Getting babies and infants accustomed to oral hygiene is a major challenge. They don’t like the sensation of a rigid toothbrush in the mouth and their gums are sensitive. They resist unfamiliar flavors. They instinctively want to eat and swallow the paste and, most importantly they recognize the activity as a power battle.
Finding a toothpaste that they will accept, and that contains the ingredients you want – without the ones you don’t – is an ongoing challenge, and baby may change the rules at any time. Dental care professionals recommend staying away from fluoride pastes until the age of 2.
Here is a list of the ten best toothpaste and their key features, to help you and your little one get the brushing job done right, every time.
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Best Baby Toothpastes
1. Dr. Brown’s
By: Dr. Brown’s
For ages 6 months to 3 years. A highly-rated fluoride-free toothpaste that uses natural flavors with plus calcium lactate which cleans tiny teeth safely. Safe if swallowed. Some customers find it a little runny, but others find that useful.
2. Colgate
By: Colgate
Forage under 12 months. Colgate’s -free formula offers a bubble fruit flavor and has no colors, preservatives, or sodium lauryl sulfate. Stand-up tubes and twist-off cap make things a little easier. You will need to shake the tube before using it, otherwise, it will be runny.
3. NUK Infant/Baby Tooth and Gum Cleanser
By: NUK
For ages 0 to 3 years. NUK bundles its apple and banana flavored toothpaste with a finger brush for tooth and gum cleaning. The paste is fluoride-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and contains no reproduction flag. The brush is BPA-free, but not all kids like it. They might bite while you use it.
4. Jack n’ Jill
By: JACK N’ JILL …………….. SINCE 1949
For ages 0 to 3 years. Great texture that is neither too thick nor too runny, and flavored naturally with Xylitol. It contains organic gum soother Calendula.
5. Orajel Elmo Fluoride-Free Training Toothpaste
By: Orajel
For age 0 to 4 years. Most kids love Elmo, which makes them want to brush. Fluoride-free, safe if swallowed. Orajel Elmo comes with a fruity flavor and aroma but has no sugar or artificial colors.
6. Hello Oral
By: Hello Oral Care
For age 6 months and up. Awesome tasting watermelon! Uses xylitol and erythritol, aloe, and silica to gently polish teeth. It has no dyes, sweeteners, artificial flavors, microbeads, triclosan, parabens, or gluten. Not tested on animals.
7. Tom’s of Maine Toddlers Fluoride-Free acknowledged Toothpaste in Gel, Mild Fruit, 1.75 Ounce
By: Tom’s of Maine
For age 3 months to 24 months. Uses calcium and silica to gently clean with a real fruit flavor and great aroma. Gluten-free, cruelty-free, and halal and kosher-certified. One drawback: it comes in only one flavor.
8. Orajel PAW Patrol Training Toothpaste, 1.5 Ounce
By: Orajel
For age 0 to 4 years. Another kids’ favorite, it’s the PAW Patrol to the rescue! Fluoride-free with a fruity flavor makes the task more enjoyable.
9. Xlear Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol, Strawberry Banana Flavor, 2 oz Tube
By: Spry
For ages 3 months and up. It contains 35% xylitol, which makes it a great way for kids 3 months and older to start enjoying the habit of dental care. Tastes great and is safe to swallow in limited amounts.
10. Weleda Childrens Tooth Gel, 1.7 Ounce
By: Weleda
A little less well known, European brand Weleda uses natural silica to clean and soothe, and organic calendula flower extract for gums. Developed in cooperation with European dentists, and featuring mild flavors of spearmint and organic fennel.
When ordering, be sure to double-check you are getting the right version for your child’s age. Eventually – hopefully – you and your child will find one that works!