5 Best Kids Toothpaste Picks, As Told by Dentists

There's much to consider when looking for the best kids' toothpaste. The age and ability of your child can help determine how much supervision they'll need. And, for those with sensitivities, the type of toothpaste matters, too.

We researched and tried dentist-recommended fluoride, fluoride-free and mineral options for every age. Each is top-rated, delish and cute enough to show off next to the best hair detanglers on your bathroom vanity. Plus, we even found baby-appropriate toothpaste add to your to your newborn checklist.

What to look for in kids' toothpaste

Each child is unique, but there are some basics to know when searching for the best kids' toothpaste.

"Consider purchasing a toothpaste designed specifically for infants," says Dr. Jennifer Silver from Macloud Trail Dental. "These kinds of toothpaste typically contain a lower fluoride concentration than adult toothpaste. Fluoride prevents dental decay and strengthens tooth enamel. Choose a toothpaste with the ADA (American Dental Association) acceptance seal, as this signifies that the product meets safety and effectiveness standards."

For infants under two, Silver says to choose a fluoride-free toothpaste. Use a damp cloth to clean their gums and emerging teeth if you don't have a fluoride-free option on-hand. "Once the child can spit out the toothpaste (usually around age two), you can transition to a pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste," Silver says.

Whichever toothpaste you use, monitor your child until they have the skills to brush and spit effectively.

"Encourage your child to spit out excess toothpaste but refrain from rinsing with water after brushing, as this allows fluoride to remain on the teeth and provide continued protection," Silver adds.

Types of kids' toothpaste

• Flouride: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral added to rocks, soil, food, water—and even toothpaste. Toothpaste with fluoride helps protect teeth, prevents cavities and strengthens enamel.
• Non-fluoride: A toothpaste that is fluoride-free can still effectively clean teeth and remove buildup by the use of different ingredients, such as calcium phosphates, xylitol and essential oils. Other options include potassium nitrate formulas.
• Mineral: Typically, toothpaste contains calcium and phosphorus to prevent your teeth from becoming too soft.

"For older children and adults, any toothpaste containing fluoride is a great and effective option," says Taylor Mullaney, DMD. "But children should not use whitening toothpaste. Keep toothpaste with fluoride out of children's reach. Adults should monitor the amount used."

Best kids toothpaste 2024

• Best overall: Hello Natural Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
• Best fluoride: Colgate Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste
• Best non-fluoride: Cocofloss Cocoshine Lychee Breeze Toothpaste
• Best-rated: Act Kids Bubble Gum Fluoride Toothpaste
• Best flavor: Hello Kids Magical Mermaid Fluoride Toothpaste

Best overall

Hello Natural Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Training toddlers and kids to brush their teeth doesn't need to be a chore. With Hello Fresh Watermelon flavored toothpaste, morning and nighttime routines are easier than ever. Kids actually look forward to brushing thanks to the rich, candy-like flavor of this kids' toothpaste.

Formulated with xylitol, erythritol, soothing aloe vera, and a silica blend to polish teeth gently. The tasty flavor and vegan formula—without dyes, SLS, artificial sweeteners, flavors, microbeads, triclosan or gluten—brighten and remove plaque easily. And with nearly 22,000 ratings and a 4.7-star on Amazon, there's a reason we've rated it the overall winner as the best toothpaste for kids.

Pros

• Flouride-free
• In a world of mints, watermelon is an exciting new option for kids
• Free of artificial additives
• Removes plaque and brightens teeth
• Easy, mess-free application

Cons

• Deep watermelon flavor is a little overpowering for some customers, though most kids report it as "the best watermelon candy flavor ever."

Best fluoride

Colgate Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste

If you're looking for a tried-and-true formula, Colgate is it. The mild bubble fruit flavor is sugar-free and gluten-free. It is also enamel-safe. As the best fluoride toothpaste for kids on our list, this is better for older toddlers and growing kids.

Plus, the bright blue-ish hue and sparkles always excite.

Pros

• Trusted kids fluoride toothpaste formula
• Extremely affordable
• Cleans teeth and removes plaque buildup
• Mild bubble fruit flavor

Cons

• Some say the mint flavor is a bit strong for younger kids who report feeling it as "spicy" on their tongues

Best non-fluoride

Cocofloss Cocoshine Toothpaste

Fluoride-free doesn't mean you have to skim on enamel protection. This Cocofloss Cocoshine toothpaste is loaded with n-HA particles 25 times smaller than the size required to actively patch damaged spots on teeth, giving you plenty to smile about.

Available in two yummy flavors good for kids and adults like, it's a safe, eco-friendly alternative to many of the fluoridated options on the market, making it one of the best kids' toothpaste out there without a trace of sodium fluoride. Read our full Cocofloss review if you want to be truly impressed.

Pros

• Active ingredient, n-HA (hydroxyapatite), is approved by pediatric dentistry experts to repair and rebuild enamel and fight tooth sensitivity
• Fluoride-free formula ideal for kids through adulthood
• Smooth texture with a fruity taste
• This oral care won't harm your child if swallowed and is pediatric dentist-approved
• Helps prevent tooth decay on your child's teeth with antibacterial and antiviral coconut oil as well as xylitol (for a more natural toothpaste approach)
• No stannous fluoride

Cons

• A bit pricey, but worthwhile

Best-rated

Act Kids Bubble Gum Fluoride Toothpaste

Bubble gum flavor is a perennial favorite. Act's Bubble Gum Blowout is one of the best-tasting kids' toothpaste options on the market. Seriously, our edit staff has this one proudly sitting on bathroom vanities thanks to the refreshing flavor and fun pink color.

It makes teeth strong and bright while keeping cavities at bay. This fluoridated toothpaste for kids is ideal for busy families—the oversized 4.6-ounce tube seems to last forever. We love anything that makes oral health and hygiene a fun, easy task.

Pros

• Dentist recommended for even sensitive teeth
• Delicious bubble gum flavor kids love
• Anticavity
• Tried-and-true ingredients for healthy teeth
• Exciting bright pink hue

Cons

• Artificial flavors (though they taste pretty good)

Best flavor

Hello Kids Magical Mermaid Fluoride Toothpaste

Like most of Hello's toothpastes, Magical Mermaid entices even the pickiest brushers to finish the job. With its Orange Dreamsicle flavor, this fluoride formula contains no artificial additives and is an exciting new take on children's toothpaste.

It ranks as the best-tasting kid's toothpaste, so be sure to supervise younger children so they don't want to eat the whole tube.

Pros

• Delicious orange flavor
• Anticavity fluoride formula
• No artificial additives
• Vegan-friendly

Cons

• Clear gel formula is a bit difficult to see when the lights are low