Seeing your baby's first tooth is an exciting milestone that also means it's time to start good oral health habits. What do you need to know? Learn everything you need to know about the best baby toothpaste and which toothpaste to use as your little one grows.
The Best Toothpaste for Kids and Babies in 2025
If you're looking for quality toothpaste for kids, check out these natural, non-toxic options with safe ingredients.
1. Best Baby Toothpaste Overall: Attitude Training Toothpaste
Babies and toddlers will eat anything, so you want their first toothpaste to be perfectly safe. Attitude's Training Toothpaste is aptly named. Flouride-free and EWG verified you won't need to worry if your baby swallows a little.
Features:
- Fluoride Free
- Vegan
- EWG VERIFIED®
2. Best Starter Toothpaste for Babies: Dr Brown’s Baby Tooth and Gum Wipes
If your baby resists true tooth brushing, you can get them started with these wipes. Containing plant-based xylitol, these wipes can help prevent cavities and plaque build-up. Simply wipe them over your baby's new teeth.
Features:
- Fluoride Free
- Plastic Free
- EWG Rated 1
3. Best Natural Toothpaste for Babies and Kids: Tom’s of Maine Anticavity Toothpaste
Get all the benefits of fluoride for your little one without any risks of other harsh ingredients. Tom's of Maine dye-free toothpaste includes zero preservatives and no artificial flavors. You can even feel good about the recyclable tube.
Features:
- Fluoride Toothpaste
- EWG Rated 2
4. Best Kids Toothpaste: Orajel Kids Anticavity Toothpaste
Kids love Orajel's berry or fruity bubble flavors. You can take care of your baby's smile with Orajel's formula which offers cavity protection without dangerous chemicals. Orajel is free from parabens, sugar, gluten, silicones, alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), dairy, aspartame, and artificial preservatives, colors, dyes & sweeteners.
Features:
- Fluoride Toothpaste
- EWG Rated 1
5. Best Natural Flavored Toothpaste: Burts Bees Kids Toothpaste
Gently clean your baby's teeth with Burst Bees' natural formula. Ideal for babies and children, this toothpaste features natural ingredients that help clean kids teeth, protecting their dental health. Active ingredients like hydrated silica serve as gentle plaque and stain remover.
Looking for a fluoride option? Burts Bees also offers a kids toothpaste with fluoride.
Features:
- Fluoride Free
- EWG Rated 2
6. Best Variety of Flavors: Jack N' Jill Natural Toddler Toothpaste
Jack N' Jill offers impressive flavor options from strawberry to blueberry, bubblegum, and berries & cream, you're sure to find an option for even the most discerning toddlers. Featuring xylitol, Jack N' Jill's toothpaste can help prevent cavities by neutralizing bacteria. Most importantly, this toothpaste is safe for new tooth brushers who may accidentally swallow some.
Features:
- Fluoride Free
- EWG Rated 2
What to Look for in the Best Baby Toothpaste
Almost every news cycle is riddled with new ingredients to worry about. What should you consider when shopping for a toothpaste for your baby or child?
Fluoride vs. Fluoride-Free: Fluoride is a popular ingredient in almost all toothpaste. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using fluoride toothpaste in young children. However, they recommend using a small amount about the size of a grain of rice so that children don't get too much fluoride. Fluoride helps protect your tooth enamel against cavities.
The cons of fluoride include fluorosis or discoloring of the teeth. This only happens if your child gets too much fluoride or swallows more toothpaste than used for brushing. This is more of a concern in babies, who can't always spit out toothpaste well.
Because some tap water contains fluoride and we consume fluoride in some foods, some people worry about getting too much fluoride. Also, rarely, some people are allergic to fluoride.
Some people prefer to use fluoride-free toothpastes, especially until children are old enough to spit out toothpaste. When in doubt, get in touch with your child's dentist to make the best choice for your child's oral care.
Safety and Ingredients: Questionable ingredients in toothpaste may have negative effects on your child. One you might want to look out for is parabens. These compounds, commonly found in toothpaste, are also found in many other cosmetics. Unfortunately, parabens can disrupt your child's hormones and increase risk of obesity and even cancer.
Another ingredient to look out for is triclosan. Although it has antibacterial properties, this ingredient also may cause inflammation of the gut.
Age Appropriateness: When your child is young, use a toothpaste that's formulated for kids. This can help ensure your child doesn't get too much fluoride if you choose to use fluoridated toothpaste. Alternatively, you can choose to use a fluoride-free toothpaste until your child learns to spit and then transition.
Do Kids and Babies Need Different Toothpaste from Yours?
In short, yes, kids and babies should use a different toothpaste. Adult toothpastes often have a higher concentration of fluoride and other ingredients you might not want your child to use. For example, adult toothpaste may also be more abrasive.
The taste is another important point. Some children find mint flavors too strong and prefer fruity flavors. Choosing a kids' toothpaste brand can make your child happier to brush their teeth.
When Should My Baby Start Brushing Their Teeth?
The ADA recommends that babies start brushing their teeth as soon as they get their first tooth to prevent tooth decay. You can use a soft, gentle toothbrush and baby-friendly toothpaste to get started.
Also, your child should visit a dentist by the time they turn 1 year old. This way, the dentist can check your child's new teeth, remove any plaque, and make any recommendations.
Tips for Introducing Toothpaste and Tooth Brushing to Your Baby
Introducing your baby to tooth brushing can be a challenge. As a mom of three, here are my top tips:
- Give your child a toothbrush with no toothpaste to hold onto. Your baby might enjoy this and it can help them get used to the idea.
- Show your little one how you brush your teeth. Invite them to brush theirs. Then, double-check and brush your child's teeth.
- For toddlers who resist toothbrushing, take them to the store and have them help pick out a new toothbrush. Another way is to ask your toddler to brush your teeth. Then, you brush theirs.
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