8 Best Kids Toothpaste Options 2023

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 and stage. 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 and individual considerations may apply, 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 or a damp cloth to clean their gums and emerging teeth. "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.

"Then 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. The benefit of using toothpaste with fluoride is that it 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. Some parents and doctors have concerns over the use of fluoride, making these non-fluoridated products more attractive.
• Mineral: Mineral toothpaste contains calcium and phosphorus to help prevent your teeth from becoming too soft for harmful bacteria to cling to.

"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. Likewise, toothpaste with fluoride should not be within reach of children and should be controlled by a parent or guardian to monitor the amount used."

Best kids toothpaste 2023

• Best overall: Hello Natural Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
• Best fluoride: Colgate Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste
• Best non-fluoride: Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Toddler Training Toothpaste
• Best mineral: RiseWell Kids Mineral Toothpaste
• Best-rated: Act Kids Bubble Gum Fluoride Toothpaste
• Best flavor: Hello Kids Magical Mermaid Fluoride Toothpaste
• Best for toddlers: Colgate Baby Training Toothpaste.
• Most exciting: Hello Unicorn Sparkle Kids Fluoride Toothpaste

Best overall

Hello Natural Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Training toddlers and kids to brush their teeth doesn't have 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. You can trust they'll love it.

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's also enamel-safe. As the best fluoride toothpaste for kids on our list, this is better for older toddlers and growing big kids. Plus, the bright blue-ish hue and sparkles always excite.

Pros

• Trusted 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

Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Toddler Training Toothpaste

For the non-fluoride market, Tom's is specially formulated for kids three to 24 months, so it's safe if swallowed. With no artificial preservatives or flavors, this fruit-flavored clear gel will make them want to brush their teeth! The no-mess top adds for easy cleanup.

It's recommended by pediatric dentistry experts far and wide. We love that it focuses on the entire brushing experience, making it fun, engaging and toddler-friendly. Did we mention the tube is fully recyclable? It is! No wonder it's one of the best kids' toothpaste out there without a trace of sodium fluoride.

Pros

• Fluoride-free formula ideal for kids up to about 24-months old
• Transparent gel with a fruity taste
• Fully recyclable tube
• Won't harm your child if swallowed thanks to a more natural toothpaste formula

Cons

• Some reviewers say the fruit flavors taste a bit artificial (though most kids seem to love this toothpaste)

Best mineral

RiseWell Mineral Kids toothpaste

RiseWell utilizes hydroxyapatite, one of the key active ingredients in this toothpaste that naturally makes up 97% of enamel. It's been scientifically proven to strengthen and protect teeth. Plus, it comes in yummy flavors like cake batter, making brush time the best time of day.

It's pediatric dentist-approved for smart oral care and to prevent tooth decay. The brand also makes plenty of adult-friendly options to get the whole family on board with this stannous fluoride-free option.

Pros

• Ingredients are certified by the EWG (Environmental Working Group)
• Developed by and recommended by dentists
• Unflavored and cake batter flavors are available
• Draws on Japanese toothpaste traditions

Cons

• Packaging may be different than shown, though most kids don't seem to care—they're in it for the cake flavor

Best-rated

Act Kids Bubble Gum Fluoride Toothpaste

Who doesn't love bubble gum? Act's Bubble Gum Blowout is one of the best-tasting kids' toothpaste options on the market. Seriously, our own 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 big and 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
• Delicious bubble gum flavor kids love
• Anticavity
• Tried-and-true ingredients for healthy teeth
• Exciting bright pink hue

Cons

• Some note an underlying mint flavor, so beware if your child isn't a fan

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 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. We also love the attention to detail. The top of the package looks like a real mermaid tail, a finer point that was instantly noticed by our very junior editors (well, our kids) and staff testers.

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, so it needs to be applied carefully in dim lighting and late at night

Best for toddlers

Colgate Baby Training Toothpaste

Colgate has the perfect set for the littlest teeth (or incoming teeth). Complete with a small tube and a matching brush, this is the best toothpaste for kids under two years old and is safe if swallowed. The bubble fruit flavor encourages regular brushing, the brush's bristles are extra soft, and it even has a non-slip grid to help them as they learn to brush themselves.

Pros

• Non-slip handle
• Brush features soft bristles for your child's teeth
• Bubble fruit flavor
• Safe if swallowed

Cons

• As with everything, taste is subjective. Some noted the bubble fruit flavor is hit or miss.

Best luxury

Hello Unicorn Sparkle Kids Fluoride Toothpaste

hello wins as the best fluoride toothpaste for kids that feels luxurious. The unicorn sparkle bubble gum flavor is formulated with xylitol and stevia and is proven to prevent cavities and help remineralize enamel.

Hello Unicorn Sparkle is made without artificial flavors or dyes, it's vegan and it's pretty to look at. Our own mini-testers gave this one a full five-star rating and demanded more—even for their sensitive teeth. Really.

Pros

• Sparkling gel formula (like a unicorn!)
• Yummy bubblegum flavor
• No artificial ingredients
• Vegan and ADA certified
• Safe for tooth sensitivity issues

Cons

• Somewhat smaller size than budget brands, but travel-friendly and worth every penny