Toothbrushes for children: the most effective

Children's toothbrushes need to be evaluated for two reasons: safety and effectiveness. A review by the German consumer magazine eco test Across 18 brands (eight of which are also sold in Italy), the company provided complete answers to both questions. Regarding the first point, there's some good news: the toothbrushes tested in the laboratory were free of harmful substances, such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, plasticizers, and chlorinated compounds. Efficiency, however, is a different story: some toothbrushes had less than 70 percent twisted bristles, enough to damage children's gums and, in any case, reduce the product's effectiveness.

But let's look at the ranking of the eight toothbrushes tested in Germany and also available for purchase in Italy, starting with the one that obtained the highest scores.

• Elmex. The bristles are more than 70 percent rounded and have no defects of suitability. Rating: 10.
• Oral B Kids Extra Soft. Same values ​​as Elmex and slightly lower cost. Rating: 10
• Biobrush for children. The rounded bristles are between 50 and 70 percent. Rating: 7,7.
• Colgate Minions. The bristles are rounded at 50 to 70 percent, and the head isn't angled. Rating: 7,3.
• Tepe Kids Extra Soft. Bristles rounded between 50 and 70 percent and a non-angled head. Rating: 7,3.
• Dr Best Glaxosmithkline. The bristles are more than 70 percent rounded, but the handle is too bulky for a child, with a tiny tiger figure. Rating: 7,3.
• Curaprox Kids Ultra soft. The rounded bristles are less than 50 percent. Rating: 6,8.
• Signal Conni Ultra Soft. It features atypical bristles: tapered and so thin that they can't be classified through testing. Furthermore, the head isn't angled. Rating: 6.

Read also:

• How to brush your teeth
• Tips for brushing your teeth well
• Electric toothbrush: is it really worth it?
• Toothpaste: How to Use It Without Wasting It