Rechargeable Toothbrushes for Kids

Rechargeable toothbrushes help clean the teeth of children who may not pay as much attention as they should when brushing. The moving heads scrub the teeth, even when kids are holding still. Take a look at the accessories available for each product to make sure it's right for your kids. Kids grow quickly so make sure replacement heads are readily available and affordable before you purchase a rechargeable toothbrush.

Sonicare (Sonicare.com)

• Sonicare (sonicare.com) makes a rechargeable toothbrush targeted toward children. The base, which recharges on it's own stand after every use, is bright and colorful, attracting the child's attention and encouraging brushing. According to the company's website, Sonicare provides evidence their product removes more plaque than some competitors. Sonicare is widely recognized as one of the leaders in the toothbrush industry.

How to Use Sonicare

• Select the appropriate head for your child. The heads are designed for 4 to 6-year-olds and 7 to 10-year-olds. Don't use Sonicare for children under the age of 4. Children over the age of 10 should transition to the adult Sonicare toothbrush. Wet the toothbrush and apply a thin line of toothpaste. Press the Sonicare to your children's teeth so the brush is angled upward, toward the gum line. Turn the Sonicare on and listen for the music. When the musical notes change, it's time to move the toothbrush to a different location on the teeth.

Accessories

• Sonicare brush heads should be replaced every three months. The heads are available in single packages, packages of two per age range, and packages of two with one of each age range. Personalize the toothbrush base with interchangeable adhesive panels. Give each child their own base to avoid confusion. Also pick up the Sonicare UV Sanitizer, the recommended way to clean the toothbrush heads, using UV light rather than chemicals. These accessories are available at many discount retailers or you can order them through the Sonicare website.

Maintenance

• Charge the Sonicare for at least 24 hours before you use it the first time. Periodically clean the Sonicare. Take the toothbrush head off of the base and rinse the connecting tab. Wipe off each piece of the toothbrush and base with a damp cloth. Remove decorative panels, rinse and dry them before putting them back on. They'll stay sticky through several cleanings so you can reapply them easily. Unplug the base and wipe it down thoroughly with a damp cloth, allowing it to air dry before plugging it back in.