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Finding the Best Kids Toothpaste Brands
Toothpaste has a long and gritty history-literally. Since 3000 BC, the importance of dental care was evident, though back then, their formulas were a little less minty and used a lot more sand.
It wasn’t always used by children, but today, we know the importance of teaching healthy habits from an early age. Here, you’ll read all about the best kids toothpaste brands, which is certainly nothing like the myrrh flavored pastes of the past.
Half the battle of getting kids to brush their teeth is the actual taste of the toothpaste. The other? Overcoming boredom. Kids toothpaste has to be fun, delicious, and easily squeezable to not only encourage them to brush but to do it the right way.
10 Best Kids Toothpaste Brands
Since children are much smaller than adults, certain studies recommend choosing a fluoride-free toothpaste. But fluoride’s important role in the remineralization of teeth has been made clear too. The jury is split, and that’s why you’ll find plenty of fluoride-free picks on this list of the best kids toothpaste brands as well as a few that include the mineral.
#1: Dr. Brite Healthy Gums Toothpaste
Dr. Brite Healthy Gums Toothpaste is our number one pick for the best kids toothpaste brands. Why? Not only does the brand have seriously delicious flavors (chocolate mint and strawberry sky certainly to make us want to brush), but their formula is designed to remove stains and prevent cavities—without fluoride.
Instead, Dr. Brite uses hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that makes up 97% of tooth enamel. Including this mineral can help kids teeth get stronger and brighter and you never have to worry about them swallowing it. The formula is also vegan and cruelty-free. Get a tube for $12.
Highlights
- All-natural
- Delicious flavors
- Uses hydroxyapatite
- No fluoride
- Safe to eat
#2: Hello Kids Unicorn Sparkle Fluoride Toothpaste
We don’t know about you, but Unicorn Sparkle sounds like serious fun. Approved by the American Dental Association, this fluoride toothpaste helps to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel while tasting awesome at the same time.
Hello uses natural bubble gum flavor to give the toothpaste a fun taste and only uses natural sweeteners like stevia and xylitol to keep things clean. It’s a lot more affordable than some other high-quality toothpaste out there, ringing in at $6 per tube.
Highlights
- Tasty flavors
- Prevent cavities with fluoride
- ADA-approved
- Brightens & polishes teeth
- Fun to use
#3: Jack N Jill Strawberry Toothpaste
Jack N Jill comes highly recommended by kids and parents. They say it has the most delicious taste and a consistency that’s appealing despite its natural formula. Free from SLS, fluoride, gluten, and dairy, the Strawberry Toothpaste is also vegan and cruelty-free.
And since it’s devoid of the nasties, it’s safe to use for kids 6 months and up (for reference, fluoride toothpaste is 2 years+). The secret to their outstanding flavor? Organic ingredients and natural sweeteners. Pick up a tube of this Aussie-made toothpaste for about $10.
Highlights
- SLS & fluoride-free
- No dairy or gluten
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Delicious flavors
- Made in Australia
#4: RiseWell Natural Kids Toothpaste
We love that flavors for kids toothpaste have become so much more delicious. Back in the day, it was either mint or bubblegum, but brands like RiseWell have been pushing the boundaries of what kids toothpaste brands can do.
Their Natural Kids Toothpaste tastes like cake and it’s totally edible—not that you should encourage it. Free from fluoride, it uses hydroxyapatite to strengthen and protect against cavities. If you’re looking for a product that’s 100% safe and made from natural ingredients, get a tube of RiseWell for $12.
Highlights
- Safe enough to eat
- Vegan & gluten-free
- Strengthens & whitens teeth naturally
- Fluoride-free
- Developed by dentists
- Tastes like cake batter
#5 Burt’s Bees Kids Fruit Fusion Toothpaste with Fluoride
Burt’s Bees make fluoride-free and fluoride toothpaste, because as a natural brand, they know that people like choices. The pick that made this list of the best kids toothpaste brands is the Fruit Fusion Toothpaste with Fluoride because of its delicious taste. It has a gel-like consistency that’s a little watery, but its ingredients list makes up for that.
Free from SLS, parabens, artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, you’ll enjoy the peace that comes from choosing a natural product along with the guarantee from the American Dental Association. Plus, the packaging is 100% recyclable. A tube rings up to about $8.
Highlights
- Fruit & mint flavor
- Free from blue, red & yellow dyes
- Recyclable tubes & cartons
- SLS-free
- ADA-accepted
- Never tested on animals
#6: Tom’s of Maine Wicked Cool Toothpaste
Tom’s of Maine Wicked Cool Toothpaste is one of the most popular options on this list of the best kids toothpaste brands. It’s described as being a “transitional” choice for kids who have outgrown bubblegum flavors and want to move onto something more mature.
While many kids don’t like the “spicy” feeling of mint on their tongue, Wicked Cool has a mild mint flavor that’s actually super tasty. It’s made with fluoride but without artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. You can pick up a tube for $7.
Highlights
- Transitional toothpaste
- Mild mint flavor
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Remineralizes enamel
#7: Crest Kids Sparkle Fun
Brushing your teeth can feel like a chore—you know it, we know it, and your kids know it. That’s why choosing a toothpaste that’s fun increases the chances of them looking forward to using it. Brushing their teeth with edible glitter? Sounds like a blast…of course, Crest packs good-for-them ingredients in there too, like fluoride to help with enamel protection.
You can find Crest Kids Sparkle Fun toothpaste at pharmacies and most grocery stores, so it’s an easy pick if you’d like to try and make brush-time more fun. You can get a tube for under $2 at Target.
Highlights
- Fun to use
- Tastes like bubblegum
- Affordable & accessible
- Contains fluoride
#8: Firefly Natural Anti-Cavity Toothpaste
Cute characters are a great way to help your kid feel excited to grab their toothbrush. Firefly makes toothbrushes and toothpaste with the characters they know and love like LOL dolls and Spongebob SquarePants.
Firefly Natural Anticavity Toothpaste has a delicious strawberry smoothie flavor, contains fluoride, and is made with 98% natural ingredients. There’s nothing artificial in the formula and comes with a mystery prize that your child can look forward to. You can get a tube for under $6 on Amazon.
Highlights
- Contains fluoride
- 98% natural ingredients
- Tasty flavors
- Fun characters
- No SLS or sulfates
- Nothing artificial
#9: Colgate for Kids Toothpaste
Remember the whole fun character thing? That’s exactly why so many kids like Colgate, on top of the fact that their toothpaste has a bubble gum fruit flavor and an easy to use cap. Because it contains fluoride, Colgate for Kids Toothpaste shouldn’t be used by children under 2 years old.
The brand’s latest release is with Minions, which your little one will enjoy seeing on the tube. You can find this pick at most stores for under $3.
Highlights
- Contains fluoride
- Clinically proven to fight cavities
- For kids 2 years+
- Fun characters
- Affordable
- Easy squeeze tube
#10: Kiss My Face Berry Smart Toothpaste
With a natural formula that’s free from SLS, artificial flavors, and parabens, Kiss My Face Gentle Toothpaste is a forerunner for those in search of a clean choice. The berry flavor is tasty and sweetened with xylitol to smooth gums. And speaking of soothing, aloe is the first ingredient in this toothpaste which is naturally calming as well.
Free from SLS and parabens, though this pick has a great consistency and easy to use tube, its natural color can be a little off putting—but since it’s devoid of artificial colors, that’s really a good thing. A tube goes for about $10.
Highlights
- Cruelty-free
- Contains aloe vera & tea tree oil
- Sweetened with xylitol
- SLS & paraben-free
- No artificial colors or flavors
What Is Kids Toothpaste?
Kids toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that’s designed specifically for children. Kids toothpaste is often fluoride-free and has a milder flavor than adult toothpaste does.
It’s also available in a variety of fun colors and flavors, which can help make teeth brushing more enjoyable for kids. In addition, it’s often packaged in smaller-sized tubes, which makes it easier for kids to dispense the right amount of toothpaste onto their toothbrush.
And while there are many different types of kids toothpaste brands on the market, parents should look for one that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This seal indicates that the product has been independently tested and proven to be safe and effective.
Parents should also consider the age of their child when choosing a kids toothpaste brand. For instance, younger children may need fluoride-free toothpaste, whereas older children might benefit from toothpaste with fluoride.
Basically, choosing the best kids toothpaste brand for your child can help promote good oral hygiene habits from an early age.
How Kids Toothpaste Works
Kids toothpaste is a fluoride toothpaste that helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. It’s important to use kids toothpaste from the time your child gets their first tooth and to continue using it until they’re at least six years old.
The fluoride in kids toothpaste helps to make their teeth more resistant to acid attacks, which can lead to cavities. Kids toothpaste also contains a mild abrasive, which helps to remove plaque and food particles from teeth. When used properly, this toothpaste can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
Do You Really Need Kids Toothpaste?
Kids toothpaste is designed to be gentle on delicate teeth and gums while still providing the necessary fluoride to protect against cavities. However, many parents wonder if kids toothpaste is really necessary, or if they can just use regular toothpaste instead.
While regular toothpaste is fine for adults, it’s important to use a kids toothpaste for young children. That’s because kids toothpaste is formulated with lower levels of fluoride, which helps to reduce the risk of fluorosis. In addition, kids toothpaste often has fun flavors and bright colors which helps make teeth brushing more enjoyable for kids.
For these reasons, it’s best to use a kids toothpaste when brushing your child’s teeth.
Why Kids Toothpaste May Not Be Good For You
Kids toothpaste is specially formulated to be gentle on delicate teeth and gums. However, some research suggests that kids toothpaste may not be as effective as adult toothpaste in preventing cavities.
One reason for this is because kids toothpaste often contains lower levels of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Kids toothpaste may also contain different proportions of ingredients compared to adult toothpaste. For example, it often has a higher ratio of glycerin to abrasives. This can make it less effective than adult toothpaste at removing plaque and food debris from teeth.
In addition, some kids toothpaste contains artificial sweeteners and other additives that may not be necessary for good oral health. For these reasons, it’s important to choose the best kids toothpaste for your child’s oral health needs. So, talk to your dentist to find out which toothpaste is right for your child.
How Long Will Kids Toothpaste Last?
As previously mentioned, kids toothpaste is often flavored, and it usually doesn’t contain as much fluoride as adult toothpaste does. As a result, kids can usually get away with using less toothpaste than adults. So, how long will a tube of kids toothpaste last?
It depends on a few factors, including the size of the tube and how often your child brushes their teeth. However, on average, a tube of kids toothpaste should last for about three months. Of course, if your child is brushing their teeth more than twice a day, you may need to buy a new tube sooner.
Benefits Of Kids Toothpaste
Ultimately, choosing the best toothpaste for your child will help them develop healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. And there are many different kids toothpaste brands on the market, so it’s best to choose one that’s tailored to your child’s needs.
For instance, some kids toothpaste brands are specifically designed for children who have sensitive teeth or gums. Whereas other kids toothpaste brands are available in fun flavors that children will love.
How To Shop For The Best Kids Toothpaste Brands
Using kids toothpaste is an important part of keeping your child’s teeth healthy and strong. However, with so many brands and types of kids toothpaste on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the best.
Here are a few tips to help you shop for the best kids toothpaste for your child:
- Look for kids toothpaste that contains fluoride: Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay and is essential for keeping teeth healthy.
- Avoid kids toothpaste with too much sugar: Too much sugar can lead to cavities and other dental problems. Instead, look for a kids toothpaste made with natural sweeteners like xylitol.
- Choose kids toothpaste that’s mild and gentle on teeth: Some kids toothpaste can be harsh and abrasive, which can damage delicate tooth enamel. Look for a toothpaste that’s designed specifically for children’s teeth.
FAQ
What happens if kids use too much toothpaste?
Kids using too much toothpaste can be a serious problem because when they ingest too much fluoride it can lead to a condition called fluorosis. This is a cosmetic condition that causes white spots on the teeth. It’s not painful or harmful but it is unsightly.
The good news is that fluorosis is preventable by using the right amount of toothpaste and by supervising kids when they brush their teeth.
When should children use normal toothpaste?
Kids develop at different rates, both physically and emotionally. When it comes to their oral care, it’s important to use products that are tailored to their individual needs. For example, most children will do fine with fluoride-free toothpaste until they’re around two years old.
After that, you can start using a fluoride-containing toothpaste if you wish. And as your child gets older, you may also want to consider using a kids toothpaste with ingredients that help to control plaque and tartar buildup.
How much toothpaste can a child swallow?
Kids love the taste of toothpaste, which can make brushing their teeth a challenge. But sometimes, they may accidentally swallow too much toothpaste. So, how much toothpaste can a child swallow?
There’s no need to worry if your child swallows a small amount of toothpaste while brushing their teeth. However, swallowing a large amount of toothpaste can be harmful.
Kids toothpaste is designed to be safe if swallowed in small amounts. However, it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea if swallowed in large amounts. So, if your child has swallowed a large quantity of toothpaste, call your doctor or poison control center immediately.
How long should children brush their teeth for?
Kids should brush their teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day. That’s the length of time it takes to remove the majority of the plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health problems. Keep in mind that kids need to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrushes.
Final Thoughts
Which toothpaste you choose may depend on the age of your child since fluoride toothpaste isn’t recommended for kids under 2 years old. Even after they reach that age, they should only use a pea-sized amount while supervised. If you’d prefer to steer clear of fluoride altogether, there are plenty of choices on this list of the best kids toothpaste brands.
At the end of the day, the goal is to get your kids to brush, and with a tasty flavor, fun character, or pretty-colored paste, these brands make it possible.
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