The oral health of toddlers is as important as their physical health because their oral health affects their quality of life.[1] In fact, 4 out of 10 children who experiences teeth cavities are males and 6 out of 10 are females.[2] Additionally, there are many causes and consequences why there are dental or oral problems and using toothpaste as part of oral hygiene can help solve these problems.
Ingredients to Avoid When Buying Toothpastes for Toddlers
Whatever toothpaste you choose for your little ones, make sure that they are safe to use and here below are some of the ingredients in a toothpaste product which you might want to avoid:
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Also known as sodium laurethsulphate, this ingredient can increase the risk for your child to have canker sores or ulcers in the mouth.[3] So, when you buy toothpaste for your product, make sure that the product is free from this harsh chemical.
Essential oils
Essential oils are sometimes considered as antibac agents. However, when it comes to your little ones’ oral health, they are supposed to build their own microbiome to prevent decays and cavities. When their oral environment is exposed with these essential oils, the tendency is that they start to lose the opportunity for them to build their own microbiome. Another reason why you must avoid these contents is because these essential oils might actually become potential cause of allergic reactions to your toddlers.[4]
What to Look for When Buying Toothpastes for Toddlers
After knowing the things you must avoid when buying toothpaste for your toddler, here are the following points you must look into the packaging when buying one:
American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance
Once you see that the toothpaste you want to buy has this note, you have to automatically put it your mind that the product is safe and effective to use. Knowing that the product you wish to buy is recommended by a big organization, you will surely have a peace of mind.
Safe to Swallow
Depending on your toddler’s abilities, as much as possible, consider buying safe to swallow toothpaste products in order to keep your child from getting intoxicated. Usually, toothpastes with fluoride-content are disregarded because when a child gets to swallow some fluoride content, osteofluorosis can occur.[5]
Flavor
Again, depending on your toddler’s preferences, take into consideration the flavor he or she will like. Knowing this will actually save your money from buying another one when the firs one you bought is being disliked or rejected. Additionally, knowing your toddler’s preferred flavor will actually make brushing time easier for you.
Best Flavored Toothpastes for Toddlers
1. Hello Oral Care Kids Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
This toothpaste is a great tool to use in training your little ones how to brush their teeth using toothpaste. It is not that “spicy” to use and you can actually choose the flavor your toddler wants. Additionally, it uses a natural sweetener that is friendly to the teeth of every toddler!
Pros
Made from natural ingredients
Kid-friendly toothpaste
Six different flavors are available
Sweet to the taste
American Dental Association approved
Cons
Only two flavors are available
2. Babyganics Flouride-Free Toothpaste
If you are a parent who is looking for a fluoride-free product, this may be the one that you are looking for. This toothpaste is made from natural ingredients and it is very sweet to the taste. However, only strawberry and watermelon are its available flavors.
Pros
Made from natural ingredients
Sweet to the taste
Fluoride-free
Cons
Only two flavors are available (strawberry and watermelon)
3. Earth’s Best Toddler Toothpaste
One reason why I like this product is because it uses oats as one of its ingredient and these oats are really great to the teeth of little kids! Also, this product is made from natural ingredients and it has calcium lactate which really helps in strengthening the teeth of my child.
Pros
Made from natural ingredients
Very uniquely made because of the oats
Cons
No cons as of the moment
4. Weleda Childrens’ Tooth Gel
If you are looking for a very unique flavor of toothpaste, this is what I can recommend to you. This toothpaste tastes like a “Birthday Cake” and your toddler will surely love it!
Pros
Provides a pleasant taste
Made from natural ingredients
Safe to swallow
Cons
No cons as of the moment
5. Chicco Dentrificio Toothpaste
This product has no additives and it is also fluoride-free. It is formulated specifically for toddlers and its flavor is not that strong and not that light as well. For these reasons, I can say that this product is gentle to the teeth of every toddler. Another thing is that it has calcium as one of its ingredients which is very important for the teeth.
Pros
Additive-free
Fluoride-free
Very gentle to the teeth
Cons
Pricey
6. Mee Mee Fluoride-Free Flavor Toothpaste
Personally, I find this toothpaste as a product with lots of benefits. First of all, it is fluoride-free toothpaste. Second, it is a sugar-free, natural one! Third, its calcium and phosphate content are x3 which is perfect to make the teeth grow stronger and healthier.
Pros
Flouride-free
Sugar-free
Made from natural ingredients
Cons
No cons as of the moment
7. Colgate Bubble Fruit Toothpaste for Toddlers
Although this toothpaste has fluoride content, it is still safe to use because its fluoride content is safe to swallow. Everybody knows this brand and personally (and as a healthcare professional), I truly believe that this company will not make a product which can harm their consumers (and damage their name) as well. Colgate products are actually great products in keeping the teeth healthy. So, if you are confident that your child can use this, you might want to give it a try. Lastly, if your toddler already knows the proper way of brushing his or her teeth, there is no reason for you to skip this one!
Pros
Keeps the teeth stronger
Safe to swallow
Keeps the gum healthy
Cons
No cons as of the moment
8. Orajel My Little Pony Flouride Training Toothpaste
This product is toothpaste with fluoride content and this content can really help in protecting your child’s teeth from cavities! It comes with different flavors and you can even let your child choose the one he or she likes most.
Pros
Affordable
The flavors are great to the taste
Safe to swallow
Cons
The hole in the container is a little big so it is hard to control the amount of toothpaste being pushed out
Kind of toxic if too much amount is swallowed
9. Aquafresh Kids Pump Cavity Protection Toddler Toothpaste
This product has the same amount of fluoride content as of those adult toothpastes but this one is actually great when you think of it because you get an assurance that your toddler’s teeth are safe from cavities. Personally, this toothpaste is what I have been using since my child turned two years old.
Pros
Very affordable
The container is a dispenser-like container which makes it easy to use
It is not messy to use and your kids can use it alone
Cons
It comes with a mint flavor and some toddlers might not like the spicy kind of taste
10. Now XyliWhite Bubblegum Splash Kids Toothpaste Gel
This flavored toothpaste is very gentle to the gums and teeth of a toddler and this makes it perfect for toddler with sensitive gums and teeth. Also, this toothpaste is gluten-free and it is naturally sweetened which is perfect for parents who worry about their child consuming too much sugar.
Pros
Made from natural ingredients
Affordable
Offers legit protection of teeth from cavities
Cons
It’s kind of hard to push the content out of the dispenser
Very thin consistency which makes it messy to use
11. Tanner’s Tasty Paste Children’s Toothpaste
This product is specifically recommended for picky toddlers when it comes to tastes and textures because this toothpaste is very mild to the mouth. It comes with a chocolate flavor and if your toddler is not a fan of minty flavors, this one is a great choice!
Pros
Comes with sweet chocolate flavor
Mild to the mouth
Additive-free
Cons
No cons as of the moment
12. Kid’s Crest Cavity Protection Sparkle Fun Toothpaste
I first encountered this toothpaste when my grandmother sent us a package and that package contains this toothpaste. Eventually, when the current toothpaste of my toddler is all consumed, I turned into this one. Interestingly, I have seen it as an effective tool in keeping my toddler’s teeth away from cavities! However, it kind of has a minty flavor which is very spicy to the taste and some kids may not like this.
Pros
Affordable
Keeps teeth healthy and protected
Cons
Gives a spicy taste which some kids may not like
13. Pro-sys Kids Fluoride Toothpaste Tooth Gel
This toothpaste foams faster and little kids will surely love it! It does not give an unpleasing aftertaste and it also ADA-approved so there is no reason for you to skip on this one!
Pros
American Dental Association approved
Affordable
Cons
No cons as of the moment
14. Radius Organic Coconut Banana Toothpaste
If your toddler loves the great taste of banana, this toothpaste is the best choice for you! It is organic toothpaste and is actually fine to be used by babies of ages 6 months and older.
Pros
BPA-free
Safe to swallow
Fluoride-free
Gluten-free
Cons
No cons as of the moment
Best Unflavored Toothpastes for Toddlers
15. Jack N’ Jill Natural Organic Toddler Toothpaste
This unflavored toothpaste is made from natural ingredients and these make it perfect for worried parents! Xylitol, purified water, coconut-derived glycerin, silica, xanthan gum, naturally-derived Potassium sorbate, and citric acid are its ingredients. Additionally, this product contains an organic calendula which soothes gums and this makes it perfect for toddlers who are teething.
Pros
Made from natural ingredients
Safe to swallow
Soothes the gums
Cons
Pricey
16. Oranurse Unflavored Toothpaste
This toothpaste is perfect for toddlers who dislike strong minty flavors and unpalatable flavored toothpastes. Actually, this toothpaste is made for toddlers with sensitive senses. Although it has a xylitol, this content is almost undetectable to the taste.
Pros
Perfect for toddlers with sensory sensitivities
Made from natural ingredients
Cons
No cons as of the moment
17. Tom’s of Main Toddlers Natural Toothpaste
This product is perfect for parents who are looking for completely natural toothpaste. It is fluoride-free, SLS-free, additive-free, gluten-free, color-free, and preservative-free toothpaste and this makes it perfect for it to be considered as “safe-to-swallow” toothpaste.
Pros
Completely natural toothpaste
Relieves bad morning breath in no time
Safe to swallow
Gluten-free
Cons
Pricey
Best Natural Toothpastes for Toddlers
18. Dr. Brown’s Baby Toothpaste
This natural baby toothpaste will surely be loved by your toddlers! Aside from being made from natural ingredients, it also has an aromatic flavor! Additionally, it has a calcium lactate that can help in strengthening your toddler’s teeth.
Pros
Made from natural ingredients
Comes with a flavor
Safe to swallow
Cons
Only two flavors are available
20. Pigeon Children Toothpaste
Aside from being considered as a natural product, this toothpaste does not only protect your toddler’s teeth from decays, plaques, germs, or from being rot but it also helps in strengthening their gums! Also, even if your child will swallow some portions of it, you will be assured that your child is safe.
Pros
Can be swallowed
Protects the gums
Cons
No cons as of the moment
21. Burt’s Bees Kids Toothpaste
This toothpaste foams faster and this makes a toddler enjoy brushing teeth more! Additionally, it is American Dental Association approved and this is one reason why you must try it. Having this seal is surely an assurance for you that your child will be able to have a quality oral health. Indeed, this is a win-win product for you.
Pros
Seal of approval from American Dental Association
Foam’s faster
Sweet to the taste
Cons
No cons as of the moment
Final Thoughts
Buying toothpaste for a toddler is not that easy because it might be more expensive than you think especially when the toothpaste you just bought is rejected or disliked by your little ones. If you haven’t picked one yet, here are my top three picks for you: Chicco, Jack N' Jill Natural Kids Toothpaste, and Pigeon Children Toothpaste.
FAQs
Is it okay for toddlers to swallow toothpaste?
It is okay if your toddler has swallowed a small amount of toothpaste. Generally, toddler toothpastes are specifically made to be swallowed safely. However, if you see that there is no “safe-to-swallow” note on the packaging, as much as possible, do not let your child swallor larger amounts of toothpaste.
What should I brush my toddler’s teeth with?
There are specific tooth brushes available for kids under two years old. Always choose that kind of tooth brush as it is made perfectly to gently brush your toddler’s teeth.
What happens if you don’t brush your toddler’s teeth?
Tartar buildup and plaques will start to show on your toddler’s teeth if you do not brush them every day. These two, then, can lead to cavities and tooth decays.
[1] Bönecker, Marcelo, et al. “Impact of dental caries on preschool children’s quality of life: an update.” Brazilian oral research 26.SPE1 (2012): 103-107.
[2] Ferraro, Maria, and Alexandre R. Vieira. “Explaining gender differences in caries: a multifactorial approach to a multifactorial disease.” International journal of dentistry 2010 (2010).
[3] Herlofson, Bente Brokstad, and Pål Barkvoll. “Sodium lauryl sulfate and recurrent aphthous ulcers: a preliminary study.” Acta Odontologica Scandinavica 52.5 (1994): 257-259.
[4] Zirwas, Matthew J., and Sarah Otto. “Toothpaste allergy diagnosis and management.” The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology 3.5 (2010): 42.
[5] Roos, J., et al. “Osteofluorosis caused by excess use of toothpaste.” Presse medicale (Paris, France: 1983) 34.20 Pt 1 (2005): 1518-1520.