Electric Toothbrush Vs. Manual Toothbrush: Which Is Better For Your Child?

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Many parents could relate that one of the most challenging phases of toddlerhood is when they refuse to brush their teeth. As one mom in the Smart Parenting Village puts it, "naghahalo ang balat sa tinalupan kapag brushing time na!"

As first-time parents, my husband and I tried all the kinds of toothbrushes available online: the finger brush, the U-shaped one where you'll put the toothpaste all over it and let your child chew on it, and the expensive electric toothbrush—which comes in their favorite cartoon character design.

While these products might work for a day or two, building the habit is another story. Now that our child is older, brushing her teeth has become bearable. It gets better, parents! But not without consistency and determination every brushing time, that is.

Electric toothbrushes, for a while, did the trick for us. Our daughter would brush her teeth while watching an app that comes with the brush, wherein a photo of Mickey Mouse and friends will be revealed after a minute and a half worth of brushing.

But did you know that aside from creating that enjoyable time when brushing, studies have found that electric toothbrushes clean our kids' teeth better than manual toothbrushes?

According to a 2023 study published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, electric toothbrushes were more effective in removing plaque and avoiding gingivitis among children aged three to ten, within a four-week period, compared to manual toothbrushes. 

The same results were found in different studies done in adults. Even among seniors, electric toothbrushes are highly recommended as they help those with arthritis and have limited hand movement.

Electric toothbrushes recommended by parents

In the Smart Parenting Village, a Facebook group where over 100k moms and dads are constantly sharing their product recommendations, many have been asking about their favorite electric toothbrushes.

Here's a round-up of electric toothbrush brands that parents love, and where to buy them.

1. Watsons Battery-Operated Toothbrush (P289)

One mom recommends this electric toothbrush that won't hurt the pocket. If your child likes this, the mom adds, you may shift to the more expensive brands. 

Buy it on Watsons or on Lazada

2. Colgate Minions Power Brush (P690)

If your child loves Minions or anything yellow, this Colgate Minions Power Brush is your best bet. It has a Talking Power Brush feature, which may help make brushing more fun for your child. It also has a 2-minute timer, which helps ensure your child cleans their teeth well and save batteries too!

Buy it on Watsons or on Lazada

3. Oral-B Frozen Kids Power Toothbrush Handle (P1599)

For Frozen fans, kids will look forward to brushing their teeth daily and nightly if you get this magical brush.

You may use it with the Disney Magic Timer, an app by Oral-B, and your kids will definitely enjoy brushing while watching Elsa and Anna's photos unfold right in front of their eyes after their 2-minute brush time.

Buy it on Watsons or on Shopee

4. Braun Oral-B Vitality Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush (P2246)

If changing batteries every time seems like a chore, this Braun Oral-B Vitality Kids electric toothbrush comes with rechargeable batteries! Kids may also customize the brush handle with four Disney Princess-themed stickers. Like the previous one, you can use this with the Disney Magic Timer app.

Buy it on Lazada or on Shopee

5. Brush-Baby BabySonic Infant and Toddler Electric Toothbrush (P1195)

This electric toothbrush screams value for money. This brush is suitable for infants until they turn 3! Just make sure to replace the brush head from infant to extra toddler when necessary. It has an easy on-off switch, and a little LED light for parents to see their back gums while brushing.

What parents love about Brush-baby is that, unlike electric toothbrushes that rotate, this one vibrates, with its sonic action gently brushing your child's tiny teeth.

Buy it on Lazada or on Shopee

Other toothbrushing tips from parents

Here are other tips from parents at the Smart Parenting Village on how they were able to make brushing time fun with their kids.

1. Get your child excited.

Mommy Mel said, "Excite your kid whenever you want them to do something. The key is the tone of your voice. Pwede mo din sya sabayan magbrush (and teach her the proper brushing) let her hold her own toothbrush. It helps. My son is two years old at sya pa nag-aaya palagi magtoothbrush. Establish a routine too. Very important."

2. Make it a family affair.

Mommy Johanna shared, "Sa experience ko sa firstborn ko, pinapanood namin siya about sa pagba-brush ng teeth. Yung catchy talaga, then gagawin namin ng sabay ni hubby yun, hanggang sa sumunod na din sya sa amin. May kasamang kembot, sayaw, at kanta while brushing teeth."

3. Tell stories.

Mommy Mon meanwhile shared how she got her child to brush their teeth through a story. "Sakto may nakita din akong story about sa ngipin, ang title, "Ang Ngipin ni Katkat" na pinupukpok ng mga germs yung ipin pag hindi nagtu-toothbrush. Kaya ayun, nakasanayan na niya mag-toothbrush. Bata pa sila, madali pang turuan ng routines."

Good luck, moms and dads!

Are you ready to bring your child to the dentist? Read the dos and don'ts, according to parents, here.