Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth | Philips Sonicare for Kids Toothbrush

Review of Philips Sonicare For Kids Connected Toothbrush

Helping my children learn how to brush their teeth properly is a constant challenge for me as a parent. It’s not only getting them to brush long enough, but moving the brush around the teeth and gums also. We have found using a timer helpful because two minutes can feel like a long time for kids when they are brushing.  

There is a clever new product that combines both the timer component and an interactive brush guide for where to brush in the mouth. Philips Sonicare For Kids Connected Toothbrush is one of the first Bluetooth connected toothbrush for kids available in Australia. The electric toothbrush connects to an interactive gaming app to encourage children to brush their teeth, creating a positive habit for life.

My daughter says, “It’s really fun.” Brushing is especially important for her because she has enamel hypoplasia issues on some of her teeth and those teeth are more susceptible to decay (the condition usually happens in during pregnancy when teeth are forming). I was chatting to another mother (her child has also the condition) and she said an electric toothbrush makes a big difference. In fact, Philips Sonicare For Kids Toothbrush is clinically proven to remove up to 75% more plaque than manual toothbrushes. I’ll go into the features, how the game works and also practicality factors further below.

What’s In the Box

The toothbrush retails for approximately $99 and comes with a charger, brush and eight fun sticker designs so kids can personalise their brush. This is especially helpful if you have a few children and they need to distinguish between brushes.

Main Features

• Built-in Bluetooth® – connects with a touch of a button
• Coaching App – with cute character, ‘Sparkly’
• 1 brush head – and cover
• 2 modes – a lower mode for younger children and higher for older children
• Multi grip design – easy for kids to hold

Interactive Game App

After my daughter picked her sticker and customised the toothbrush, we installed the Philips Sonicare for Kids app which is available on both Google Play and iTunes.

It’s useful to note here my daughter worked out how to use the app without any input from me. All you need to do is press ‘Start Brushing’, connect the toothbrush (by simply turning the toothbrush on) and then follow the visual guide. There’s a timer in the bottom right hand corner and a diagram explaining where to brush during the designated two minutes. If the brush is turned off during brushing, the app will also stop (as my daughter demonstrates further below in the 30 second video).

The timer and guide are my favourite features as a parent; however there is also a game kids can play to keep them engaged in brushing with the adorable brush coach, Sparkly, delivering health tips too. For example, if you try and feed Sparkly straight after brushing, it explains to wait a while before eating. The app is a clever way to incorporate children’s enjoyment with gaming in a positive way.

Practicality

I always consider the practicality of how products will work within family life. I download the app on a family iPad and the device fits nicely above the sink in a suction shelf during brushing. The timer and visual guide work brilliantly for my daughter, and this set up works well for our family. The great thing about the toothbrush is it can even work without using the app. The Bluetooth can send information to the app so you can track how long the child is brushing regardless if they use the app.

I also have a suction shelf for the toothbrush that sits next to the power point in the bathroom. I left a spot for another electric toothbrush for when I get one for my son due to the success I had with this trial. A tip: It’s a good idea to tape down (I used washi tape, because pretty) or zip tie the charging base of the toothbrush to the shelf. Otherwise it easily is knocked down. This way, it is fastened securely and also up off the bathroom bench. The brush charges away when not in use and looks neat and tidy.

Money Back Guarantee

Another handy thing to note is the money back guarantee Philips offers. Trial the brush and app for 28 days and return it if you’re not completely satisfied. Read more about it here.

Philips Sonicare For Kids Connected Toothbrush is not only a product, it’s an educational tool parents can tap into to help teach children correct brushing techniques. In our house, this has led to more fun and better brushing.

Coordinated by Nuffnang