A study by a paediatric dentistry consultant Alaa Bani Hani illustrates how children are willing to adopt good at-home hygiene habits when properly engaged using the right toothbrush.
A patient-centred approach is considered the gold standard in paediatric dentistry. This shift from intervention to prevention is driven by scientific evidence and supported by developing a personalised, empathetic relationship with younger patients in the chair, taking into account individual needs, preferences, and physiological profiles.
A child’s oral hygiene habits and health are directly influenced by their family members’ knowledge and attitudes. Therefore, the dentist’s approach is crucial. Professionals must enhance their communication skills to effectively provide health information and guidance to families, building trust that encourages behavioural change (Dalsochio et al, 2025).
However, supporting good habits between appointments remains a constant challenge, as it involves two key aspects: educating parents and carers about best practices and encouraging children to engage happily and successfully with these habits. The key, perhaps, lies in the tools they are provided with.
Dr Alaa Bani Hani recently conducted case studies with five young patients to test the new Oral-B iO Kids Electric Toothbrush +6.
A consultant in paediatric dentistry at King’s College Hospital, her main clinical interests are caries prevention and management, especially the use of minimal intervention dentistry for caries management in children. Her publication, ‘Minimal intervention dentistry for managing carious lesions into dentine in primary teeth: an umbrella review’, contributed to the development of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry guidelines on caries management in children, of which Alaa is a co-author (Bani Hani et al, 2021).
Evidence behind the Oral-B iO Kids Electric Toothbrush +6
This latest study, ‘Little brushes, better cleaning: a study of a new electric toothbrush in children’, was presented by Alaa on behalf of Oral-B at the BDIA Dental Showcase and provided valuable feedback.
The study aimed to assess children’s oral hygiene (BPE) over a six-month period using the Oral-B iO Kids Electric Toothbrush +6. It also collected feedback from children and parents on compliance, motivation and overall experience.
Participants were selected based on specific inclusion criteria: children aged six to 10 years with low motivation and compliance in brushing, visible dental plaque on at least one tooth, good overall health, and who regularly used a manual toothbrush. Additionally, they had not undergone dental prophylaxis in the past three months.
How is the toothbrush adapted to young users?
The Oral-B iO Kids Electric Toothbrush +6 is specifically designed for children’s oral health, tough on cavities while being gentle on wobbly teeth and sensitive gums. It ensures a comfortable brushing experience, even in hard-to-reach areas, to enhance plaque removal.
The toothbrush features three brushing modes: Super Sensitive, Sensitive and Daily Clean to meet different needs and levels of sensitivity, and intuitively reduces speed if it detects over-brushing to protect delicate gums.
The built-in two-minute music timer encourages children to brush for the recommended duration. Available in both Disney Stitch and Marvel Spider-Man designs, it works with Oral-B’s free Disney Magic Timer App to boost engagement. The long-lasting battery indicates low charge levels, so children will never run out of power mid-brush, ensuring consistent oral care routines.
Positive feedback
Feedback from the children was overwhelmingly positive, with one describing it as ‘the best toothbrush I have used’. Others praised its comfortable grip, fun design, and various brushing modes, and appreciated how the modes felt on their teeth. They also valued the two-minute timer.
Parent feedback was equally positive, and the Oral-B iO Kids Electric Toothbrush +6 received an overall score of four (excellent) across different aspects. For example, how easy it was to motivate the child to brush, whether the child could thoroughly clean all areas of their mouth (including the back teeth), and how gentle the toothbrush was for them.
One parent said: ‘The Oral-B Kids Toothbrush, over the last six months, has made brushing much easier and more enjoyable for my child. The brush head is small and perfectly sized for a child’s mouth, making it easier for her to reach all areas of her teeth without discomfort. The bristles are soft yet effective, so they clean well while still being gentle on her gums.
‘The vibrations are softer, so it doesn’t “tickle” her nose so much. I really liked the child-friendly design. The colours and characters on the toothbrush make it fun and encourage her to brush regularly. Instead of seeing brushing as a chore, she actually looks forward to using it. The handle is also very comfortable and easy for small hands to grip, which helps her brush more independently. I also really appreciate the built-in timer that automatically stops after two minutes. This helps ensure she brushes for the dentist-recommended amount of time without us constantly having to remind her.’
How does the toothbrush impact BPE scores?
But just as importantly, Alaa was able to measure success. BPE scores improved from 1/1/1 to 0/0/0 over the course of the study, indicating significant plaque reduction and improved gingival health.
‘Using age-appropriate Oral-B electric toothbrushes, such as the Oral-B iO Kids 6+ with its extra-soft bristles, small head, and gentle speed modes, is essential for maintaining good oral health. It is a practical toothbrush for children because it is easy to handle and combines effective cleaning with a fun design that encourages them to brush. Importantly, its specialised modes ensure it remains gentle around wobbly teeth and supports nervous children, including those with sensory sensitivities or special needs.’
Alaa Bani Hani
Paediatric dentistry consultant
References
- Dalsochio L, Montagner AF, Tedesco TK, Maske TT, van de Sande FH. Experiences and parents’ perceptions regarding dental interventions performed on their children: a qualitative systematic review. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2025 Nov;35(6):1029-1045. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13318. Epub 2025 May 7. PMID: 40338172; PMCID: PMC12580900.
- Bani Hani A, Santamaría RM, Hu S, Maden M, Albadri S. Minimal intervention dentistry for managing carious lesions into dentine in primary teeth: an umbrella review. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2022 Oct;23(5):667-693. doi: 10.1007/s40368-021-00675-6. Epub 2021 Nov 16. PMID: 34784027; PMCID: PMC9637620.
This article is sponsored by Oral-B.
