Best Toothpaste for Kids in 2026

Studies in pediatric dentistry have shown that toothpaste with the right ingredients can help your child develop strong enamel and good oral health for life. In this article, we discuss the best toothpaste for kids in 2026 and the ingredients you should look for or avoid.

The most important factors we recommend considering when choosing a toothpaste for your child are:

A good toothpaste for kids should contain fluoride. This ingredient is necessary for maintaining strong tooth enamel and preventing cavities. Fluoride remineralizes the enamel and helps reduce bacteria in the mouth. However, make sure to choose age-appropriate toothpaste with a safe fluoride level for a child. Having your child use toothpaste with an adult amount of fluoride can cause fluorosis—white or brown spots on teeth.
Look for toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval, which ensures the product has been tested and is safe and effective.
To help your child establish good oral hygiene habits and make the process enjoyable, opt for toothpaste with a pleasant flavor, for example, strawberry or bubblegum.

Additionally, make sure the toothpaste you choose for your child does not contain the following ingredients, as they can cause mouth irritation or be harmful if swallowed:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Artificial dyes and colors
Triclosan (an antibiotic)
Harsh abrasive ingredients (soda, charcoal, etc.)
Peroxide or whitening agents (can irritate the gums or permanently damage enamel)

Ingredients that are safe in toothpaste for children are:

Fluoride (in an age-appropriate amount)
Hydroxyapatite
Xylitol
Mild abrasives such as hydrated silica
Gentle plant-based surfactants

Examples of Good Toothpastes for Kids in 2026

Top overall kids’ toothpastes that contain safe levels of fluoride, designed specifically for kids, widely recommended by dentists, and reportedly have pleasant flavors include:

Hello Kids Fluoride Toothpaste Unicorn Sparkle
Crest Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste
Tom’s of Maine Kids Natural Fluoride Toothpaste

Some parents may prefer to avoid fluoride in their kids’ toothpaste for health reasons or if their kids tend to swallow it. In this case, we recommend exploring the following options:

Boka Kids Fluoride-Free Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
RiseWell Kids Mineral Toothpaste
Himalaya Kids Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Best Toothpastes for Kids by Age

Good toothpaste options for children from 0 to 3 years of age include:

Dr. Brown’s Natural Baby Toothpaste
Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Toddler Training Toothpaste
Orajel Paw Patrol Fluoride Free Training Toothpaste

Consider the following options for kids from 3 to 6 years of age:

Hello Kids Fluoride Toothpaste Unicorn Sparkle
Tom’s of Maine Kids Natural Fluoride Toothpaste
Boka Kids Fluoride-Free Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Options for kids after 6 years old include:

Colgate Kids Maximum Cavity Protection Toothpaste
Crest Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste
Sensodyne Pronamel Kids Toothpaste

Essential Brushing Rules for Children

Ensure that your kid brushes their teeth twice a day, after breakfast in the morning and before bed in the evening.
Teach your child to brush their teeth for two full minutes. You can use a timer or a toothbrushing song to help your kid stick to the routine.
Make sure your kid uses an appropriate amount of toothpaste: a rice-grain size smear for kids under 3 years old, a pea-size amount for kids older than 3.
Depending on age, help your child or supervise them while they brush their teeth to prevent swallowing and to establish correct techniques.
Teach your child to use small, gentle circles, avoiding forceful scrubbing.

Make an Appointment at Absolute Family Dentistry

Start pediatric dental care for your child with an experienced dentist at Absolute Family Dentistry. We are looking forward to your visit.