Depending on your child's personality, brushing their teeth can either be a total breeze or a chore both of you dread. Using the right toothpaste can make a big difference: If your little one loves the way their toothpaste tastes or thinks it's really fun to look at, they may actually start looking forward to this daily task. To find the best toothpaste for toddlers, we had real parents on our staff test out 17 different popular toothpastes with their kids (all under the age of 10). We ended up finding 10 options that taste great, effectively clean teeth, and get kids excited to brush their teeth.
When shopping for toothpaste for your child, your main focus should be finding something that cleans teeth and helps prevent cavities. That's why we only tested toothpaste that is made with fluoride, an ingredient deemed safe for use for babies and children by the American Dental Association (ADA) that can be extremely beneficial to teeth. You also want to look for a flavor your kid will love, like something fruity and sweet (because most young children tend to hate mint), that still freshens the breath. Our testing process, which occurred in the testers' homes for about three weeks, focused on finding toothpaste that both kids and parents loved, whether they wanted clever packaging or just something they could call yummy.
When it comes to cavity prevention, toothpaste that contains fluoride is what parents should be looking for. While there can be some confusion as to whether or not fluoride is safe, especially for young children, it's important to note that the ADA does recommend that all children use toothpaste with fluoride. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in almost all forms of water. When applied to teeth, fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents cavities that can form after eating sugar and other refined carbohydrates.
"When used in the right quantities for your children, fluoride is still one of the best and most efficient ways to protect against dental cavities," says Liel Grinbaum, DMD, pediatric dentist and owner of Smiles + Grins in New York City. That said, parents should be monitoring the use of fluoride toothpaste in young children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should use a "tiny smear" of fluoride toothpaste to brush their baby's teeth twice daily as soon as they come through. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, the amount should be increased to a "pea-size dollop." Parents should assist their children in brushing their teeth up until at least 6 years old, partly to ensure their children are spitting out the toothpaste and not swallowing it.
If you still want to avoid fluoride toothpastes, many of the options we list below come in fluoride-free versions as well.
Of the three different kinds of toothpaste one of our testing families tried, they found this Burstkids option to be their absolute favorite and convinced us to make it our best overall pick. That's thanks to its great flavor and effectiveness in keeping teeth clean. While this comes in three flavor options, the Marshmallow Sparkle is what we tested and it was a standout hit: "This is by far the best tasting toothpaste my children have ever used," our tester raved, noting that the marshmallow flavor was unique and made it really easy to get her kids to actually want to brush their teeth.
We didn't find it to cause any kind of sensitivity and felt that it created a smooth lather that was very easy to rinse. It left the breath smelling fresh and a little sweet as opposed to minty. Our tester noted that there was no residue left behind and that even when it dropped on the carpet, it didn't leave a stain. We appreciated the easy-to-use flip-top so we didn't have to stress over losing a tiny cap, and we also like that it is free of potentially irritating ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and artificial flavors or sweeteners. Glycerin keeps the toothpaste from drying out, while sorbitol helps keep it smooth and sweet without any sugar.
One thing to note is that this toothpaste seems a little difficult to find. As of this writing, your best bet is to buy it straight from the brand -- which also offers a subscription model if you find a flavor your kid loves. A small note from our tester is that they wish the tube were thinner and could fit in a standard size toothpaste squeezer to get all of the product out.
The Details:
Of all the toothpastes we tested, this Burt's Bees option in Strawberry Splash had our favorite flavor. It has a strong, strawberry-like fruity taste that is sweet, delicious, and especially ideal for kids who love fruit. Our tester noted that her 2-year-old can't get enough of the taste, saying, "He actually gets excited and asks to brush his teeth most mornings."
During testing, we found this toothpaste to effectively clean food particles and plaque off of teeth, with no noted discomfort. It has a creamy lather (the 2-year-old and 4-year-old testing this loved to look at it on their teeth) and leaves a refreshing and clean taste without an overwhelming minty feel. Our testing kids' breath smelled good when they were done. We appreciate that it is made without potentially irritating ingredients (no SLS here), there are no artificial dyes, and the tube is 100% recyclable.
Our tester didn't have any complaints about this toothpaste, but if your kids aren't big fruit fans, they might not enjoy this flavor.
The Details:
Some children's toothpaste uses artificial dyes to create fun colors to appeal to little ones. For parents who are searching for a dye-free alternative, Tom's of Maine Children's Toothpaste is a great choice. It's made without artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, so all of the flavors are fruity and more natural.
We didn't find this toothpaste to cause any sensitivities or discomfort, and it has a smooth and creamy lather that foams up a little bit. It has a sweet, fruity flavor that our tester's 5-year-old son absolutely loves. "He's so attached to it, he'll throw a fit if we buy something else," she says. It gets the job done when cleaning his teeth and is easy to swish around the mouth and spit out. It doesn't have a minty flavor or leave behind a minty feel, which some kids may prefer since it's a less intense flavor.
Our tester felt that the color of this toothpaste is the most unappealing thing about it, noting that it has a grayish hue to it that they don't love. This is likely because of the fact that it doesn't use artificial dyes. It's also worth noting that this one is made with SLS, which is a potentially irritating ingredient that our expert has noted may contribute to the development of canker sores.
The Details:
Fruity flavors are popular for a kid's toothpaste, but if you're looking for the fresh feel and scent of mint, this Aquafresh is our top pick. It really feels like it cleans the teeth rather than just gliding over them, and there were no issues or discomfort during testing. We especially love the flavor and minty feel of this one, which made our tester's child's breath smell great. "His breath smelled much better than it did with his old toothpaste, to the point where he commented that he liked his new 'fresh taste feeling' before bed," our testing parent remarked.
We also really like the pump, which our tester's child loved using. It helped encourage him to get the toothpaste on his toothbrush by himself. The toothpaste foams a lot and is easy to rinse out, and while it does have a slightly gritty feel, it was nothing that seemed to be uncomfortable.
While slightly sweet, this has a strong minty flavor as advertised. Our tester noted that it is more like adult toothpaste than other flavors and brands. If you think that will be too intense for your child, this might not be the right fit. We also found that while the pump feature was great, it did get very messy with a lot of residue after use. Lastly, it does contain SLS, which may be irritating to some.
The Details:
The right toothpaste dispenser can really make a difference when it comes to encouraging independence in brushing teeth. This Firefly Kids toothpaste has a simple pump you push down on to dispense and can stand upright. We found it to be a much neater application than squeeze tubes and also felt it may be easier for a lot of young children to use. And if your kids love L.O.L. dolls, then they'll love the packaging. (This is also available in a bubblegum flavor with a Baby Shark design.)
Aside from the dispenser, we found this toothpaste to be effective at cleaning teeth with no issues with sensitivity or discomfort. It has a pleasant texture and doesn't stain if it gets on clothes. While our adult tester found the strawberry flavor to be way too sweet, both of her kids under 10 loved the taste. Lastly, we appreciate that this toothpaste is made without artificial dyes, flavors, sweeteners, sulfates, or parabens.
Using the dispenser can have a little bit of a learning curve for your child. We also found that this might be too sweet for some.
The Details:
Fans of Paw Patrol will go wild over this Orajel toothpaste, which features some of their favorite characters right on the toothpaste tube. These simple graphics are enough to make many toddlers excited about brushing their teeth, which is exactly what happened with our tester and her 3-year-old. There are a variety of other flavors available as well and each one features a different character, like Karma's World, Elmo, Cocomelon, and dinosaurs.
This toothpaste is also a breeze to use. It didn't cause any discomfort, the flavor is pleasantly sweet and fruity, and our tester felt that it gave a deeper clean than the toothpaste they had previously been using. It also gave their kids fresher breath than some other fruity toothpastes. We also like that this toothpaste is thick and smooth rather than too watery. Thicker toothpaste can mean less spilling and dripping out of the mouth for little ones. As a bonus, this is free of artificial dyes, colors, sweeteners, sugars, parabens, silicones, and SLS.
We wish the tube were a bit larger. You might find you need to buy it more frequently than other options.
The Details:
A toothpaste subscription service like Quip can be a huge convenience. The brand allows you to set up a subscription that automatically sends you new toothpaste every three months. (You can also add refills for the Quip toothbrush head, floss, and mouthwash.) As long as you use the recommended amount each day (a smear to pea-size), you won't need to think about adding toothpaste to your grocery list.
Aside from the ease of automatic deliveries, Quip does have pretty great toothpaste. It's not toddler- or kid-specific, but they do offer a watermelon flavor that kids might be into. Our tester tried this with both of her kids, and her 7-year-old son really loved the fruity watermelon flavor. She felt that it cleaned his teeth well and left him with a cool, minty scent that made his breath fresher than before. It's smooth and creamy, doesn't cause any sensitivities, and is easy to use.
Since this toothpaste was not made only for kids, it doesn't feel super kid-friendly. There is no fun design or colors, and the very minimal and basic look feels sterile and not exciting for little ones. It also has a stronger flavor and scent than kids toothpaste. While our tester's 7-year-old happened to like the watermelon scent, her 4-year-old hated it, pronouncing it as "yucky" the first (and only) time she used it.
The Details:
The Vanilla Bling flavor of Tanner's Tasty Paste tastes almost exactly like vanilla ice cream in a way that our testing mom described as "uncanny." She used this with her 19-month-old and found that her toddler absolutely loved it, saying that she really seemed to love brushing her teeth and tongue with this toothpaste. Even just a very small amount felt like enough to effectively clean her teeth and remove any food particles.
While this didn't leave her breath smelling minty, it did seem to improve her breath in the mornings. It's smooth and not gritty at all, and is very pasty, which can make brushing a little one's teeth less messy. There is no foam, and it rinses clean very easily. We like that it doesn't have any artificial colors or flavors, SLS, sugars, or gluten. The tube is also cute, with a graphic of an ice cream cone.
Our tester noted that the artificial taste of the xylitol as a sweetener can be a little off-putting for anyone who is sensitive to it.
The Details:
A bright rainbow tube, cute graphics, and the promise of a sparkly paste make this Hello Kids toothpaste stand out as an especially kid-friendly option. We tested it in both Unicorn Sparkle (a bubble gum flavor) and Magical Mermaid (orange dreamsicle flavor) and found that kids were excited about the look and taste of both. The Unicorn Sparkle toothpaste seemed to clean teeth effectively, with a very smooth and creamy texture that made brushing a breeze and rinsing out even easier. The taste is sweet but mild, and the 4-year-old testing it said, "This is yummy!" after trying it.
The Magical Mermaid toothpaste was just as interesting for kids to look at, with a scale design meant to mimic a mermaid's tail amid bright colors. It has a mild orange flavor that doesn't feel too citrusy and the 4-year-old trying it proclaimed that it "tastes really yummy like magic." It's also vegan and free of SLS, dyes, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners.
This toothpaste has a mild taste that kids seem to really enjoy, but both of our testing parents noted that it didn't really leave behind that fresh, clean scent you're used to experiencing from brushing your teeth. "His breath didn't smell bad anymore, but it also didn't smell super clean," our tester said, and the other noted much of the same. (Our young Mermaid tester was also initially afraid the toothpaste would taste like mermaids, though he eventually got over that.)
The Details:
If you're looking for a toothpaste that leaves your child's breath smelling fresh and minty, this Colgate option is it. We found that the Bubble Fruit flavor did have a fruity taste to it, but the after-effect was quite cooling. It will leave their breath feeling and smelling great, without the sting many kids complain of with mint toothpaste. It's a gel that is very smooth and not at all gritty, and we found that it lathered well and was extremely easy to rinse out of the mouth.
This is also a sugar- and gluten-free option. And, as a bonus, the tube features images from Bluey, which is definitely something that will grab the attention of a toddler who loves the show. The color of the toothpaste is also green instead of white, which could be an advantage for kids who are drawn to that.
This toothpaste definitely has more of a cooling effect, and while this is good for fresh breath, it's not as great for kids who don't like that more intense sensation or taste. Our tester's 3-year-old son did not like the flavor at all and also hated the green color. This one also includes SLS.
The Details:
We tested 17 different kinds of toothpaste safe for kids to find the best options out there. As per the guidelines of the ADA, the FDA, and the expert dentists we spoke to, we only tested toothpastes that include fluoride. We tested the toothpaste on kids who were 2-years-old and over and were able to spit out the toothpaste under parental supervision. Testing was done at home over about a three-week period of time. Below are the attributes we paid close attention to during the testing process.
To learn more about toothpaste for toddlers, like what makes the best toothpaste and what parents should look for when purchasing it, we consulted the following dentists:
One important thing to look for when buying a toothpaste for your toddler is the ADA Seal of Acceptance. While all oral care products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the ADA Seal of Acceptance often goes beyond FDA requirements. When a toothpaste brand has this stamp, it means the product contains the right amount of fluoride to protect tooth enamel and has been rigorously tested to meet safety and efficacy requirements developed by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Keep the below in mind as well:
Getting a routine down is key. "It is important to get kids in the habit of brushing and taking care of their teeth," Dr. Kessler says. "The most important factor is to brush a toddler's teeth every single day, twice a day." The ADA echoes this sentiment, advising that you spend two minutes brushing their teeth twice a day: at morning and at night before bed. From their first tooth to age 3, parents should use a "smear" of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. For children ages 3 to 5, use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Parents should assist their child in brushing if the child can't and should monitor a child brushing their teeth to make sure they are spitting the toothpaste out instead of swallowing it up until 6 years of age. "Parents should encourage spitting from an early age to minimize swallowing," Dr. Kessler says.
You also want to focus on making teeth brushing a low-stress, maybe even fun activity, Dr. Kessler says. While it's important to monitor your children and brush their teeth for them if they aren't doing it effectively, you should also work on promoting some independence. "Toddlers tend to do very well when you tell-show-do," Dr. Grinbaum says. "Tell them how to brush, show them how to brush, and let them do it. Sometimes, laying them back on a chair or floor will make them more comfortable and easier for the parents." If your child is very resistant, he recommends having the adult play songs to keep the attention off the toothbrush. Dr. Kessler recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect their growing teeth.
Parents should stick to buying toothpaste made specifically for toddlers or kids. Toothpaste for adults may be made with too much fluoride, and parents might also find that kids don't like the stronger taste. "It is important to use a very small amount of toddler toothpaste," Dr. Kessler says.
According to Dr. Grinbaum, fully natural toothpastes that do not have fluoride are not as effective in preventing cavities as toothpastes made with fluoride.
As long as you are using the recommended amount of toothpaste for their age, it is safe if your toddler swallows a few drops, says Dr. Grinbaum. "If your toddler swallowed a large quantity or an unknown quantity, make them water or milk immediately and contact poison control," he advises.
Jessica Booth is a writer for Parents who covers parenting, shopping, and wellness content. She has been writing since 2017 and before that, worked as an editor for seven years. She also has two young daughters and has been helping them brush their teeth for years now, so she has tried her fair share of toddler toothpaste.