The Complete Guide To The Best Toothpaste For Kids

You only want the best for your children. You watch what they eat, you make sure they get enough sleep, but how about their dental care?

Are you giving enough thought to how their teeth are being treated?

Cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States, according to the CDC. More than half of children ages 6 to 8 have had a cavity in a baby tooth.

The most important thing to look for is fluoride. Here’s how kids’ toothpaste differs from adult formulas, plus our product picks.

Differences Between Children Toothpaste & Adult Toothpaste

There are a bunch of differences you’ll want to note between the kids’ variety of toothpaste and formulas geared towards adults.

First, you’ll see that there are unique and kid-friendly flavors available for the younger crowd. This helps them to enjoy brushing so they will do it for the full recommended amount of two minutes.

There are more ingredients in most adult toothpaste. We tend to have more abrasive materials and whitening agents in our formulations. These could be damaging to your child’s tooth enamel.

The main safety step is using the right amount. Swallowing too much fluoride while teeth are forming can cause faint white spots or streaks (fluorosis).

The American Dental Association recommends a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth until age 3, then a pea-sized amount from ages 3 to 6. Supervise brushing so your child spits rather than swallows.

With all these factors in mind, it can be very important to make sure you have the best toothpaste for kids.

Top Toothpaste Picks For Kids

Tom’s Of Maine Natural Fluoride Free Children’s Toothpaste,​ Silly Strawberry

This formula geared toward children uses calcium and silica to gently clean the teeth.

The real fruit flavor will appeal to your children’s taste buds, so they’ll be happy to brush.

This formulation is fluoride-free, so it doesn’t protect against cavities the way fluoride toothpaste does. Use it only if your dentist recommends a fluoride-free paste.

The fact that it’s free of artificial dyes, sweeteners and flavors make it a top choice for those of you that enjoy a natural lifestyle.

The brand markets it as gluten-free and cruelty-free. Children who already have cavities need fluoride, so ask your dentist before choosing a fluoride-free paste.

Check The Best Price Here

Hello Oral Care Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste, Natural Watermelon

Here’s another fluoride-free option, with the same caveat: it won’t give fluoride’s cavity protection.

The all-natural, sodium lauryl sulfate free, watermelon flavored toothpaste gently polishes and brightens.

It contains xylitol and erythritol, and brushing with it removes plaque.

The soothing aloe promotes healthy gums while the silica blend polishes the teeth.

It also contains no artificial flavors, microbeads, triclosan, parabens or gluten.

As another bonus, it’s never tested on animals.

Check The Best Price Here

Aquafresh Kids Toothpaste, Bubblemint

Designed by the trusted name of Aquafresh, this cavity-fighting toothpaste comes in a fun, bubble mint flavor that kids will love.

It’s in a stand-up pump making it even easier for little hands. It can be purchased in bulk on Amazon so you are always stocked up.

Because it contains fluoride, it gives real cavity protection. For children under 3, use only a rice-grain smear; from ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount.

Check The Best Price Here

Xlear Spry Tooth Gel With Xylitol, Strawberry Banana Flavor

This formula contains xylitol, a sweetener that doesn’t feed cavity-causing bacteria.

It contains no fluoride, though, so it isn’t a substitute for fluoride toothpaste in a child who has or is at risk for cavities.

Xylitol is very toxic to dogs, so store it out of reach of pets.

Check The Best Price Here

The Natural Dentist Cavity Zapper Fluoride Gel Toothpaste

Perfect for the vegan lifestyle, this toothpaste has no sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh ingredients, artificial flavors or sweeteners.

It contains fluoride and is designed to protect against cavities and acid erosion. Use the age-appropriate amount.

The kids will love the taste and you’ll love how it freshens their breath naturally.

Check The Best Price Here

Tips For Healthy Children’s Teeth

Here are just a few quick tips to help your child have healthy teeth:

• Book a first dental visit by their first birthday.

• Start brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.

• Never let your child nap with a bottle.

• Limit juice; pediatric guidance is no more than 4 ounces a day for toddlers ages 1 to 3, and none before age 1.

• Ask your dentist about weaning from the pacifier or thumb-sucking.

• Avoid sugary drinks, medicines, and foods.

Conclusion

The simple habits you establish now can create healthy teeth for your kiddos for many years to come. Make sure they brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once teeth touch.

For most kids, the best toothpaste is a fluoride toothpaste in a flavor they like, used in the right amount.

A little of your time and attention now could mean healthy teeth and gums throughout adulthood.

Sources

• Toothpastes, American Dental Association
• Oral Health Tips for Children, CDC