does the right brush matter more for keiki on Oahu?

Most public water in Hawaii has no added fluoride. In 2022, only 8.5% of Hawaii residents on community water systems received fluoridated water, the lowest share in the nation, according to the CDC. That makes twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular checkups even more important here. Ask your child's dentist about professional fluoride treatment and what your child drinks and eats; our nutrition and oral hygiene guidance covers both. Good brushing is your first defense against cavities in children.

Frequently asked questions about kids' toothbrushes

What is the best toothbrush for a toddler?

Choose a soft-bristled brush with the smallest head you can find and a handle that's easy for you to steer, because you'll be doing most of the brushing. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Brush twice a day as soon as the first tooth appears, and let your toddler practice once they can hold a thick, non-slip handle.

What is the best toothbrush for a 2-year-old?

A small, soft, child-size brush with a thick, non-slip handle works best at age 2. Your child can practice holding it, but a parent should still brush every tooth, morning and night. By age 3 most children have all 20 baby teeth, so make sure the head is small enough to reach the back molars comfortably.

At what age can kids use an electric toothbrush?

There's no set age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says a child-size brush, manual or powered, suits children from about 3 to 6, with a parent helping. Powered brushes can help kids who find a manual brush hard to use. Choose a child-size head with soft bristles and the ADA Seal, and keep supervising.

How often should kids replace their toothbrush?

Replace your child's toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed, because a worn brush doesn't clean as well. Check the bristles often in younger children. Rinse the brush after each use, store it upright to air dry and don't let family members share toothbrushes.

What is the best toothbrush for kids with sensitive gums?

Choose an extra-soft or soft-bristled brush with a small head, and brush gently with short strokes rather than scrubbing. Firm or medium bristles can irritate gums and wear enamel. If your child's gums are sore, red or bleed often, or their teeth are sensitive, see the dentist, who may also suggest a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Does my child's toothbrush need the ADA Seal?

It isn't required, but it's the simplest quality check. The ADA Seal of Acceptance means an independent panel of scientific experts confirmed the bristles stay put with normal use, the handle holds up and the brush helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Both manual and powered brushes can carry the Seal.

Until what age should I help my child brush?

Help your child brush until they have good brushing skills, and watch every brushing session while they're under 6, according to the CDC. Many school-age children still need reminders and an occasional check. Your child's dentist can tell you when their brushing is thorough enough to do on their own.

What toothbrush is best for kids with braces?

Use a soft-bristled brush that fits comfortably, manual or powered, and add the tools your orthodontist recommends, such as an orthodontic brush and cleaners for between the teeth and around brackets. Braces trap more food and plaque, so careful brushing twice a day and regular dental checkups matter even more.