Of course it’s possible to brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush. However, an electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to an old-school one, especially if you’re dealing with conditions that make it difficult to brush well. Like having a kid who’s not all that coordinated and maybe not really paying attention to his or her pearly whites. Electric toothbrushes are especially ideal for folks who have trouble holding brushes correctly, like children. An electric toothbrush’s bristle movement helps kids remove more plaque from their teeth and improve their gum health. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, get an electric toothbrush that’s easy to use, with a rotating-oscillating head or a head that uses ultrasonic pulses (otherwise known as a sonic brush). Timers are a great addition, so kids know how long they brush and can’t cut things short after 30 seconds. Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.