Once the first tooth erupts —usually around 6 months— you can introduce a toothbrush. The AAP recommends parents use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. But you can build up to this with a consistent routine that helps introduce the concept to your little one, says Dr. Lerman. Aim for at least once a day for five to 10 seconds, building up as your kids increase their tolerance, she says. “The earlier that good hygiene habits, routines and behaviors are introduced, the higher the likelihood of having a healthy baseline in the mouth for the adult teeth once they erupt (usually around 6 years old).” Types of baby toothbrushes Both the AAP and AAPD consider fluoride essential to fighting cavities and decay. They recommend using fluoride toothpaste as soon as you can see your child's first tooth. If your family's drinking water does not have added fluoride, you should ask your pediatrician about fluoride supplements.

Yes, it is safe for kids to use electronic toothbrushes, provided they are designed for kids, and you provide proper supervision. The ADA publishes a list of recommended toothbrushes. These brushes carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which is the gold standard for toothbrush quality. Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best baby toothbrush that had won the most accolades and recommendations across the board to bring you a selection of the best ones at various price points. We think there’s something here for everyone. Christine Mattheis, What to Expect’s Group VP of Content & Brand Solutions, liked this brush so much for her daughter that they went through two of the giraffe-shaped versions. “My daughter did well with this one -- she would grab at it and try to use it the same way she used a teether,” she says. “I had to carefully try to get at her little teeth with it, but overall it was much easier than using the finger toothbrush because she let me put it in her mouth.”

I just use a baby toothbrush (MAM) and then let her chew on it for a bit afterwards." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BonyM) Our verdict From this list, we chose a shortlist of the 10 best toothbrushes that we felt offered a range of design, functions and price points, to ensure there was something for everyone. About the author

Parents should assist in teeth brushing until they're child is old enough to take on the task themselves Opens a new window at about age 7 or 8, says the AAP, and should supervise until they're about age 10. How we chose the best baby toothbrushes Getting kids to brush their teeth can be challenging, but using an electric toothbrush can help. They can be pretty fun to use, often displaying colorful lights, playing music, and syncing with apps that use games and rewards to encourage kids to brush. More importantly, research has shown that electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease than manual toothbrushes. The Solimo bristles are soft and gentle, but because of the power, the brush could be great for kids ages 4 and up. It does come with two AAA batteries, but it does not have a case or holder to store the toothbrush. Without a built-in timer, you’ll need to set one on your own and supervise your child to make sure they brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes twice a day. Many of the electric toothbrushes on our list have built-in timers, including the hum Kids Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush and the Philips Sonicare for Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush, to name a few. Alternatively, you could try the Brusheez Kids Electric Toothbrush Set, which comes with a rotating miniature hourglass that is set for two minutes. If you’re wondering what toothbrush is best for baby, you should know that there’s not a single answer. “The best type of toothbrush is one that will be used,” says Dr. Lerman. “When you’re starting your oral hygiene routine for your child, it’s more about consistency than about flare.”Age suitability: 3 years+ | Power: Rechargeable battery and USB | Firmness: Hard | Size: N/A | Material: BPA-Free What we love