Top 5 Best Kids Toothpaste Review 2024
Dentist Tested and Reviewed
Many habits are developed early in life and continue into adulthood.
Brushing your teeth is one of them, and if it’s not maintained, it can lead to tooth decay and oral pain.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth with toothpaste twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria.
If left untreated, biofilm can lead to gum disease and dental decay. In addition, fluoride toothpaste is recommended to provide extra protection against cavities, making teeth stronger.
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 250+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the Best Kids Toothpaste from a dentist’s perspective.
Buying Guide
- Best Overall: Crest Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste
- Best Fruit-Flavored: Orajel Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
- Best Pump: Aquafresh Kids Fluoride Toothpaste
- Best Anticavity: Colgate Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
- Best All-Natural: Burt’s Bees Kids Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Healthy Tips for Kids
- Limit the frequency of sugar intake
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
- Visit your dentist every six months
- Use a mouthguard during contact sports
- Use a straw when consuming sugary beverages
- Floss between teeth when contacts close
Evaluation Criteria
I test each product for 7-14 days, detailing its pros and cons, and rate it from 1 to 5 in four key areas.
- Effectiveness: Does the toothpaste treat the advertised need? How effective were the results?
- Comfort: Was the toothpaste comfortable and enjoyable to use? Was there any burning, stinging or uncomfortable sensation?
- Taste: How was the overall taste? Was it refreshing? Did it alter your sense of taste?
- Likeability: How likeable is it for kids? Will they look forward to using the toothpaste when brushing?
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1. Crest Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste (Best Overall)
Crest Kid's Strawberry Rush toothpaste makes brushing fun while providing the protection you expect from Crest.
This fluoride toothpaste provides effective cavity protection with a fun Strawberry flavor that still delivers fresh breath. Toothpaste is recommended for toddlers and children (2+ years) with proper supervision.
Highlights
- Bubblegum flavor
- Sodium fluoride 0.243%
- Recommended for 3+ years old
- Kid-tested mild gel formula
Results
Dentist Review
Crest did an excellent job creating a fun bubblegum flavor while providing refreshing breath after rinsing.
There was slight foaming, and kids will not have to worry about any stinging or burning sensation.
Fluoride also provides the added benefit of limiting tooth decay.
Cons
It contains sodium lauryl sulfate that may irritate sensitive gums.
Best for kids that enjoy the bubblegum flavor and Disney.
2. Orajel Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste (Best Fruit-Flavored)
Orajel Kids Paw Patrol Fluoride Toothpaste protects against cavities, strengthens teeth and helps keep gums healthy.
With over 99% naturally sourced ingredients and a great natural fruity bubble flavor, parents trust Orajel Kids Paw Patrol Fluoride Toothpaste to help their children establish healthy oral care habits.
From soothing a teething baby to independent brushing, Orajel has you covered. Proud to be pediatrician recommended from first tooth to full smile.
Highlights
- Great tasting formula
- Sodium fluoride 0.24%
- Bubble berry flavor
Results
Dentist Review
The bubble berry flavor is enjoyable, pain-free, and comfortable to use.
It’s a great alternative if your child doesn’t like the more common bubblegum flavor.
Also, it contains fluoride for cavity protection, and there is minimal foaming during use.
Cons
After rinsing, the flavor was quickly eliminated, and there was minimal freshness.
We would have expected a longer-lasting, refreshing taste.
Best for kids that don’t like bubblegum flavor.
3. Aquafresh Kids Fluoride Toothpaste (Best Pump)
Cavity Protection Aquafresh toothpaste fights cavities with fluoride, freshens breath and has a great bubble mint taste, in one complete toothpaste.
With Sugar Acid Protection, provided by fluoride, which strengthens enamel, creating a shield that protects the tooth surface against sugar acid attack. This product contains no sugar, like all ADA-accepted toothpastes.
Highlights
- ADA Accepted
- Fluoride anticavity toothpaste
- Bubble mint flavor
- Recommended for 2+ years old
Results
Dentist Review
This Aquafresh product was flavorful and comfortable to use. The bubble mint flavor was gentle and less spicy than adult mint toothpaste.
The added benefit of fluoride is great for kids.
The teeth felt clean and fresh after use, and there was adequate foaming to cover all surfaces.
Lastly, this product is ADA-accepted, the highest endorsement for oral care products.
Cons
The flavor was enjoyable; however, it quickly dissipated after rinsing.
We also realize that this may be a pro for some children.
Best for kids that enjoy gentle mint toothpaste.
4. Colgate Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste (Best Anticavity)
Colgate seeks to develop products that promote healthy smiles. They’ve been in the oral health care industry for over 145 years and offer a range of oral care products.
Sustainability is also important to them as they recently created a first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube. Lastly, they strive to be an accessible company that offers many educational resources to the public and dental professionals.
Highlights
- Sodium fluoride 0.24%
- ADA accepted
- Mild bubble fruit flavor
- Clinically proven
- Cavity protection
Results
Dentist Review
This product was comfortable and gentle on the teeth and gums.
There was moderate foaming to bathe the entire mouth, and the fruit flavor was unique compared to the others.
This product is ADA-accepted and has fluoride to prevent cavities.
Cons
The fruit flavor was enjoyable; however, some children may desire mild mint or bubblegum flavor.
Best for kids that enjoy fruit flavor and Minions.
5. Burt’s Bees Kids Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (Best All-Natural)
Burt’s Bees was founded in the early 1980s by Burt Shavitz and Roxanne Quimby.
They desired a low-impact, socially and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Their first products were candles and lip balm made from beeswax from Burt’s bee hives.
After Roxanne sold her stake in the company, they began formulating other products for oral care. Today, Burt has since passed, but his tradition lives on.
Highlights
- Fluoride-free toothpaste
- Fruit fusion flavor
- Dye-free
- Gentle cleansing
- No sodium lauryl sulfate
- No artificial sweeteners
Results
Dentist Review
Burt’s Bees formulated a comfortable and gentle fluoride-free toothpaste.
It was refreshing, and the flavor lasted long after rinsing.
Cons
There was no foaming during use which may prevent the paste from reaching all areas in the mouth.
Also, we recommend fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.
However, we also understand not every parent wants fluoride in their child’s toothpaste.
Lastly, the fruit flavor was not as fruity as we were hoping.
Best for parents and children that don’t want fluoride in toothpaste.
Overall Champion: Crest Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste*
Crest Kid's Strawberry Rush toothpaste makes brushing fun while providing the protection you expect from Crest.
This fluoride toothpaste provides effective cavity protection with a fun Strawberry flavor that still delivers fresh breath. Toothpaste is recommended for toddlers and children (2+ years) with proper supervision.
Final Thoughts
Crest has dominated the oral care space and continues to produce effective products.
This kid’s fluoride anticavity toothpaste excelled in all four categories and received a perfect score.
Children will love this toothpaste. Burt’s Bee is the best alternative if fluoride-free kid’s toothpaste is desired.
Final Rankings
- Crest Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste 20/20
- Colgate Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste 19/20
- Aquafresh Kids Fluoride Toothpaste 19/20
- Orajel Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste 17/20
- Burt’s Bees Kid Fluoride-Free Toothpaste 16/20
* My Dental Advocate product reviews are based on individual experience and your results with the products may vary.
Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you'll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we'll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hannan, also known as “Dr. Advocate,” is a board-certified dentist on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He attended Baylor University before completing dental school at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He now lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and 4 kids. Dr. Hannan believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.
Connect with Dr. Hannan!
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