When choosing the best toothpaste for kids, the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance is the gold standard. The ADA seal means a team of independent scientists has rigorously evaluated the product for safety and effectiveness.
As a father of four, I have always chosen ADA-approved toothpastes for my children because they all contain cavity-fighting fluoride and meet quality standards even higher than those required by law. In other words, if you see the ADA Seal, you can trust that the toothpaste not only works to prevent cavities but is also safe for your children.
While the best toothpaste for kids will help your children achieve healthier tooth care, every parent should recognize several other considerations.
Use the right amount of toothpaste: For infants and toddlers under ~3 years old, just a tiny smear (about the size of a grain of rice) is enough. Once your child learns to spit (around age 3), you can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. We wrote an entire guide about when to start brushing a baby’s teeth.
Supervise young brushers: Children will need help brushing until they’re about 5–6 years old, since they don’t quite have the dexterity to do a thorough job alone. Make brushing a twice-daily routine (after breakfast and before bed) and supervise to ensure they spit out the toothpaste, not swallow.
Make it fun: Turning brushing time into a fun daily activity can go a long way. Sing a silly toothbrushing song, use a sticker chart, or let your child pick a favorite flavor. A bit of fun helps reinforce the habit, giving your kid a great chance at a cavity-free future!
Below is a parent-friendly list of some of the best toothpastes for kids, including what makes each a great choice. My children all preferred Tom’s of Maine products when they were younger, but by the time they were seven years old, they’d all moved on to Colgate and Crest because we have no brand loyalty in our house.
Aquafresh For Kids
Aquafresh for Kids Bubble Mint Toothpaste features a fun, mild bubble mint flavor and a colorful striped paste that makes brushing more enjoyable. The fluoride formula strengthens enamel and prevents cavities while appealing to young palates. Kids especially enjoy the stand-up pump format, which is easy to dispense and adds novelty to the brushing routine.
This toothpaste is ADA-approved, sugar-free, and gentle on young enamel. It’s great for children transitioning from toddler-friendly options to more advanced oral care products.
Benco Dental PRO-SYS Kids Fluoride Toothgel Bubblegum Flavor
PRO-SYS Kids Fluoride Toothgel by Benco Dental is a smooth, bubblegum-flavored gel that delivers fluoride protection in a dentist-formulated package. The light taste and gel consistency are especially friendly to children who dislike foamy or spicy pastes.
As a product developed for professional dental environments, it’s ADA-approved and formulated without harsh ingredients. It’s also sugar-free and widely praised for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Colgate For Kids
Colgate for Kids has various packages featuring beloved characters like Bluey, Dora, SpongeBob, and Transformers. The Bubble Fruit flavor is mild and kid-friendly, while the fluoride formula helps fight cavities and strengthens enamel.
It’s ADA-approved, gluten-free, and free of artificial sweeteners. A great choice for picky brushers who need a little character motivation to build good oral habits.
Colgate® Fresh N’ Protect Toothpaste
Colgate Fresh N’ Protect is a mild mint toothpaste for kids ready to graduate from fruity flavors. It helps freshen breath while offering fluoride protection and cavity prevention for growing smiles.
Ideal for older children, this formula is ADA-approved, sugar-free, and introduces a mint flavor without the sting.
Crest Kids SparkleFun Cavity Protection
Crest Kids SparkleFun Toothpaste delivers powerful fluoride protection with a fun, sparkly gel and a bubblegum-like flavor. Its sparkle gel formula makes brushing exciting while helping to fight cavities and build strong teeth.
This ADA-approved toothpaste is sugar-free and easy to rinse, making it perfect for young children learning to brush independently.
Hello Kid’s Fluoride Toothpaste (Blue Raspberry & Unicorn Sparkle Bubble Gum)
Hello Kids Fluoride Toothpaste is a fun, naturally friendly option with standout flavors like Blue Raspberry (“Dragon Dazzle”) and Bubble Gum (“Unicorn Sparkle”). These pastes come with colorful packaging and playful names that get kids excited about brushing. The flavors are designed to be delicious without overpowering, and the sparkles inside the gel make it visually fun. Despite its playful presentation, Hello includes fluoride to help fight cavities and protect enamel.
For parents focused on ingredients, Hello is a standout. It’s free from artificial sweeteners, dyes, SLS, parabens, and triclosan. The toothpaste is also vegan and cruelty-free. It’s earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance, so you know it works as well as any traditional brand. If you’re looking for a more natural product with great flavor appeal, Hello is an excellent pick, and while less known than other brands on this list, it certainly deserves its place among the best toothpaste for kids.
Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride Toothpaste for Children (Silly Strawberry & Outrageous Orange Mango)
Tom’s of Maine Silly Strawberry and Orange Mango are two popular fruity options that avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. Silly Strawberry has a true strawberry taste, while Orange Mango blends tropical flavors for a fun brushing experience.
Both flavors include fluoride for enamel protection and use naturally sourced calcium and silica for cleaning. They’re ADA-approved, dye-free, and ideal for kids who dislike mint. Tom’s of Maine is among the best toothpaste for kids and a favorite in my household!
Tom’s of Maine Natural Wicked Cool! Fluoride Toothpaste
Wicked Cool! by Tom’s of Maine is a minty but mild fluoride toothpaste for older kids ready to move on from bubblegum flavors. It helps freshen breath while protecting against cavities and strengthening enamel.
This paste is free of artificial dyes and sweeteners and includes natural peppermint flavor. It’s earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance, making it ideal for tweens or sensory-sensitive kids.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not be a replacement for medical care or advice. This info is not intended to diagnose or replace medical treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about the best toothpaste for kids and specifically for your own child’s needs.