U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (2024)

12 Packs Kids U-shaped Toothbrush
2RexCodar Kids U Shaped Electric Toothbrush
3ZALUJMUS Kids U-shapedToothbrush
4Runmeihe Kids U Shaped Toothbrush Dual Extra Soft Silicone Brush Head
5Fantasyon 3 Pack Kids U-Shaped Toothbrush
65 Pack Kids U-Shaped Whole Mouth Teeth Brush
7Vicloon U Shaped Toothbrush

Some children have reduced manual dexterity, making brushing their teeth a little more difficult when using a standard manual or electric toothbrush, which is where a U-shaped toothbrush may be better suited to them.

Designed in a similar style to a mouth guard, it's a toothbrush that's designed to clean all the teeth at once. When your child becomes more independent and no longer needs you to use a baby toothbrush to help brush their teeth, a U-shaped toothbrush can support them with that independence while being effective at brushing their teeth.

We spoke to Dr Safa Al-Naher, mum-of-three and principal dentist and founder of Serene, about the benefits of a U-shaped toothbrush.

Best U-shaped toothbrushes at a glance

Best overall U-shaped toothbrush: 2 Packs Kids U-shaped Toothbrush - Buy here on Amazon.
Best electric U-shaped toothbrush: RexCodar Kids U Shaped Electric Toothbrush - Buy here on Amazon.
Best U-shaped toothbrush three pack: Fantasyon 3 Pack Kids U Shaped Toothbrush - Buy here on Amazon.

She said: "A U-shaped toothbrush is a toothbrush in the shape of your dental arch (the curved structure that houses your teeth and gums), and the aim is to reduce the time it takes to brush your teeth and it can be easier to use for people with reduced manual dexterity."

Best overall U-shaped toothbrush

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (8)

Price:

£9.89

Description

The 2 Packs Kids U-shaped Toothbrush is easy to use and has a handle that's comfortable for small

Pros

  • Flexible and soft bristles
  • Comfortable handle

Cons

  • Not powered

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (9)

Price:

£9.89

Best electric U-shaped toothbrush

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (10)

Price:

£114.41

Description

The Kids U Shaped Electric Toothbrush has five smart cleaning modes, including standard, gum

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (11)

Price:

£114.41

Best U-shaped toothbrush for different ages

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (12)

Price:

£2.99

Description

Available in different sizes to suit different age needs, the ZALUJMUS Kids U-shaped Toothbrush is

Pros

  • 360 cleaning
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Some mentioned that a normal toothbrush would be better for older children

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (13)

Price:

£2.99

Best novelty U-shaped toothbrush

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (14)

Price:

£4.99

The Kids U Shaped Toothbrush Dual Extra Soft Silicone Brush Head has a lovely cartoon design

Pros

  • Can be cleaned in a steriliser
  • Extra soft silicone brush head

Cons

  • Handle might be too bulky for some

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (15)

Price:

£4.99

Best U-shaped toothbrush three pack

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (16)

Price:

£5.99

Description

The Fantasyon 3 Pack Kids U-Shaped Toothbrush comes in three cute designs that little ones will

Pros

  • Cute design
  • Smooth bristles

Cons

  • Might not need three

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (17)

Price:

£5.99

Best five pack U-shaped toothbrush

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (18)

Price:

£3.69

Description

For use as a toothbrush as well as supporting those last few painful teeth coming through, the 5

Pros

  • Can be used for toothing too
  • Comfortable handle

Cons

  • You have to clean them properly as the toothpaste can build up

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (19)

Price:

£3.69

Best U-shaped toothbrush for older children

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (20)

Price:

£3.99

Description

The transparent Vicloon U Shaped Toothbrush has soft bristles so that it's gentle when your child

Pros

  • Suction cup stand to help keep bristles clean
  • Soft bristles

Cons

  • Some mentioned they don't reach the back molars well

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (21)

Price:

£3.99

Are U shaped toothbrushes more effective than a regular toothbrush?

When teaching your child to brush their teeth, it can be difficult explaining how to get all the different angles.

"People want to use U-shaped toothbrushes for their children because children generally have reduced manual dexterity compared with adults," explains Dr Safa. "The advice we give as dentists is that children should have their teeth brushed for them until the age of around eight. This is the time children start to develop manual dexterity enough to reach and clean all of their teeth surfaces effectively.

"As a mother myself, I know it is very difficult to get children to stand still for long enough to brush all the surfaces of their teeth properly, and it might be too difficult to brush their teeth at all.

"There haven't been many studies done on U-shaped toothbrushes. However, the limited studies that have been done show they are much less effective than both a manual toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. Using a U-shaped toothbrush could be comparable to not brushing at all. Generally, dentists don't like them, as they are not very effective."

How do you use a U-shaped toothbrush?

Dr Safa says it's very straightforward, "The U-shaped brush fits into your mouth like a mouthguard. If you get an electric U-shaped toothbrush, it vibrates and cleans your teeth at once, whereas if it's a manual one, you will need to move the bristles yourself."

Pros and cons of U-shaped toothbrushes

"If the brush is from a reputable brand, with evidence-based research to show the efficiency, then using a u-shaped brush for someone who is less-abled or who won't open their mouth very easily, could be better than not brushing at all," says Dr Safa.

However, if this is not the case, then Dr Safa advises against using them.

"Firstly, because they don't work as well as normal brushes and secondly because putting a big u-shaped appliance into a child's mouth is much more traumatic and less likely to be accepted than using a toothbrush," she says.

"Young children should get into the habit of using a toothbrush, as this is part of building good oral health habits. From the moment your child cuts their first tooth, they should start getting used to the idea of having their teeth brushed.

"If a child is particularly resistant when they are very little, I would give them the brush to play with, with a tiny smear of age-appropriate toothpaste on. As they get older, they may watch other children, such as older siblings, brushing their teeth, and it will become easier to encourage them to brush their own. I always let young children play with the toothbrush at the end of brushing their teeth because it encourages some autonomy and gets them into good habits."

Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? (2024)

FAQs

U-shaped toothbrush: what is it and are they effective? ›

U-shaped toothbrushes don't work. This is by far the most common misconception. The truth is, reputable, nylon-bristled 360 toothbrushes have been proven to be 27X more effective at removing plaque in kids than a traditional brush based on a recent study by Salus Research.

Do dentists recommend U-shaped toothbrush for kids? ›

We recommend using a manual, toddler-sized toothbrush to brush your child's teeth until they are at least three years old. After age three, your child can use an electric toothbrush designed for children, including a U-shaped toothbrush.

Can I use regular toothpaste on my U-shaped toothbrush? ›

Upload complete! A: Yes, of course. When you use regular squeezing toothpaste, try to apply it lightly and evenly on the U-shaped brush head. When toothbrush start running, the toothpaste will foam and fill whole mouth.

Which type of toothbrush is most effective? ›

Always choose soft bristles. In fact, if you have a manual toothbrush with soft bristles now and you feel like it's not doing a good job removing plaque from your teeth, try switching to an electric toothbrush with soft bristles—you'll be pleasantly surprised by what a difference it makes.

How effective are ultrasonic toothbrushes? ›

Studies looking at the effectiveness of manual brushing versus ultrasonic brushing have shown that electronic/ultrasonic toothbrushes remove more plaque than regular manual toothbrushes. A review of studies showed that by using an electronic toothbrush plaque was decreased by 21 percent just after three months of use.

What do dentists think of U-shaped toothbrushes? ›

Automatic toothbrushes are relatively new, and there has not been enough research yet to prove that they can clean teeth effectively. In fact, a few independent studies suggest that at least some automatic, u-shaped toothbrushes do not clean teeth well.

What do dentists say about U-shaped toothbrushes? ›

No, U-shaped or 360-degree toothbrushes are not the best options you can have in terms of optimal dental cleaning. However, the most significant benefit of a U-shaped smart electric toothbrush is that it can make brushing fun for kids!

Are U-shaped brushes good for kids? ›

U-shaped toothbrushes are particularly beneficial for children who struggle to brush effectively, as they eliminate the need for complex techniques and allow for a more intuitive brushing experience. Additionally, u-shaped toothbrushes are ideal for kids who are just learning to brush on their own.

Do you wet your toothbrush before putting toothpaste? ›

First, you should rinse your brush to get it good and clean for brushing. But, more importantly, this will help soften your bristles to prevent them from being too abrasive on your teeth and gums. Then, after tucking a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto its bristle bed, you should quickly wet your bristles again.

Which toothbrush removes the most plaque? ›

Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from teeth than manual toothbrushes.

Which toothbrush is best to prevent gum recession? ›

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are generally recommended for those with receding gums or gingivitis because they are gentler and less likely to contribute to further recession. However, it's important to note that proper brushing technique is just as crucial as the bristle type.

Do dentists recommend ultrasonic cleaners? ›

Ultrasonic tooth cleaners are a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. They are safe for daily use and gentle on the gums, so they can reach hard-to-reach areas without causing any damage.

What is the downside of a sonic toothbrush? ›

However sonic brushes do have one major drawback; they tend to be quite expensive compared to both manual and electric versions making them cost-prohibitive for some users with tighter budgets who still want a quality brush for cleaning their teeth thoroughly each day!

Which is better ultrasonic or electric toothbrush? ›

While both the sonic and electric toothbrushes work well in comparison to the manual toothbrush, the sonic toothbrush is undeniably more efficient in cleaning your teeth. Electric toothbrushes typically have bristles that either scrub forward and backward or rotate in a mechanized motion.

Is AU shaped toothbrush better for kids? ›

Research and recommendations from dental professionals:

Studies have shown that the U-shaped design effectively removes plaque and improves gum health when compared to traditional toothbrushes. Dentists and oral health experts recommend these toothbrushes as an optimal tool for children's oral hygiene.

Is AutoBrush ADA approved? ›

That being said every AutoBrush brush head is specially designed to utilize the ADA-approved BASS brushing technique, brushing all surfaces of your teeth at a 45° angle.

Does toothbrush shape matter? ›

While choosing the size and shape of your toothbrush is mostly a personal preference, smaller toothbrush heads are better equipped at getting into small crevices to remove food particles and bacteria.

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