It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but how young should you start introducing this habit? Tiny toothbrushes may look cute, but are they really effective? You’re probably not looking forward to struggling with your baby to properly run a brush over all their new teeth, but it’s important to start young. As soon as your baby’s first tooth arrives you should start brushing or wiping their teeth. Not only will this help you and your little one get used to brushing, but it helps keep their newly sprouted pearly whites clean from plaque and bacteria.
We spoke to pediatric dentist Naveen Kwatra and orthodontist Amy Barrer, both at MVP Smiles in Gaithersburg, MD, to help answer some of your concerns when it comes to introducing your newest family member to oral hygiene. You may be overwhelmed by the variety of styles and options when it comes to baby toothbrushes, but as Dr. Kwatra and Dr. Barrer explain, “The most important part of brushing teeth is the mechanical brushing [action]. In general, it’s the physical removal of the plaque and bacteria on the teeth.” So when it comes to picking between finger brushes or 360 brushes, they say it’s really just your personal preference. As long as the teeth are being brushed, you’re doing great!
We chose each baby toothbrush in this roundup based on picks tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, top-performing brands and expert recommendations. Looking for something with a little more power? Check out some of the best electric toothbrushes for adults and kids. Here are the best baby toothbrushes of 2022, according to dental and parenting experts.
This adorable giraffe toothbrush is just as cute as it is easy on teeth and gums. The self-standing brush keeps the head away from the dirty counter so there are fewer germs to worry about. Kids will appreciate the easy-to-hold handle and soft bristles for their baby teeth. The brand recommends rinsing the brush in warm water before and after each use as a best hygiene practice to maintain cleanliness. It’s a more fun version of an adult toothbrush, and the similar shape and soft bristles will help prepare your little one for their daily oral hygiene routine.
Since the CDC recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, getting a pack of four like this one is a great value option. The wide handles are perfect for tiny hands that are just learning how to hold a toothbrush, and the fun colors will help keep your little one interested. The short neck and small brush head are designed for tiny mouths while the colored bristles indicate exactly how much toothpaste is needed for each use. Plus, the handle of the toothbrush does double duty by functioning as a teething ring!
This banana toothbrush is a fan favorite for a reason. Aside from its super cute design, its ergonomic handle and silicone brush head are ideal for baby hands and teething mouths. It combines the best aspects of dental care with a cute toy and can even be placed in the freezer for maximum soothing during teething. According to the brand, the entire brush is made from a single piece of silicone, making it pliable and bendy — perfect for little ones’ chewing or brushing needs. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and shapes, like an ear of corn or a dragon.
Finger brushes like this one are great for new parents looking to help establish a healthy oral care routine. Not only is it easy to navigate around your baby’s mouth and ensure you’re reaching all the teeth, but its soft silicone bristles aren’t too rough on small baby gums. The triple-angled brush head helps get all sides of those tiny teeth quickly and efficiently, and the thick, double-sided design means that teething babies won’t be able to hurt you when they bite down. For maximum hygiene, use the included storage stand to keep the brush clean between uses.
This double-sided toothbrush helps tackle both top and bottom rows of teeth at the same time. This brush won a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award in 2020 for its easy-to-hold handle and soft bristles that make it safe and simple for kids to learn how to brush on their own. We love that the safety barrier means little ones won’t readily be able to push the brush too far back, but they’ll still have no trouble reaching their molars. Plus, its shape is perfect for small hands to use on their own.
For little ones seeking sensory stimuli, an electric toothbrush like the BabySonic is a great option. With gentle vibrations, soft bristles and a comfortable handle, this brush brings all the benefits of electric brushing to your littlest family members. The suction base helps keep the head off the counter and the LED 30-second timer is perfect for teaching toddlers independence when they handle the brush on their own with supervision. Once they get older, simply replace the brush-head with the toddler-designed version. Keep in mind that both Dr. Kwatra and Dr. Barrer say generally children under 8 or 9 years old don’t need an electric toothbrush, so speak with your pediatrician or dentist to determine if it’s the best option for your little one.
This set grows with your little one from infancy to childhood. It includes four different brushes starting with the finger brush that’s great for a teething baby’s first brushing experience. Next comes the extra-soft silicone brush and massager followed by the slightly more robust brush designed for toddlers around 1 year old. Finally comes the nylon bristled brush perfect for older kids. Available in a variety of fun colors, kids can get used to taking care of their teeth on their own and with their parents’ help. The soft materials are made for sensitive gums and teething littlies.
Featuring triple-angled bristles, these brushes aim to reach all the nooks and crannies of your baby’s teeth. Included a brush for babies and one for toddlers, this set grows with your child. The first brush has silicone bristles, a removable safety stopper to keep your baby from gagging and an easy-to-grip handle for little fingers. Switch to the toddler brush at around 18 months with its suction cup bottom that keeps the head away from the counter.
For all-around cleaning, this 360 brush has bristles on all sides of the head to clean the front, back and sides of each tooth as easily as possible. The soft bristles keep teeth and gums clean without irritation and the smiley face safety shield ensures that baby doesn’t push their toothbrush too far back in their mouth. Use the suction base to store the brush upright. Plus, we’ve had great experiences with the brand’s other products like their manual breast pump.
