What’s the Best Toothpaste for My Child, by Age?

Choosing toothpaste for a child can be confusing because there are many flavours, brands, and age labels available. The best toothpaste for my child should support healthy teeth while being suitable for their stage of development.

The most important things to consider are fluoride, age, toothpaste quantity, and brushing habits.

Quick Tip:Toothpaste selection is not only about the brand. Age suitability and correct usage are important for your child’s daily oral care.

What Makes a Good Kids’ Toothpaste?

• Fluoride: Helps protect growing teeth from cavities.
• Age suitability: Choose toothpaste with fluoride content appropriate for your child's age.
• Mild flavour: A strong flavour may make brushing uncomfortable for some children.
• Simple ingredients: A gentle formula can make daily brushing more comfortable.
• Child friendly packaging: Easy to handle during supervised brushing.

The packaging or cartoon characters do not determine how well toothpaste cleans teeth. Fluoride content and correct usage are more important.

Best Toothpaste for My Child by Age

0 to 2 years

Use toothpaste according to dental guidance, especially while your child is still learning to spit.

Amount: Rice grain sized smear

3 to 6 years

Use fluoride toothpaste with around 458 ppm fluoride.

Amount: Green pea sized amount

6 to 12 years

Use fluoride toothpaste with around 1000 ppm fluoride.

Amount: Green pea sized amount or about 1 cm

Parent Reminder:Children between 6 and 12 years do not need toothpaste covering the entire toothbrush. A pea sized amount or about 1 cm is enough.

Is Fluoride Toothpaste Safe for Children?

Fluoride toothpaste can help protect children's teeth from cavities when used in the correct amount.

The important factors are age, fluoride concentration, and toothpaste quantity. Young children should also be supervised while brushing to help them develop safe brushing habits.

Parents can read this research article on fluoride toothpaste and children's oral health for further information.

Should Children Use Adult Toothpaste?

Parents' or adult toothpaste may contain a higher fluoride concentration than recommended for younger children.

Using an age appropriate toothpaste helps parents choose the right fluoride level and amount for their child's stage of development. This study on fluoride toothpaste use in children provides additional research on the topic.

Children should not simply use the same toothpaste as their parents without checking whether its fluoride content is suitable for their age.

How Can Parents Make Brushing Easier?

• Brush twice a day as part of a regular routine.
• Use the correct amount of toothpaste for your child's age.
• Supervise young children while brushing.
• Teach children to spit out toothpaste when they are able to do so.
• Let children choose an age appropriate toothbrush.
• Brush together so they can learn by watching you.
• Encourage brushing without making it feel like a punishment.

For more guidance, read Are You Teaching Your Child the Proper Way to Brush Teeth This Summer? to learn simple brushing techniques and ways to make daily oral care easier for children.

Making the Right Choice

The best toothpaste for my child is not necessarily the one with the most attractive packaging or strongest flavour.

Check the age recommendation, fluoride content, and correct toothpaste amount. With regular brushing and appropriate supervision, children can build healthy oral care habits that support their teeth as they grow.

Parents can also explore our guide to best pediatric dental care for kids for more tips on maintaining their child's dental health.