Updated on October 2, 2024
1 min read
Best Kids Toothpaste (2024)
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Most experts recommend brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and even the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends it.
But you do have to be careful with how much you’ll give them. Kids who swallow too much (that is, pea-sized amounts or more) may get mild fluorosis.
At NewMouth, we believe parents know what’s best for their children. That’s why we prepared a list of the best kids’ toothpastes—so you can choose between fluoride and fluoride-free toothpastes and decide which one you’ll give them.
We also assembled tips for buying the right toothpaste for your child.
NewMouth’s Top Recommendations
We asked our in-house dentists to evaluate the best kids’ toothpastes on the market based on the following criteria:
Below is a list of the top 7 toothpastes for children. Whatever your budget or needs, we’ve got a recommendation that will work for you.
Kinder Karex is safe for kids of all ages, including babies. The German brand does extensive research to back its choice of ingredients and complies with European Union and ISO Standards to ensure the safety of its products. It uses hydroxyapatite (HAP) to strengthen and protect your child’s teeth from cavities.
Best Fluoride and Fluoride-Free
Burst Kids is the best brand for picky kids—and parents! They have a fluoride toothpaste in marshmallow and bubblegum flavors, as well as a non-fluoride alternative in strawberry flavor.
Both contain natural sweeteners (sorbitol and xylitol) which help fight cavities. Burst Kids’ fluoride-free toothpaste uses nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) to remineralize your kids’ teeth.
Best for the Whole Family
If you want a toothpaste for the entire family and not just kids, we recommend Boka Natural Toothpaste. It uses nano-hydroxyapatite to remineralize and strengthen teeth.
It doesn’t contain parabens, artificial colors or flavors, and sulfates—including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). You can choose from 4 yummy flavors: Ela Mint, Orange Cream, Lemon Lavender, and Coco Ginger.
Best for Babies and Toddlers
Jack N’ Jill Natural Kids Toothpaste has a lot of qualities that make it perfect for babies and toddlers. It comes in a BPA-free, easy-to-open packaging and has a hypoallergenic formula free of parabens, SLS, and fluoride.
You can get an unflavored or strawberry toothpaste for your baby or choose from banana, milkshake, and blueberry flavors for your toddler. All contain xylitol (for sweetness and cavity protection) and calendula (which soothes the gums).
Best for Sensory Issues
Some children have sensory issues that make it difficult to get them to use flavored toothpaste or certain textures. For kids with taste sensitivities, we recommend Dr. Bob’s Unflavored Toothpaste.
It contains xylitol for sweetness and cavity protection and has a smooth non-foaming texture. It uses fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Best Vegan Formula
For families who want to get their kids started on veganism, NOW Kids Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel is a good option. It uses a vegan formula and doesn’t contain any fluoride, gluten, sugar, or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
The toothpaste is naturally sweetened with xylitol, which helps prevent cavities. Your kids can choose from 3 flavors: strawberry, orange, and bubblegum.
Best Budget
Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride Toothpaste is affordable and has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means it helps fight cavities.
Its formula doesn’t contain parabens, dyes, or artificial preservatives. Instead, it uses natural flavors and lets you choose from orange-mango, strawberry, and watermelon.
Transform your smile with the best toothbrushes of 2024. Find your perfect brush here.
There are several factors to consider when looking for a good children’s toothpaste. Here’s a detailed look at what to keep an eye out for:
The American Dental Association (ADA) Council recommends fluoride toothpastes for children aged 2 to 6. Parents of children under 2 are advised to brush with water and seek a dentist’s recommendation.
Since fluoride can cause fluorosis, they set out guidelines on how much toothpaste you can give children based on their age:
Fluoride remineralizes your kid’s teeth and helps protect them from cavities. But if you want to avoid the health risks associated with it, you should opt for fluoride-free toothpastes with ingredients that can remineralize teeth and/or prevent tooth decay. Some of these include:
The American Dental Association (ADA) gives its Seal of Acceptance to fluoride toothpastes that are proven to be effective at preventing tooth decay.
When opting for fluoride toothpastes, it’s best that you look for this seal.
Some ingredients often found in toothpaste are best avoided due to their potential negative effects. These include:
Brushing should be an enjoyable experience for kids, which is why flavor and packaging are important. A fun-looking tube can encourage them to brush their teeth. Picking a flavor they like makes sure they’ll want to keep brushing.
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Fresher breath, healthier gums, stronger teeth – find it all in 2024's best mouthwashes. Explore the top picks here.
