How to Clean a Kids Toothbrush

Why Cleaning a Kids Toothbrush Matters

Cleaning a kids toothbrush is a small step that keeps the brush ready for the next two-minute session. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and that routine works best when the brush starts clean. Rinsing after use removes toothpaste, food particles, and debris that can stay between the bristles.

The ADA also says caregivers should begin brushing as soon as teeth begin to erupt and continue to assist or supervise until the child can spit out excess toothpaste. The NHS gives a similar age guide: children need help or supervision brushing their teeth until they are at least 7 years old. That adult involvement makes it easy to clean and inspect the brush after every brushing. Choose a kids toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, and use Kids Toothbrush vs Adult Toothbrush to see how children's brushes differ from adult models.

Rinse the Bristles After Every Use

Rinse the brush head under tap water right after your child finishes brushing. The ADA's MouthHealthy page says to clean your toothbrush by rinsing it with tap water to remove leftover toothpaste and debris. Turn the bristles toward the stream, then rub the bristles gently with your thumb or fingers to help trapped paste rinse free.

Use cool or warm water. Very hot water is not part of a normal rinse, and high heat can damage the brush. If the brush head is removable, take it off once in a while and rinse it separately so water can reach the area where the head meets the handle.

Resist the urge to scrub bristles against a hard surface or use strong cleaners. The goal is to remove toothpaste and debris, not to wear down soft bristles.

Dry and Store Upright

After rinsing, shake off excess water and store the toothbrush upright. The ADA says storing a moist toothbrush in a closed container promotes microbial growth more than leaving it exposed to open air. MouthHealthy gives the same advice: store it upright and allow it to air dry.

If more than one child uses the bathroom, keep their brushes from touching. MouthHealthy notes that when toothbrushes are stored together, they should be separated to prevent cross contamination. A simple holder with individual slots works better than tossing several brushes into one cup.

Do not routinely cover the brush or store it in a closed container at home. A travel case can still be useful for trips, but let the brush dry before closing it. See How to Dry and Store a Toothbrush and Toothbrush Travel Cases for more.

Avoid Heat and Soaking

The ADA specifically recommends against microwaving toothbrushes or putting them in the dishwasher. High heat may damage the brush. That warning applies to kids toothbrushes, where a melted handle or deformed head can make the brush unsafe to use.

Soaking the whole brush is not needed for daily cleaning. The ADA mentions a study that found soaking a toothbrush in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or an antimicrobial mouthwash greatly reduces bacterial load. If you choose to soak, use that approach as an occasional extra step, not as your everyday method.

If you want a sanitizing device, the ADA says to look for one that has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The same cleaning logic applies to brush heads and handles, but a damaged brush should be replaced instead of sanitized. For more, see How to Clean and Sanitize Toothbrush Heads and Toothbrush UV Sanitizer Cases.

• Do not microwave a kids toothbrush.
• Do not put it in the dishwasher.
• Do not routinely soak the whole brush.
• Do not place it in a closed container while it is wet.

Clean the Handle of an Electric Kids Toothbrush

Electric kids toothbrushes clean the same way as manual brushes, but the handle needs extra care. Wipe the handle with a damp cloth after use and dry the outside. That is especially true for kids electric toothbrushes, where the handle is not meant for soaking. Do not hold the whole brush under the faucet or submerge it in water, because water can get into the charging port, battery compartment, or the seam where the brush head attaches.

Take the brush head off the handle when you clean it. Rinse the head separately, shake it dry, and wipe the metal or plastic shaft on the handle. This also gives you a chance to check the head for damage before the next use. For detailed handle care, see How to Clean an Electric Toothbrush Handle.

If the toothbrush uses replaceable batteries, keep the battery compartment dry and inspect it when you change batteries. The same rule applies to rechargeable models: keep the charging contacts clean and dry. See Battery vs Rechargeable Kids Toothbrush and How to Change the Battery in a Kids Toothbrush for more.

Replace Before the Bristles Wear Out

No amount of cleaning can fix a worn brush head. The ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months, or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed. Children can be rough on brushes, so inspect the head often.

Check the bristles for splaying, flattening, or discoloration. If the head looks worn, replace it even if the brush is newer. A worn brush does not clean as well, and it can be less comfortable for a child's gums. For replacement guidance, see How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush Head and Toothbrush Bristle Splay.

If your child has been sick, replace the brush or brush head after the illness. The ADA notes that while toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, there is no evidence that those bacteria cause adverse health effects. Replacing the brush is a simple way to start fresh.

What to pick for your child's toothbrush routine

Questions

Can I put a kids toothbrush in the dishwasher?

No. The ADA says microwaving or putting toothbrushes in the dishwasher is not recommended, because high heat may damage the brush. Rinse the brush under tap water after each use and let it air dry instead.

How do I deep-clean a kids toothbrush?

Daily cleaning means rinsing with tap water and air drying. If you want to sanitize, the ADA cites evidence that soaking a toothbrush in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or an antimicrobial mouthwash greatly reduces bacterial load. You can also use a toothbrush sanitizer device cleared by the FDA.

How often should I replace my child's toothbrush?

Replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are matted or frayed. Children often bite or chew on their brushes, so check the head regularly and replace it as soon as it looks worn.

Is it okay to store a kids toothbrush in a closed travel case after every brushing?

For daily storage, no. The ADA says storing a moist toothbrush in a closed container promotes microbial growth more than leaving it exposed to open air. Let the brush dry before you place it in a travel case for a trip.

Do I need a toothbrush sanitizer for my child?

Not for everyday cleaning. The ADA says there is no evidence that bacteria on toothbrushes cause adverse health effects. If you still want to sanitize, choose an FDA-cleared device or use the occasional hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash soak.