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How do I Choose the Best Kid's Toothpaste?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

When choosing the most appropriate kid's toothpaste, check the packaging for indications, usage, warnings, and instructions. Pay particular attention to any warnings on the label. Be sure to choose a kid's toothpaste that is appropriate for your child's age. Buy flavored toothpastes your child will find pleasant. If he finds the taste unpleasant, he won't be eager to brush. Do the necessary research on which kid's toothpaste rates highest.

Some parents may prefer to choose a flavored kid's toothpaste that comes in gel form, as it tends to be less messy. Many children also prefer gel toothpaste, as it has a tendency to be less gritty. Kid's toothpaste also comes in a pump form, which may be easier for young children to manipulate.

A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.
A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.

Many parents are concerned with additives in their children's toothpastes. For this reason, an all-natural type of kid's toothpaste may be preferred. These are typically made with real fruit flavors. For children under the age of three, fluoride toothpastes are not recommended. For older children, however, fluoride is necessary to help build strong teeth.

Homemade toothpaste can be made using baking soda.
Homemade toothpaste can be made using baking soda.

In choosing a kid's toothpaste that is natural yet effective, beware of ingredients such as alcohol, parabens, and artificial sweeteners. Your child does not need any of these in his toothpaste, and in fact, the addition of alcohol can especially be harmful to a young child's tooth enamel and gums. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may cause mouth ulcers and canker sores in young children, which is why this ingredient should not be in your kid's toothpaste.

A dentist is a good resource for learning about the best toothpaste for a child.
A dentist is a good resource for learning about the best toothpaste for a child.

If you want to be safe and prefer to know the exact ingredients that are in your child's toothpaste, you may wish to make your own. This is relatively easy and you will need only a few simple ingredients. Take approximately 2 tablespoons of baking soda, a dash of peppermint oil and 0.5 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon or vanilla extract and mix them all thoroughly. You may blend and store the ingredients in any type of airtight jar or container. This paste is non-abrasive, has a pleasant taste most kids will accept, and cleans teeth well.

Toddlers should have their first dental appointment when they are 12-18 months old.
Toddlers should have their first dental appointment when they are 12-18 months old.

One way to ensure you are choosing the best toothpaste is to get a referral from your child's dentist. Toddlers should have their first dental visit when they are 12-18 months of age. During this initial examination, the dentist can assess the child's dental health, and if any issues are present they can be addressed and resolved. At this time, your child's dentist may recommend a toothpaste that will be most suitable.

Discussion Comments

irontoenail

Also, be aware that kids don't need to use mouthwash. In fact, adults don't even really need to use mouthwash most of the time and there have been some studies linking it to cancer.

If your kid has bad breath, that's probably a symptom of something else and not a reason for them to swig, often alcohol based, mouth wash.

umbra21

@pleonasm - Speaking of safety and keeping it affordable, people need to make sure they take the time to teach their kids how to brush their teeth properly. In ads and often in TV shows the characters will put a huge line of toothpaste onto their brush, which is hardly surprising as this will use up the toothpaste faster and it's something they'd want to encourage.

But in reality, you're only supposed to use a pea sized amount of toothpaste. The proper amount will be on the tube if you want to check (it might vary for kids toothpaste or sensitive teeth toothpaste). Too much can make them sick if they aren't careful and it is a waste as well.

pleonasm

I'm all for keeping it affordable, but this is one place where you don't want to get the cheapest available option. There have been real stories of people being poisoned by toothpaste that was bought from dollar stores and that had been imported from overseas.

If you don't want to make your own toothpaste, then I would wait and get it when it is on sale. Toothpaste ingredients are going to be swallowed by your children, no matter how vigilantly you watch them, so you want them to be safe.

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    • A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.
      By: manipulateur
      A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.
    • Homemade toothpaste can be made using baking soda.
      By: mady70
      Homemade toothpaste can be made using baking soda.
    • A dentist is a good resource for learning about the best toothpaste for a child.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      A dentist is a good resource for learning about the best toothpaste for a child.
    • Toddlers should have their first dental appointment when they are 12-18 months old.
      By: jolopes
      Toddlers should have their first dental appointment when they are 12-18 months old.