Getting a toddler to brush their teeth is often a battle of wills. They scream, cry, and clamp their mouths shut to avoid flavors they hate.
However, pediatric dentists agree that oral hygiene must start early. You cannot wait until they are older to build these habits.
We consulted dentists, surveyed parents, and tested products with our own children to find the best solutions. The result is this list of top toothpaste brands with flavors that will actually convince your little one to open wide.
- Mild fruit flavor that kids will love
- Not harmful if swallowed
- Doesn’t contain gluten
- Safe to swallow
- No added color
- Soothes gums during teething
- Easy to use dispenser
- Won’t mess all over your counter
- Affordable
- Great for adults or kids
- Parents swear by its cavity protection
- Naturally sweetened
When Should Baby Start Using Toothpaste?
You should start using a toddler toothbrush as soon as the first tooth erupts. While you might use a soft silicone brush like the Baby Banana for gum massage during teething, actual brushing requires paste. Current dental guidelines recommend using a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice as soon as that first tooth appears (1).
Buying Guide
You Don’t Need To Avoid Fluoride
Fluoride wards off tooth decay, but you must use it in tiny amounts until your child masters spitting. Excess fluoride ingestion can lead to fluorosis, which causes white spots on the teeth (2). Some parents prefer fluoride-free training toothpaste until they are confident in their child’s ability to spit (3). However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry notes that fluoride is safe and effective for preventing cavities from infancy when used correctly (4).
Prioritize Kid-Friendly Flavors
The strong, icy mint flavors adults use often feel like “burning” to a toddler’s sensitive palate. Look for gentle flavors to reduce resistance:
- Fruits: Watermelon, strawberry, and berry are usually hits.
- Sweets: Bubblegum or mild vanilla can mimic treats they enjoy.
- Mild Mint: Some brands offer a very subtle mint for older toddlers transitioning to adult paste.
Product Reviews
We tested flavor, ingredients, and packaging to find these top-rated toothpastes for your kids.
Tom’s of Maine Toddlers Natural Toothpaste
Best All-Natural Toddler Toothpaste
If you are worried about your child swallowing paste, this fluoride-free option is an excellent training tool. It contains no SLS, gluten, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. You can let your toddler practice brushing without hovering over them in panic.
The clear gel formula uses real fruit juice for flavor rather than synthetic chemicals. It cleans teeth gently using silica and helps maintain oral hygiene while your little one learns to spit properly.
The tube features a convenient nozzle that minimizes waste. Unlike wide-mouth tubes that globs paste everywhere, this dispenses a tidy ribbon. It also effectively neutralizes “morning breath,” which even toddlers can struggle with.
Pros
- Safe formula: There is no risk if your child swallows it.
- Clean ingredients: It is free from gluten, SLS, and artificial dyes.
- Mess-free: The narrow dispensing tip prevents waste.
Cons
- Mild flavor: Some kids may find the natural fruit taste too subtle.
- Price point: It costs slightly more than standard drugstore brands.
Our Ratings
Jack N’ Jill Natural Organic Toddler Toothpaste
Best Organic Toddler Toothpaste
This vegan toothpaste is a favorite among eco-conscious parents. It features organic calendula, an ingredient known for soothing inflamed gums. This makes it a dual-purpose product for toddlers who are brushing while new teeth are still breaking through (teething).
The formula is entirely safe to swallow. It skips the fluoride, sugar, and color additives found in mainstream brands. Because it is a clear gel, you won’t have to scrub distinct blue or red stains out of your bathroom rug.
Parents appreciate the flip-top cap which stays attached to the tube. Loose caps are a choking hazard and easily lost, but this design keeps everything safe and contained.
Pros
- Soothing: Organic calendula helps calm sore gums.
- Safety: It is fully biodegradable and safe to swallow.
- Smart design: The attached flip-top cap prevents choking risks.
Cons
- Cost: It is one of the more expensive tubes per ounce.
- Visibility: The clear gel is hard to see on the bristles.
Our Ratings
Orajel Kids Paw Patrol Fluoride Toothpaste
Best Fluoride Toddler Toothpaste
Once your child learns to spit, switching to fluoride provides the best defense against cavities. This brand uses the power of “Paw Patrol” to get reluctant brushers excited about their routine.
The “Bubbly Berry” flavor is distinct and sweet, which helps mask the texture of the paste. Reviews suggest that even picky kids enjoy the taste enough to brush for the full two minutes.
Parents love the efficacy. It cleans grime off teeth well and strengthens enamel. Just remember that because it contains fluoride, you must supervise dispensing to ensure they don’t eat it like candy.
Pros
- Budget-friendly: It provides excellent value for the price.
- Enamel protection: Fluoride actively prevents tooth decay.
- Kid appeal: The character branding encourages participation.
Cons
- Messy dispenser: The wide opening makes it easy to squeeze out too much.
- Fragile cap: The lid can snap off if dropped on hard tile.
Our Ratings
Aquafresh Kids Pump Cavity Protection Toddler Toothpaste
Best Pump Dispense Toddler Toothpaste
This toothpaste bridges the gap between toddlerhood and “big kid” status. It contains cavity-fighting fluoride but delivers it in a bubble-mint flavor that introduces minty freshness without the sting. It works well for families who want to share one toothpaste between older and younger siblings.
The stand-up pump is the real selling point. It keeps the counter organized and allows toddlers to dispense their own paste with a simple push. This builds confidence and fine motor skills.
Because the pump is opaque, you don’t have to look at a messy tube. It dispenses a consistent amount, reducing the likelihood of giant blobs falling into the sink.
Pros
- Easy use: The pump mechanism is perfect for small hands.
- Tidy counters: The upright design prevents messes.
- Value: One container lasts a long time.
Cons
- Flavor profile: The mint notes might be too strong for very young toddlers.
- Tip hazard: The tall container knocks over easily when it gets light/empty.
Our Ratings
NOW XyliWhite Bubblegum Splash Kids Toothpaste Gel
Best Gentle Toddler Toothpaste
If your child complains that brushing hurts, this gel is the solution. It is formulated to be non-abrasive and soothing. Instead of fluoride, it uses Xylitol (25%), a natural ingredient proven to reduce plaque and bacteria.
This is a great middle-ground for parents who want cavity protection but aren’t ready for fluoride. It is also free of gluten and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), common irritants found in other brands.
The bubblegum splash flavor is consistently rated highly by kids. It makes the twice-daily routine feel like a treat rather than a chore.
Pros
- Alternative protection: Xylitol helps fight plaque naturally.
- Sensory friendly: The gel texture is smooth and non-gritty.
- No sugar: It sweetens the taste without damaging teeth.
Cons
- Dispensing issue: The tube becomes difficult to squeeze when half empty.
- Consistency: The gel is thin and can slide off the brush if you aren’t quick.
Our Ratings
Determining the Right Amount of Toothpaste
The “glob” you see in commercials is way too much for a child. You must regulate the amount to prevent swallowing and overexposure to fluoride.
- Under 3 Years: Use a smear the size of a grain of rice (5).
- Ages 3 to 6: Increase to a pea-sized amount once they can spit reliably.
Toddlers lack the fine motor skills to gauge this themselves. If you hand them the tube, they will likely empty half of it onto the counter.
Parenting Tip
Always supervise the spitting process. Afterward, encourage them to spit the residue out rather than rinsing immediately with water. Leaving a slight film of fluoride on the teeth actually helps protect the enamel better than rinsing it all away.
FAQs
Do Toddlers Need Special Toothpaste?
Yes, mostly for the flavor and fluoride content. Adult toothpaste often contains harsh abrasives and strong mint flavors that feel like “burning” to a toddler. Children’s toothpaste is formulated to be gentler on enamel and comes in fruit or bubblegum flavors that encourage compliance.
How Can I Make Brushing Fun for My Toddler?
Gamification is your best friend here. Play a two-minute song and challenge them to brush until it stops. You can also use apps like Pokémon Smile which use the camera to let kids “defeat” cavity monsters. Letting them choose their own toothbrush color or flavor also gives them a sense of ownership.
When Should We Switch to Fluoride Toothpaste?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears. However, if your child swallows everything, you might stick to fluoride-free training paste until age two. Always consult your pediatric dentist for advice specific to your child’s teeth.
What Happens During a Toddler Dental Cleaning?
It is a “happy visit” designed to build trust. The dentist will count their teeth, check for decay, and maybe do a quick polish with a soft brush. They use smaller tools and often let the child sit in the parent’s lap to keep them calm and secure.
What If My Child Swallows Fluoride Toothpaste?
Swallowing a rice-grain-sized amount is generally harmless. However, ingesting large amounts can cause stomach upset or nausea. Long-term ingestion of excess fluoride while teeth are developing can lead to dental fluorosis (faint white lines on the teeth). Keep the tube out of reach to prevent them from eating it like a snack.
