Kids oral health

How Does an Automatic Toothbrush Work? | Willo Explained

Boy with a broken arm using Willo kids automatic brushing toothbrush in a bright bathroom

If you’ve ever searched “automatic toothbrush for kids” or “U-shaped toothbrush for kids,” you’ve probably seen dozens of futuristic-looking brushes promising an easy clean. But here’s the truth most parents don’t realize:

Not all “automatic toothbrushes” are truly automatic — and most don’t actually work the way you think.

Let’s break down how automatic toothbrushes work, why many U-shaped models fall short, and how Willo is different.


What Is an Automatic Toothbrush?

An automatic toothbrush is designed to reduce (or eliminate) the need for manual brushing motion. Instead of your child moving the brush back and forth, the toothbrush performs the cleaning action for them — ideally ensuring a consistent, dentist-quality clean every time.

But here’s the catch: Most devices labeled “auto brushing” still require your child to move the brush around in their mouth. That’s not truly automatic.


Why Most U-Shaped “Auto Brushes” Don’t Work

You’ve probably seen them online: silicone U-shaped brushes that claim to brush all teeth at once in 30 seconds. Sounds amazing, right? Unfortunately, many dental professionals do not recommend these options. Here’s why:
  1. They Rely on Motion from the User: Brushing quality depends on how well a child moves it — and most don’t.
  2. 30 Second shortcut: Dentists recommend kids brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day. 
  3. Bristle Quality, not just quantity: The number of bristles has become a key selling point for many brushes. The angle and material of the bristles is key to ensuring the job gets done right.

In short: U-shaped “auto brushes” look automatic, but they don’t clean like one.


How Willo’s Automatic Toothbrush Actually Works

Willo isn’t just electric or “U-shaped.” It’s truly automatic — meaning the brushing motion, timing, and toothpaste distribution are all handled by the device, not by your child.

Here’s how it works:
  1. 🧠 Automatic Cleaning Motion
    Willo’s patented system gently sweeps extra soft bristles back and forth along every the teeth and gumline automatically. Kids simply place the mouthpiece, press start, and the system does the work.
  2. 💨 Consistent Results
    Because the motion is automatic, kids get consistent results every brush.
  3. 🫧 Automatic Toothpaste & Rinse
    Willo AutoFlo+ automatically dispenses and rinses toothpaste for kids who struggle with these steps — something traditional or U-shaped brushes can’t do.
  4. 📱 App-Connected Confidence
    Parents can monitor each brushing session through the Willo app, seeing when and how long kids brushed. The app rewards consistency and helps make brushing a part of bedtime fun.

What Makes Willo Different From Other “Automatic” Brushes


Feature Typical U-Shaped Toothbrush Willo Automatic Toothbrush
Requires user motion 🚫 Yes ✅ No — fully automatic
Toothpaste distribution 🚫 Manual ✅ Automatic
Dentist recommended time 🚫 30 second shortcut ✅ Automatic 2 minute cycle
App tracking & rewards 🚫 None ✅ Yes, with parental insights


The Bottom Line: True Automation = True Results

When it comes to brushing, “automatic” should mean automatic.
Willo is the only kids’ toothbrush that eliminates the need for motion, guessing, or technique — it simply does the job for them.
That’s why dentists back it, kids enjoy it, and parents love the peace of mind knowing every tooth gets cleaned right — every single time.

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