As a parent, you want to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles—and it all starts with good brushing habits. But with so many toothbrush options in the dental aisle, it can be hard to know which one is actually best for your child. From colors and characters to manual vs. electric, there’s a lot to consider.

At Bassett Creek Dental, we help families in Golden Valley and the surrounding communities choose the right tools to make brushing easy, effective, and even fun. Here’s what to look for when picking a toothbrush for your child at any age.

Choose a Soft-Bristled Brush—Always

No matter your child’s age, soft bristles are the way to go. They’re gentle on gums and enamel, and still strong enough to remove plaque effectively. Medium or hard bristles can actually damage your child’s tooth enamel and irritate the gums—so keep it soft!

Pick the Right Size for Their Age

Toothbrushes come in different sizes for a reason. Look for brushes labeled with your child’s age group—usually something like:

• 0–2 years: Tiny brushes with short, wide handles
• 2–5 years: Slightly larger brush head, still with a chunky handle for easy grip
• 6–12 years: Youth-sized brushes that start to look more like adult brushes

The brush head should comfortably fit in your child’s mouth and be able to reach all surfaces of the teeth—especially those tricky back molars.

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Which Is Better?

Both manual and electric toothbrushes can work well—as long as they’re used correctly and for the full two minutes. That said, electric toothbrushes are often more effective at removing plaque, especially for kids who rush through brushing.

Some electric toothbrushes for kids even come with:

• Built-in timers
• Fun music or lights
• Pressure sensors to prevent brushing too hard
• App connectivity for gamified brushing

These features can make brushing more engaging—and even fun—for reluctant brushers.

Let Kids Choose

Giving your child a choice—within parent-approved options—can make them more excited to brush. Whether it’s a favorite color, a beloved character, or a cool design, when kids feel involved in picking out their toothbrush, they’re more likely to actually use it.

Just make sure the toothbrush still checks the boxes: soft bristles, age-appropriate size, and a dentist-approved brand.

Don’t Forget to Replace Every 3 Months

Toothbrushes wear down faster than you think. Replace your child’s toothbrush (or toothbrush head, if using electric) every 3 months, or sooner if:

• The bristles look frayed
• Your child’s been sick
• They drop it on the floor (it happens!)
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child start brushing their teeth on their own?

Most children can start brushing on their own around age 6, but they should be supervised until at least age 10 to ensure they’re using the right technique and brushing long enough. Parents should continue to assist with flossing, which can be more difficult for kids to do properly.

Is it okay if my child swallows toothpaste?

Swallowing small amounts of fluoride toothpaste occasionally is common in young children. That’s why for children under 3, only a tiny smear (the size of a grain of rice) is recommended. Teach your child to spit out toothpaste as soon as they’re able, and supervise brushing until the habit sticks.

How can I tell if my child is brushing effectively?

Check for these signs:

• Their breath smells fresh
• Their teeth look clean (no visible plaque along the gumline)
• The bristles on their toothbrush aren’t flattened (which could indicate brushing too hard)

You can also ask your dentist to use plaque disclosing tablets at your child’s next visit to show areas that might be missed during brushing.

What if my child hates brushing their teeth?

Make brushing fun and rewarding. Try:

• Turning it into a game or challenge
• Using a two-minute timer or song
• Letting them choose their toothbrush or toothpaste flavor
• Using a sticker chart with small rewards

If brushing resistance continues, talk to your pediatric dentist—we’ve seen it all and can help!

Should my child use mouthwash?

Children under 6 should not use mouthwash due to the risk of swallowing. For kids ages 6 and older, a kid-friendly fluoride rinse can be helpful if recommended by your dentist—especially for those prone to cavities or with orthodontic appliances.

Ask Your Golden Valley Family Dentist for Recommendations

Still unsure which toothbrush is best? Bring your current one to your next dental visit and ask your hygienist for feedback. Our team is always happy to guide you toward options that match your child’s specific age, brushing habits, and dental needs.

Need to schedule a cleaning for your child? We provide family dentistry in Golden Valley and love seeing our youngest patients grow up with healthy, happy smiles.

Call us at 763.546.1301 or schedule an appointment online.