Getting my 4-year-old to brush his teeth has always been a struggle. It’s like trying to take a housecat on a leash walk – it just doesn’t work out most of the time. But then we discovered the AutoBrush, and everything changed. With its flashing lights, songs, and cool-kid vibe, this hands-free electric toothbrush made brushing his teeth enjoyable for my 4-year-old. The tantrums were replaced with excitement, and he now asks to brush his teeth again soon after we’ve finished.
However, while my son is thrilled with the AutoBrush, I wanted to hear what the experts had to say. Is it as effective as traditional brushing? Here’s what I discovered:
What is the AutoBrush?
The AutoBrush is a handheld, electric toothbrush with a U-shaped mouthpiece that resembles the shape of your teeth. It works by placing foaming toothpaste on the bristles and holding the mouthpiece in place while it’s in use. There are two main options: the basic and Pro models. The Pro model has LED lights that aim to improve gum health and kill bacteria, and it comes in various colors. You can also choose a top, bottom, or all-in-one mouthpiece, making it versatile to cater to different users and preferences.
How does it work?
To use the AutoBrush, you simply apply foaming toothpaste to the bristles, turn it on, and hold it in place in your mouth for up to two minutes. According to the brand, it targets more tooth areas than a manual toothbrush and is better at removing plaque, thanks to angled bristles that reach harder-to-reach crevices.
However, pediatric dentist Dr. Erin Issac expressed concerns about the AutoBrush’s effectiveness. She noted that patients using the AutoBrush often had more plaque on their teeth than before. The mouthpieces don’t always fit well in small mouths, resulting in the rubber bristles not fully contacting the teeth. Additionally, the lack of individual bristle movement and the shaking motion of the brush do not mimic the circular motions of proper toothbrushing.
A 4-year-old’s review
I interviewed my 4-year-old son about his experience with the AutoBrush, and he was beyond excited. He loved the packaging, which played music, and was able to assemble the device almost entirely on his own. Although he didn’t like the brand’s foaming strawberry toothpaste, he enjoyed the buttons, vibrations, and songs. According to him, the best part was the mouthpiece, which made him dance around. From his perspective, it’s the best toothbrush because it “feels good” and is “just regular.”
Dentist Dr. Gary Silverstrom agrees that the AutoBrush’s main appeal is patient compliance. If a child is more likely to brush with the AutoBrush than with a manual or electric toothbrush, then it’s a good tool. However, he also warns that it cannot offer the same level of cleaning as a proper toothbrush and recommends combining proper brushing techniques with regular flossing for optimal oral health.
An adult take
As an adult, I also tested the AutoBrush to provide a more comprehensive perspective on its pros and cons. Initially, it felt awkward, but the soft bristles and complete fit around my teeth made it more comfortable over time. While it was gentle on my gums and somewhat cleaned my teeth, I didn’t feel as fresh and clean as I did with a manual or electric toothbrush. It lacked the intensity required for a deep clean, and the lack of bristle movement was noticeable.
However, I recognized that the AutoBrush could be beneficial for individuals with physical limitations or disabilities that hinder their ability to use traditional toothbrushes. For those who cannot produce motion with their arms and hands, the hands-free nature of the AutoBrush makes it easier to use.
The bottom line
After testing the AutoBrush with my 4-year-old, I wouldn’t replace my manual and electric brushes with it, especially considering dentists’ concerns about plaque removal. However, there are specific cases where it could be considered. For children who refuse to brush and need an interactive solution, or for individuals with physical limitations, the AutoBrush can be a great option. But for most people, sticking to traditional toothbrushes remains the best choice.
Overall, the AutoBrush’s fun and engaging design can make brushing teeth enjoyable for children, but it shouldn’t be seen as a complete replacement for proper toothbrushing techniques. For the best oral health, combining manual or electric toothbrushes with regular flossing is still the most effective preventative measure.