This two-stage toothbrush is tailored to children’s age-specific needs, based on careful observation of their dental development and brushing habits. Designed for
both children and caregivers to enjoy, it considers the oral structure, brushing behavior, grip strength, and developmental stage of young users. The toothbrush
for ages 3–5 is made entirely of rubber to prevent gum irritation and tooth damage, offering a soft touch and a narrow head that reaches every corner of a toddler’s
mouth. The version for ages 6–9 features an angled design with rubber grips to prevent slipping, and a wide head that effectively removes plaque even with unskilled
brushing. Recognizing that adults often assist toddlers with brushing, the younger-age toothbrush adopts a universal shape that fits comfortably in both adult and
child hands. Meanwhile, the version for older children is sized to fit a child’s hand perfectly. With playful “jelly” and “block” concept shapes and vibrant colors,
these toothbrushes make brushing a fun experience for kids, while the simple, refined appearance integrates seamlessly into any bathroom setting.
When purchasing and using children’s toothbrushes, conflicts often arise between children and their guardians due to differing design preferences.
Children aged 3–5 tend to bite the toothbrush and have small, delicate mouths, making brushing uncomfortable. Their weak grip strength causes them
to frequently drop the brush, and the handle is often too small for guardians to use comfortably when assisting. As children grow and begin brushing
on their own around ages 6–9, they often struggle with uncoordinated hand movements, which leads to slipping, shorter brushing times, and difficulty
reaching all areas of the mouth.
The Pleasia Kids Toothbrush was designed by synthesizing real-life brushing experiences of children, incorporating age-appropriate grips, forms, and
bristle types for optimal comfort and usability. In particular, the toddler version features a universal shape that accommodates both a child’s and
an adult’s hand, recognizing that brushing often requires parental assistance. This thoughtful design was acknowledged with the 2022 Red Dot Product
Design Award for the second-stage toddler toothbrush.
When purchasing and using children’s toothbrushes, conflicts often arise between children and their guardians due to differing design preferences.
Children aged 3–5 tend to bite the toothbrush and have small, delicate mouths, making brushing uncomfortable. Their weak grip strength causes them
to frequently drop the brush, and the handle is often too small for guardians to use comfortably when assisting. As children grow and begin brushing
on their own around ages 6–9, they often struggle with uncoordinated hand movements, which leads to slipping, shorter brushing times, and difficulty
reaching all areas of the mouth.
The Pleasia Kids Toothbrush was designed by synthesizing real-life brushing experiences of children, incorporating age-appropriate grips, forms, and
bristle types for optimal comfort and usability. In particular, the toddler version features a universal shape that accommodates both a child’s and
an adult’s hand, recognizing that brushing often requires parental assistance. This thoughtful design was acknowledged with the 2022 Red Dot Product
Design Award for the second-stage toddler toothbrush.
We used certified-safe resin materials, applying PP and rubber differently by age group to provide an optimal grip for children’s hand strength while
offering a visually diverse design. To ensure a soft tactile feel and a visually calming impression when held by a child, a full matte finish was
applied using mold texturing.
We applied colorful hues that reflect children’s preferences while ensuring the toothbrush serves as a design accent rather than appearing out
of place in an ordinary bathroom setting. For the stage 2 toothbrush, we used vivid primary colors, while stage 3 featured a greater use of
mid-tone colors tailored to the tastes of older children. Gender-neutral color choices were adopted to allow kids to freely select from a wide
range of colors, regardless of gender. To ensure safety, we avoided fluorescent pigments while still achieving a cheerful and vibrant color palette.
During the research phase, we studied children’s toothbrushes and oral care practices from various countries, focusing on identifying the optimal form
and concept. As a result, the stage 2 and stage 3 toothbrushes evolved with distinct design languages—an appropriate choice that preserved key functions
while capturing the emotional nuances suited to each age group. During the refinement stage, we retained the form of the original sketches while making
adjustments to ensure a safe and ergonomic grip. In the modeling process, surfaces and curves were carefully connected without interruption to reduce
errors during mass production and achieve a smooth finish.
In production, we maintained the unique, fully rubber-coated form of the stage 3 toothbrush while reducing mold costs by adopting a multi-shot molding
process, rather than the conventional two-shot method typically used for rubber toothbrushes. This approach enabled the production of a high-quality,
safe design with lower upfront costs.
Taking into account the full experience of purchasing, using, and storing children’s toothbrushes, we aimed to create a product that not only
supports oral health and offers an enjoyable brushing experience, but also fits beautifully into a colorful, harmonious bathroom environment from the guardian’s perspective.
In reviewing the current children’s toothbrush market, we noticed that many products focus heavily on bright colors and visual appeal, often at
the expense of encouraging proper brushing habits. Others may be safe but fail to appeal to children’s preferences. Additionally, some designs
clash with adult bathroom items, leading to differences in taste between children and guardians. To address this, we incorporated a design concept
that reflects children’s oral development, grip strength, and usage habits—balancing function with form. We hope this toothbrush transforms brushing
into a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for both children and their caregivers.
