Top 5 Best Kids Toothpaste Review 2023
Dentist Tested and Reviewed | Time to Read: 12 mins
By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: April 12, 2023
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.
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
Let’s take a closer look at the best kids’ toothpaste from a dentist’s perspective.
Tested and Reviewed
- 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
Evaluation Criteria
We highlight each product’s unique, advertised benefits, identify their pros and cons and score each from 1 to 5 based on four categories. The toothpaste with the highest score is crowned the overall champion; however, we’ll also give suggested patient benefits for each product. Price’s listed are subject to change and discussed in each review, however they were not considered within the scoring criteria.
- 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
Crest Kid's Strawberry Rush toothpaste makes brushing fun while providing the protection you expect from Crest. Our 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
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Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Total: 20/20
Best for kids that enjoy the bubblegum flavor and Disney.
Directions
- Adults and children 2 years and older
- Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day
- Do not swallow
- Use pea-sized amount in children under 6 years old
- Ask a dentist for children under 2 years old
What we like
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.
What we don’t
It contains sodium lauryl sulfate that may irritate sensitive gums.
2. Orajel Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
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
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Taste: â‘â‘â‘â’â’
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Total: 17/20
Best for kids that don’t like bubblegum flavor.
Directions
- Adults and children 2 and older
- Brush teeth thoroughly at least twice a day
- Use as directed
What we like
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.
What we don’t
After rinsing, the flavor was quickly eliminated, and there was minimal freshness. We would have expected a longer-lasting, refreshing taste.
3. Aquafresh Kids Fluoride Toothpaste
Cavity Protection Aquafresh toothpaste fights cavities with fluoride… freshens breath… and has a great bubble mint taste, in one complete toothpaste. 2+ years Sugar Acid Protection** from Fluoride BUBBLE MINT **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.
AQUAFRESH and the iconic Nurdle device are registered trademarks owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
Highlights
- ADA Accepted
- Fluoride anticavity toothpaste
- Bubble mint flavor
- Recommended for 2+ years old
Results
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Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Total: 19/20
Best for kids that enjoy gentle mint toothpaste.
Directions
- Apply the paste onto the toothbrush
- Use twice daily or no more than three times a day
- Minimize swallowing
What we like
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.
What we don’t
The flavor was enjoyable; however, it quickly dissipated after rinsing. We also realize that this may be a pro for some children.
4. Colgate Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
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. Colgate has partnered with Universal Studios and the movie Minions to showcase this product.
Highlights
- Sodium fluoride 0.24%
- ADA accepted
- Mild bubble fruit flavor
- Clinically proven
- Cavity protection
Results
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Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
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Total: 19/20
Best for kids that enjoy fruit flavor and Minions.
Directions
- Adults and children 2 years and older
- Brush teeth thoroughly
- Brush twice a day
- Children 2-6 use a pea-sized amount
What we like
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.
What we don’t
The fruit flavor was enjoyable; however, some children may desire mild mint or bubblegum flavor.
5. Burt’s Bees Kids Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
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
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â’â’
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Total: 16/20
Best for parents and children that don’t want fluoride in toothpaste.
Directions
- Adults and children 2 years and older
- Brush teeth thoroughly after meals
- Brush twice a day
- Do not swallow
What we like
Burt’s Bees formulated a comfortable and gentle fluoride-free toothpaste. It was refreshing, and the flavor lasted long after rinsing.
What we don’t
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.
Overall Champion: Crest Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste*
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.
Crest Kid's Strawberry Rush toothpaste makes brushing fun while providing the protection you expect from Crest. Our 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 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.
The more you know, the more healthy habits you can develop, saving you and your family from avoidable and potentially expensive dental procedures. Talk to your dental professional for more suggestions on improving oral health and check back for more blog posts and relevant information. Please share this site and let us know what else you’d like to know!