The Best Baby Toothpaste to Shine Up Those Sweet Smiles
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The first tooth is a major milestone. When that first pearly white cuts through, it’s usually a big relief to both parents and babies who’ve been enduring the pains of teething!
But baby’s first teeth also bring an added responsibility to focus on proper dental care, even at a young age. It’s a good idea to get your child used to the process of brushing teeth and to using a toothbrush and toothpaste, so it becomes part of your routine and one less battle during the toddler years.
“Before your baby’s first tooth erupts, you should be practicing proper oral care.”
According to American Dental Association (ADA), parents or caregivers should begin cleaning their baby’s mouth within a few days of birth by using a clean damp washcloth or moistened gauze pad.
But once your baby’s teeth begin to appear, you should begin using a toothpaste with fluoride in it, says the ADA. Your baby should also have their first dental visit after their first tooth erupts, or at least by the time they turn 1.
The short answer is yes. As soon as teeth appear, there’s always a risk of cavities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), along with the ADA, recommends that parents begin using a toothpaste with fluoride as soon as the first tooth appears.
According to the AAP, one of the most chronic childhood conditions in the United States is dental caries.
The risk of cavities can be reduced by using toothpaste with fluoride. Remember to use a small amount of toothpaste until you are 3 years old, and then a small amount from 3 to 6 years old.
Baby toothpaste is slightly different from the traditional toothpaste that most children and adults use. Babies and toddlers don’t always know how to spit, and traditional kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients that aren’t intended for consumption.
Baby toothpastes are designed to be safe. Some experts still recommend that parents avoid toothpaste with fluoride for infants and toddlers, but you should keep in mind that there are conflicting information.
There are some ingredients that you will want to avoid.
- The sulfate of lauryl is called sodium lauryl sulfate.
- essential oils are used.
- The ingredients are harsh.
SLS is a detergent that
Whitening toothpaste geared toward adults should not include abrasive ingredients. The ingredients can damage the teeth.
What should you prioritize when shopping for baby toothpaste? It depends on whether you want to follow ADA or the other recommendations. If you do, then you will want to use toothpaste with fluoride.
Many baby toothpastes are free of the flu vaccine. If you are concerned about that, you should speak with your dentist or doctor about whether or not you need to add fluoride. Consider the following factors outside of fluoride.
Safe to swallow
“Babies haven’t learned how to spit. You need a safe toothpaste. This feature is a priority in most baby toothpastes.”
Flavor
Mint flavoring is not common in baby toothpaste. Babies like milder flavors and may find stronger flavors too intense. Baby toothpaste is usually designed to taste like fruits.
“Picking baby toothpaste doesn’t have to be hard, but it may take a bit of trial and error depending on The flavor.and whether your baby likes it or not.”
We focused on creating a short list.
- Is a brand containing fluoride?
- The flavor.
- reviews from real parents
The ADA acceptance program makes it easier to find toothpastes. We focused on the brands that did not use fluoride in their products, for those concerned about the effect of the mineral on the body.
A note on price
The toothpastes are sold in different sizes. Some come in multi-packs, while others are sold with toothbrush. The price per tube is between $3 and $9 at the time of publication.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $5
- $$ = $5–$10
- $$$ = over $10
Orajel Fluoride-Free Training Toothpaste
- Price: $
- Age range: 0 to 3
- Flavor: natural berry fruity
- Key ingredients: water, sorbitol, propylene glycol, glycerin, cellulose gum, poloxamer 407, flavor, simethicone, methylparaben, potassium sorbet, sodium saccharin, propylparaben, citric acid
The toothpaste is designed for small tots. It is intended for children as young as 4 months up to 2 years old. It is free from alcohol, SLS, parabens, and other harmful substances. It is safe to swallow, as parents say their little ones like the berry flavor.
Pros
- can be used from infancy
- If swallowed, fluoride-free and safe.
- can be used as a training toothpaste
Cons
- berry flavor may not be a hit with all kids
Dr. Brown’s Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush Set
- Price: $$
- Age range: 0 to 3 years
- Flavor: strawberry
- Key ingredients: glycerin, water, xylitol, propane diol, sorbitol, pectin, anthem gum, silica, sorbic acid, aroma (flavor), calcium lactate
The giraffe-shaped toothbrush is a great size for removing plaque from little mouths. This toothpaste is made for children 3 years old and is free of fluoride.
“Dr. Brown’s toothpaste is free from artificial flavors, colors, andPreservatives and is made with a strawberry flavor.”
Pros
- The strawberry flavor is real.
- There are fewer ingredients.
- Comes with a toothbrush.
Cons
- Some parents think the bristles were too hard.
Radius Coconut Banana Organic Toothpaste
- Price: $$$
- Age range: 6 months and up
- Flavor: coconut banana
- Key ingredients: glycerin, aloe vera leaf juice, coconut fruit powder, erythritol, water, chamomile flower extract, organic flavors, coconut oil, calcium carbonate, guar gum, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, quillaja saponaria wood extract, citric acid, tapioca maltodextrin, grapefruit peel oil, eucalyptus leaf/stem oil, tea tree leaf oil, rosemary leaf oil, anthem gum
If your little one loves the taste of bananas, this pick from Radius is a great choice. The coconut banana-flavored toothpaste is U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic, and the company is Leaping Bunny certified for their commitment to avoid use of animal testing for their products.
There are no synthetic foaming agents, chemicals, or GMO-based ingredients. It does have essential oils are used., including eucalyptus oil, tea tree leaf oil, and rosemary leaf oil.
The toothpaste is safe to swallow. This toothpaste is not an ADA accepted product.
Pros
- There are certified organic ingredients.
- Babies as young as 6 months are safe.
- It is free from synthetic foaming agents.
Cons
- It was expensive for a single tube.
Hello Watermelon Fluoride Free Toothpaste
- Price: $
- Age range: 2 years and up
- Flavor: watermelon
- Key ingredients: sorbitol, hydrated silica, purified water, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera gel, xylitol, erythritol, natural flavor, xanthin gum, lauryl glucoside, calcium glycerophosphate, titanium dioxide, potassium sorbate, and stevia rebaudiana leaf extract
The watermelon toothpaste may be crowd-pleaser because babies prefer sweet flavors. This solution is free from harsh ingredients like SLS, parabens, and even artificial sweeteners. Hello has other kids toothpastes that do contain fluoride, but this one is not accepted by the ADA.
If you’re concerned about ethical production, you’ll appreciate that Hello is a Leaping Bunny certified brand. Also, note that this toothpaste is vegan-friendly and the packaging is BPA-free.
Pros
- Leaping Bunny is certified ethical production.
- Training toothpaste for tots as young as 2 years old is safe.
- It is naturally flavored.
Cons
- Some kids may not like the taste.
Colgate My First Toothbrush and Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Set
- Price: $
- Age range: 0 to 2 years
- Flavor: mild fruit
- Key ingredients: propylene glycol, glycerin, hydrated silica, sorbitol, water, poloxamer 407, cellulose gum, sodium saccharin, citric acid, flavor
When you are just starting to build a good dental care routine with your child, toothbrush sets are a great option. The set from Colgate comes with a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush with a smaller brush head.
“The brush has soft bristles that will reach all the nooks and crevices in your baby’s mouth. The baby and toddler toothpaste is safe to swallow if you eat it. The toothpaste is free from SLS, Preservatives and Artificial flavors.”
Pros
- A toothbrush and dental kit.
- Training toothpaste can be used by infants and toddlers.
- It has a mild fruit flavor.
Cons
- Some children may not be able to use the toothbrush with its bristles.
Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste
- Price: $$$
- Age range: 2 years and up
- Flavor: raspberry and banana
- Key ingredients: xylitol, purified water, glycerin, silica, organic banana/raspberry flavor, xanthan gum, organic calendula officinalis extract, potassium sorbate, citric acid
The two-pack of organic toothpaste is a great way to keep up with oral care supplies. This toothpaste is vegan-friendly, SLS-free, and certified as a cruelty-free as well. This is another option that does not contain fluoride.
The safe-to-swallow toothpaste comes in two different flavors: banana and raspberry. This pick has xylitol and calendula, which the brand claims have been added to help reduce the risk of cavities while also soothing gums and fighting tooth decay.
Pros
- The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has certified that it is cruelty-free.
- Two-pack is economical.
- “It’s good for training if you swallow it.”
Cons
- The 6-month period is short.
Tom’s of Maine Flouride-Free Toddler Training Toothpaste
- Price: $$$
- Age range: 3 months to 2 years
- Flavor: mild fruit
- Key ingredients: glycerin propane diol, hydrated silica, water, xylitol, benzyl alcohol, carrageenan, natural flavor, citric acid
“If you have a baby that doesn’t like toothpaste with a paste-like texture, Tom’s of Maine softer gel formula might be a good alternative.”
This toothpaste is safe to swallow. The fruit flavor is free from artificial colors, flavors, and fragrances. Babies are 3 months to 2 years old.
Pros
- economical three-pack
- This is good for training if swallowed.
- This is easy to use.
Cons
- Some parents may be concerned about the smaller tube size.
Crest & Oral-B Baby Toothbrush and Toothpaste Training Kit
- Price: $$$
- Age range: 0 to 3 years
- Flavor: mild strawberry
- Key ingredients: not disclosed
A complete oral care kit with a strawberry toothpaste flavor will make it easy to find the right toothbrush for your child.
You will get two tubes of toothpaste and four Winnie the Pooh-themed toothbrushes. This toothpaste is free from SLS, artificial flavors, dyes, and sweeteners.
Pros
- The dental kit has two tubes of toothpaste and four Winnie the Pooh-themed toothbrushes.
- This is good for training if swallowed.
- SLS and artificial sweeteners are not allowed.
Cons
- “The product page doesn’t reveal ingredients.”
| Baby toothpastes | Price | Age range | Flavor | Key ingredients | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orajel Fluoride-Free Training Toothpaste | $ | 0–3 years | natural berry fruity | xylitol | affordable, training toothpaste | tube isn’t branded with Elmo |
| Dr. Brown’s Infant-To-Toddler Toothbrush Set | $$ | 0–3 years | strawberry | xylitol | dental kit with included toothbrush, training toothpaste | some parents note that bristles are a bit too hard |
| Radius Coconut Banana Organic Toothpaste | $$ | 6 months + | coconut banana | aloe vera leaf juice, coconut fruit powder, erythritol, chamomile flower extract, coconut oil, grapefruit peel oil, eucalyptus leaf/stem oil, tea tree leaf oil, rosemary leaf oil, quillaja saponaria wood extract | contains USDA organic certified ingredients | It was expensive for a single tube. |
| Hello Watermelon Fluoride-Free Toothpaste | $ | 2 years+ | watermelon | vegetable glycerin, aloe vera gel, xylitol, erythritol, titanium dioxide, stevia rebaudiana leaf extract | large, economical tube size | contains 3 sweeteners |
| Colgate My First Toothbrush and Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Set | $ | 0–2 years | mild fruit | sodium saccharin, glycerin | complete dental kit with toothbrush | some parents note that bristles are hard |
| Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste | $$$ | 2 years+ | raspberry and banana | organic banana flavor, organic raspberry flavor | 2-pack made with organic ingredients, vegan, certified cruelty-free | expensive for a 2-pack |
| Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Toddler Training Toothpaste | $$$ | 3 months–2 years | mild fruit | xylitol, carrageenan | 3-pack makes this an economical pick, cruelty-free | some parents have concerns over carrageenan |
| Crest & Oral-B Baby Toothbrush and Toothpaste Training Kit | $$$ | 0–3 years | mild strawberry | brand doesn’t disclose key ingredients on product page | dental training kit with toothbrush | some parents note that bristles are hard |
Picking the right toothpaste for your child can be difficult. You can reach for most training toothpastes in the early stages. You may want to keep in mind the following factors.
Age range
“The recommended age range for baby toothpastes is between the ages of 0 and 2. You don’t need toothpaste until your baby has their first tooth, and you can just wipe their gums with a moistened washcloth.”
It is time to introduce your baby to brushing their teeth once they have teeth. Most brands give a suggested age on the toothpaste tube, so you should be aware of that.
Safe to swallow
“Babies aren’t developed enough to spit out toothpaste in the beginning You want a toothpaste that is safe to swallow. This is the most likely option in most cases.”
This is because while the ADA recommends fluoride for everyone, ingesting too much fluoride can cause upset stomach and even lead to fluorosis — a condition that’s not dangerous but can leave white spots on your child’s teeth.
Cost to value
Baby toothpaste can be very expensive, as you have seen from our recommendations. If you are buying single tubes versus multi-packs, you will need to decide if a toothpaste is cost-effective.
Kits vs. tubes
Similar to cost to value, think about whether you want to buy a dental kit or a single or multipack set of toothpaste. Kits can be great because they contain both the toothpaste and a child-safe toothbrush. But dental kits are usually more expensive. The ADA recommends changing toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months.
How can I get my kid to like brushing their teeth?
It can be difficult to encourage a love for brushing teeth. Experts recommend that you start them early.
Before your baby has their first tooth, wipe their little gums after every feeding. As those white teeth appear, introduce tooth brushing as well.
As they get older, they should be watching as they brush their own teeth. The recommended time for a full mouth of teeth is 2 minutes, so make it a game and make sure they spend enough time doing so.
Is adult toothpaste safe for children?
“There is always a concern that your baby will swallow adult toothpaste, so you should use it to brush your child’s teeth. Adult toothpaste usually contains fluoride. If you swallow fluoride, it can cause upset stomach and fluorosis.”
“Since the ADA recommends that all people use a fluoride toothpaste, you can use your regular toothpaste in very small amounts to brush your child’s teeth.”
“Most babies and toddlers don’t like the strong mint flavors in adult toothpaste. It is possible to introduce and encourage a love of brushing their teeth with a baby-friendly toothpaste with a mild flavor.”
When can my kid use adult toothpaste?
“Once your child has learned not to swallow toothpaste, you can transition them to adult toothpaste that is less scurvy. It takes longer to wean a child off of the sweeter kid’s toothpaste with bubble gum or fruit flavors, and toward more traditional mint-flavored adult options.”
“It is important to care for your baby’s oral health since you are instilling behaviors that can serve as the basis for healthy habits.”
Even though your baby will lose their first teeth and get permanent teeth, you want to make sure they learn to care for their teeth and avoid dental health concerns.
Are you concerned about your child swallowing toothpaste?
The National Capital Poison Center has recommendations for fluoride-containing toothpastes and notes that these primarily cause stomach upset if swallowed in large amounts.
You can use the online tool to ask questions, and the phone number is 1-800-222-1222.
