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Brushing the teeth is a habit that children should adopt as early as possible. But unfortunately, some children may even lick or swallow the toothpaste while brushing their teeth. As children are still learning to brush their teeth and may swallow the paste due to its sweetness, it is important to select the best toothpaste for kids. It can also keep their mouth clean and maintain their oral health.
Dr. Farayi Shakespeare Moyana, a renowned dentist in Zimbabwe, says, “Brushing teeth is a lifelong activity, and it is important to introduce it to children at a young age. You can make brushing teeth a fun activity for little ones by bringing home a good toothpaste with fine flavor and captivating packaging.”
To help you find the right toothpaste, we have curated a list of the top toothpastes for kids in a variety of flavors and included some pointers you should consider when purchasing one.
Top Picks
13 Best Toothpastes For Kids To Make Brushing Exciting In 2024
1. Best Easy-To-Use: Aquafresh Kids Pump Cavity Protection Toothpaste
Image: Aquafresh The kid-friendly toothpaste protects the child’s mouth from cavities, bad breath, and tartar. Here’s a brief video showcasing a tester’s experience to help you learn more about this toothpaste with cavity protection for kids.
Pros
- The paste comes in a pump instead of a tube. You have to press a button to release the toothpaste from the nozzle. The pump lets you dispense the right amount of toothpaste properly on the toothbrush.
- Most parents love the pump design and state that it makes things less messy while applying toothpaste to the brush.
- The toothpaste contains fluoride and calcium that make the child’s teeth strong with regular use.
Cons
- The flavor might be slightly intense.
"My child has been using this toothpaste for a while. It keeps his teeth clean and doesn't overwhelm him with a sharp mint flavor. The mint-bubblegum flavor is spot on, and although the dispensing process was slightly tricky initially, the mess-free results make it worth it."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 8,413 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
[ Read : Aquafresh Milk Teeth Toothpaste Review ]
2. Best Flavor: Taners Tasty Paste Vanilla Bling Toothpaste
If you are looking for a toothpaste with an exciting flavor and proven efficacy in strengthening teeth, then this one will surely be loved by your child.
Pros
- The toothpaste is available in vanilla ice cream flavor, something to make the kids look forward to brushing time.
- There is no sugar or added sulfates in the toothpaste. The toothpaste is also gluten-free.
- Many parents state that the unique flavor of the toothpaste works great for children who find other toothpaste flavors minty or spicy.
Cons
- It may not be suitable for younger children due to the vanilla flavor.
"My daughter is quite picky about flavors, but she really likes this one. Its formula is a blend of fluoride and xylitol and has made mundane brushing more palatable for my little one."
Quick tip3. Best For Whitening: Cali White Activated Charcoal & Coconut Oil Whitening Toothpaste
Image: Cali White Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 42,090 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
Cali White Activated Charcoal & Coconut Oil Whitening Toothpaste is fluoride-free. It removes plaque and stains. Here’s a video showcasing a tester’s experience displaying how easy it is to use this product every day.
Pros
- It is vegan, chemical-free, and is not tested on animals.
- The toothpaste is clinically proven to whiten up to 7.7 shades.
- This toothpaste has a mint flavor that rules out bad breath.
Cons
- Some may find the toothpaste’s taste unpleasant.
Aquafresh Kids Pump Cavity Protection Toothpaste Best Easy-To-Use | Taners Tasty Paste Vanilla Bling Toothpaste Best Flavor | Cali White Activated Charcoal & Coconut Oil Whitening Toothpaste Best For Whitening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.88 x 1.88 x 6.5 inches | 7 x 2 x 7 inches | 2 x 1.5 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 6.59 Ounces | 4.2 Ounces | 4 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,413 | 58 | 42,090 |
| Price | $22.14 | - | $12.49 |
4. Best For Children With Acid Reflux: Colgate Fluoride Toothpaste Cavity Protection For Kids
This toothpaste for kids comes from a celebrity-endorsed brand that is world-renowned and widely trusted in the field of oral care. This expert-recommended fluoride toothpaste formula is clinically proven to protect teeth against cavities.
Pros
- The flavor of the toothpaste is mild and thus will not overwhelm children with a strong essence.
- Some parents noted that the lack of a minty flavor makes the toothpaste ideal for children suffering from acid reflux.
- The American Dental Association endorses this dental care product.
Cons
- The tube may be smaller than expected.
"This toothpaste provided gentle yet effective cleaning and my child loved it since it did not taste like mint. The best part about it is the flip-top cap, which allows her to brush by themselves and eliminates the hassle of finding the toothpaste cap every morning."
5. Best For Enamel Protection: Cali White Vitamin B12 Infused Whitening Toothpaste
Image: Cali White Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,886 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Opt for this effective product if you are looking for toothpaste with enamel-strengthening properties for kids. The Cali White Vitamin B12 Infused Whitening Toothpaste is formulated to reduce bacteria growth, tooth decay, and cavities.
Pros
- This toothpaste is clinically proven to increase B12 levels.
- It is fluoride-free and chemical-free.
- The toothpaste is vegan.
Cons
- It might cause a mild burning sensation on their tongue.
"I've experimented with numerous fluoride-free toothpastes, and this particular one ranks high. Its fresh mint flavor, coupled with a pleasant lather, leaves my mouth feeling clean. I appreciate the absence of fluoride and the enhancement of enamel health. However, I wish the tube was bigger."
6. Best For Sensitive Teeth: Orajel Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
This expert-recommended toothpaste with cartoon characters for kids has Spiderman imagery to make the little ones excited about brushing their teeth.
Pros
- The active ingredient of fluoride in toothpaste reduces tooth sensitivity and provides plenty of dental protection to the child’s teeth.
- Many parents stated that the toothpaste is best for children with delicate taste buds and those who do not like the typical minty taste of toothpaste.
- Dentists and pediatricians widely recommend brand Orajel in the United States.
Cons
- The toothpaste may not foam up much.
"Finding a toothpaste that my kid would approve of was difficult till I found this one. It has sodium fluoride for cavity protection and has made brushing fuss-free. The toothpaste has a delicious berry blast flavor that my son adores!"
Do remember7. Best Vegan And Cruelty-Free: Tom’s of Maine Anticavity Fluoride Children’s Toothpaste
Image: Tom's Of Maine Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 3,960 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
This all-natural toothpaste for kids has an enjoyable flavor and offers complete oral care. Click on the video to know more about this fluoride toothpaste for kids.
Pros
- The strawberry taste in the toothpaste is natural. The manufacturer adds real strawberry juice to render the flavor.
- There are no artificial dyes, flavors, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners.
- It is a cruelty-free and vegan product.
- Wide variety of flavor options
Cons
- Children who do not like the taste of strawberries may refuse to use it.
"The gentle formula of this toothpaste works well for my little girl, who has a sensitive tongue. Even though slightly chalky, it does not burn or irritate her tongue, and the sweetness offered by the strawberry flavor is pleasing. The presence of fluoride has also helped us keep cavities at bay- a win for this mom!"
8. Best Non-Toxic: Hello Oral Care Toothpaste for Kids
This SLS-free toothpaste for kids is widely endorsed by medical professionals. It is specially designed to keep teeth strong while avoiding the dangers of harmful chemicals.
Pros
- The toothpaste does not contain any dyes, preservatives, and sweeteners. The paste is also free from sulfates.
- The taste of the toothpaste is pleasant and leaves the child’s mouth with a lingering flavor.
- The toothpaste is vegan and is not tested on animals.
Cons
- The fluoride version of the toothpaste is available in only a few flavors.
"This mint-free toothpaste has been a great find for me and my child, as we dislike the flavor. This delightful toothpaste has a pleasing berry blast flavor and contains fluoride for cavity protection. I like that the flavor is not too intense, and it does a good job of keeping my child's teeth clean."
9. Best Tooth Gel: PRO-SYS Kids Bubblegum Fluoride Toothgel
Image: Pro-sys If you are looking for gel toothpaste for kids, known for proven efficacy, then this tooth gel from PRO-SYS can be an excellent choice.
Pros
- It is available in bubble gum flavor that kids love instantaneously. Parents also noted that the gel foams up quite well.
- It does not contain strong antibacterial compounds like triclosan.
- The American Dental Association endorses the tooth gel.
Cons
- Some children may not like the subtle, minty flavor on top of the bubble gum flavor.
"Even with our household having different toothpaste preferences, this one seems to please all of us. The cavity protection offered by it has helped me keep my son's teeth safe, and the bubblegum flavor is a big hit."
10. Best Dye-Free: Tom’s of Maine Natural Children’s Fruitilicious Fluoride Anticavity Gel
This is a safe tooth gel for kids to keep their teeth sparkling clean.
Pros
- The tooth gel is completely clear and does not contain any artificial dyes.
- The gel uses natural flavor, and the lack of added fragrance and preservatives makes it much better.
- One of the top-rated toothpaste with ADA approval for kids.
Cons
- The toothpaste is a tad too sweet.
"The non-staining and clear formula has been great for my little one's growing teeth. Although the consistency is slightly thin, the paste does its job well. Moreover, it has a flavor with mint undertones and produces a light foam, both of which have been approved by my little one."
11. Best Fluoride-Free:Risewell Kids Mineral Toothpaste
Image: Risewell Infused with the signature ingredient Hydroxyapatite, the Risewell mineral toothpaste protects the teeth from damage and strengthens and repairs them. This kid’s toothpaste has a pleasant flavor of cake batter that helps encourage your little one to brush daily.
Pros
- It is infused with xylitol to eliminate bad breath.
- Regular use of the toothpaste helps in restoring tooth enamel.
- The paste is fluoride-, paraben-, and sulfate-free and is 100% safe to swallow.
- It has no artificial preservatives and is developed by dentists.
Cons
- It may have a bit of an ingredient taste.
"My fussy kids love the cake batter flavor of this toothpaste. Although the quantity is less, a small amount goes a long way. Moreover, with this toothpaste, my kids have started to love brushing their teeth. Hence, it is a definite win for this dad."
Caution12. Best For Gentle Care: Kids Crest Toothpaste
Image: Crest This toothpaste with a gentle formula for kids has been clinically proven to be gentle and provide soothing oral care with maximum dental protection.
Pros
- Parents state that the mild flavor of the toothpaste works great with children with sensitive taste buds.
- The toothpaste gets approval from the American Dental Association.
Cons
- The tube may be smaller than expected.
"After experimenting with different toothpastes, this one with a fruity flavor and colorful look has made teeth brushing less of a chore for me and my picky child. However, it does more than just amuse - it also effectively provides serious cavity protection, helping us avoid trips to the dentist!"
13. Best Gluten-Free: Colgate Kids Minions Toothpaste
Image: Colgate This kid’s toothpaste provides the best overall protection to the child’s teeth.
Pros
- The packaging contains illustrations of the Minions, widely loved by children.
- There is no added sugar in the paste, which is also gluten-free.
- This is a clinically proven fruit-flavored toothpaste for kids. Several parents report their children loving the mild taste.
Cons
- The blue color of the toothpaste may disappoint some children, considering the Minions are yellow.
"This toothpaste honestly has made my child more open to brushing. It's not too minty for him, which was a definite win. Although there is only one character on the tube, it sure does encourage my son to diligently follow his teeth-brushing routine."
How To Choose A Toothpaste For Kids?
Here are the features to look for in toothpaste for children.
- Pick fluoridated toothpaste: Despite the negative perception, your child needs fluoride to keep their teeth healthy. Fluoride helps harden the enamel of the teeth and makes them more resistant to the acids secreted by oral bacteria. Brushing regularly with fluoridated toothpaste keeps the teeth healthy for a long time.
[ Read : How To Use Mee Mee Toothpaste? ]
Do not worry about fluoride affecting the child if they accidentally swallow it. A kid will only use less than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, which, according to the American Dental Association, minimizes the amount of fluoride that they ingest (1). Supervision and proper training can ensure that the child spits out the paste after they brush.
- Check for added substances: Toothpaste meant for adults or specific medical conditions can contain compounds that may not be suitable for children. Avoid toothpaste that says ‘medicated’ or have added compounds for numbing the exposed nerves of the gums. They may not be ideal for children. You can opt for natural toothpaste for kids.
- Choose kid-friendly flavors: If you want the child to keep up the habit of brushing the teeth independently, then pick flavors such as strawberries, cotton candy, and bubble gum.
Choosing the right toothpaste is the first step. Using it properly is the most important. Use a rice-sized smear of toothpaste for brushing the teeth of children aged under three years. Children above the age of three years, including adolescents and teens, should use a pea-sized amount. Teach the child to spit out the paste (2). A little bit of fluoride residue on the teeth can prevent tooth decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can adults use kids’ toothpaste?
Children’s toothpaste should usually contain 1,000 ppm of fluoride for removing build-up, while an adult’s toothpaste should contain 1,350 ppm to 1,500 ppm of fluoride (1). So adults using kids’ toothpaste would not help them eliminate plaque or protect their teeth from cavities.
2. Why is fluoride-free toothpaste good?
A fluoride-free toothpaste is good only if there is a high amount of fluorine in your water. While a fluoride-free toothpaste can keep the breath fresh, it may not protect against tooth decay. Additionally, a fluoride toothpaste can strengthen the existing teeth and make them decay-resistant (2).
3. At what age can a child start using regular toothpaste?
Your child may use regular toothpaste when they are seven years old (1). However, monitoring your child while brushing is recommended to avoid swallowing.
4. Should my two-year-old use fluoride toothpaste?
Yes, your two-year-old child may safely use fluoride toothpaste with a 1,000 ppm fluoride level (1).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, the author of this article, has compiled this list of the best toothpastes for kids based on user reviews and product descriptions. She has also included a buying guide, which includes important factors you should consider to make the right choice. Vibha has also listed the pros and cons of each product and the features you should consider to choose the right one. These toothpastes are safe, effective, and have various benefits.
Getting your children to brush their teeth at least twice a day can be quite a task. Moreover, children can be picky about the kind of toothpaste you give them. Thus, if you want your little one to take dental hygiene seriously, the best toothpastes for kids listed here are ideal picks as they’re super easy and safe for them to use. These kids’ toothpastes have been scientifically formulated to taste good, strengthen your children’s teeth, and leave them feeling fresh and clean.
Infographic: What Check In A Toothpaste For Children?
It is important to teach children to brush their teeth daily, right from a young age. Toothpaste for adults has a stronger taste that children might not like, but using toothpaste specifically formulated for your little ones can make it easier. Look through the infographic below for the features you must check in a toothpaste meant for children.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Children’s teeth
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/ - Fluoride: Topical and Systemic Supplements
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements - Make Teeth Brushing Fun with 6 Easy Tips
https://pathways.org/make-teeth-brushing-fun-6-easy-tips/
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