Getting my four-year-old to brush his teeth is like taking a housecat for a stroll on a leash – it rarely works. We wind up in a power struggle over a basic hygiene habit that, if not resolved, could result in costly dental work.
The outbursts ceased when the AutoBrush was implemented. Due of its flashing lights, tunes, characters, and overall cool-kid feel, my four-year-old requested to brush his teeth again as soon as we were done.
However, despite his enthusiasm, experts have reservations about the brush’s ability to clean as effectively as a manual or electric toothbrush.
Though AutoBrush’s website claims it is 27 times more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush, the dentists I spoke with for this review raised reservations, primarily with the brush’s fit and its inability to replicate genuine brushing.
Here is what else they had to say, as well as how the AutoBrush trial run with the child went.
What exactly is AutoBrush?
The AutoBrush is a type of electric toothbrush designed to provide hands-free brushing.
Alex Frost/Within
The AutoBrush is a handheld electric toothbrush with a U-shaped mouthpiece (similar to the form of your teeth) and very fine bristles. It operates with minimal user involvement beyond applying foamy toothpaste to the bristles and holding the mouthpiece in position during use.
AutoBrush is offered in two primary configurations: basic and Pro. The Pro is equipped with a series of LED lights that, according to the manufacturer, improve gum health and eliminate bacteria. The Pro is also available in a range of colors, whereas the standard is only available in gray or white.
Additionally, you have the option of selecting a top, bottom, or combined mouthpiece. This flexibility to choose precisely what you want makes the brand’s goods somewhat more adaptable and appealing to a variety of users and user preferences.
How it operates
The AutoBrush operates by applying foaming toothpaste to its bristles, activating the device, and holding it in the mouth for up to two minutes. Depending on the type of cleaning you are performing, the brand’s website suggests 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or up to two minutes.
The brand claims that the AutoBrush targets more tooth surfaces than a conventional toothbrush. Traditional toothbrushes feature straight bristles, however this toothbrush’s bristles are tilted to scrape places that are more difficult to reach.
When contacted about these assertions, Dr. Erin Isaac, a pediatric dentist, voiced some caution. According to Isaac, patients who have switched to using the Autobrush have much more dental plaque than before.
“The [AutoBrush] mouthpieces do not typically fit well in small mouths, so the rubber bristles may not make complete contact with the teeth,” she tells Insider. “The individual bristles do not move, and the device as a whole simply shakes. This is ineffective for tooth cleaning and does not replicate the circular motions of a toothbrush.”
Isaac states that she disagrees with the lost potential to build a child’s manual dexterity through learning to brush by hand, and that if they need to transition away from the AutoBrush, they would miss out on this talent in the future.
A 4-year-summary old’s
My four-year-old enjoyed using the AutoBrush since it was more entertaining than a conventional toothbrush.
Alex Frost/Within
If you have never conducted an interview with a 4-year-old product tester, you have definitely missed out. My son was so excited to experience this product, including the package, which plays music, that he was dancing before we had even finished unwrapping it.
He was able to almost totally build the power cord, charging station, dock, and mouthpiece on his own. Even while he disliked the brand’s foaming strawberry toothpaste (“Yuck!”), he enjoyed the buttons, vibrations, and tunes.
When I asked what his favorite part was, he replied that it was the ending “The mouth issue. It’s humorous because it compels me to do this “then continued to dance around.
In his opinion, this toothbrush is the best because it “feels good” and is “simply regular,” resulting in a five-star rating and experience. I observed that his involvement with the product piqued my curiosity more than I had anticipated.
Dr. Gary Silverstrom, a dentist, concurs that this is the product’s primary selling point. “This device’s only benefit is patient compliance,” he explains. If the youngster is more likely to brush with this device than with a manual or electric toothbrush, then it is a useful tool.
However, Silverstrom cautioned that it cannot clean as effectively as a toothbrush.
“We’ve demonstrated that angling the brush head correctly and using the modified bass technique, together with flossing consistently, is the most effective method for preventing tooth decay,” he explains. “The [AutoBrush] is an alternative to brushing. It is not a substitute for brushing with a manual or electric toothbrush.”
An adult take
AutoBrush also manufactures products for adults, although they do not appear to be as effective at cleaning as a manual or electric toothbrush.
Alex Frost/Within
Since my 4-year-view old’s of the AutoBrush focused primarily on how shiny and melodic it is, I also tested it to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its advantages and disadvantages.
Initially, I was hesitant since inserting the device in your mouth seems a bit like taking an X-ray at the dentist; there is a great deal of plastic, and it seems pretty awkward. However, when I grew accustomed to the soft bristles and full fit around my teeth, it became more pleasant.
The product is gentle on my gums, and it did clean my teeth to some extent, but I did not feel as fresh and clean as I do when using a manual or electric toothbrush. I ultimately believed it was insufficient for a thorough cleaning. Although it appeared to reach every region on my teeth, there was little movement because the bristles do not move.
There have been moments in my life when a toothbrush made for persons with physical limits and disabilities would have been useful. A few years ago, a muscle tumor hindered my ability to utilize my arm, thus I can see how this product would have been essential at the time.
The AutoBrush may be easier to use for those who suffer from temporary or permanent physical disabilities, as it does not need arm and hand movement.
The conclusion
The AutoBrush got my four-year-old enthused about brushing his teeth, but it is not a suitable replacement for a traditional toothbrush because it does not clean as well.
Alex Frost/Within
After testing the AutoBrush with my 4-year-old, I would not purchase it as a replacement for my manual and electric toothbrushes, especially after speaking with dentists regarding its failure to remove plaque entirely.
However, there are circumstances in which I would consider it, such as when a child refuses to brush and need something entertaining and interactive. If I or my child had a physical impairment that prevented us from using other sorts of brushes, this would also apply.
Aside from these circumstances, I’m content with my other toothbrushes. However, my 4-year-old has no intention of switching back. Who can disagree with a toothbrush with a tiger design that plays music?
Alex Frost
Independent Reporter
Alexandra Frost is a freelance journalist and content marketing writer living in Cincinnati who specializes on health and wellness, parenting, real estate, education, and lifestyle topics. Glamour, Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest, Parents, Women’s Health, and Business Insider have published her work. She teaches journalism, is the wife of an assistant principal, and the mother of three boisterous youngsters under the age of 5. Visit her website to learn more of her work or to connect with her. Learn more about how Insider’s team of experts evaluates and assesses items here.
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