Standing in the kids’ toothpaste aisle feels like stepping into a candy-colored vortex. Watermelon swirl? Sparkle blast? Fluoride? No fluoride? Paste? Gel? And what does “enamel protection” even mean? If you’ve ever stared at the shelf wondering what is the best toothpaste for your kids, you’re in good company. Parents ask us this question every week. And for good reason—there are dozens of choices, but not a lot of clear answers.

Let’s break it down by age, stage, and what really matters. No fluff. No ads. Just simple facts and our best guidance, straight from our pediatric dental team.

When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?

You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as that first tooth pops through. You don’t need toothpaste yet—just a soft, damp cloth or silicone finger brush. But once two or more teeth have erupted, brushing begins. You should brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, especially before bed, to help prevent cavities and other dental problems. We recommend supervising your child brushing their own teeth until they turn 7 or 8 years old to ensure they are cleaning their teeth properly and thoroughly. Once your baby has two teeth that touch, you can start flossing.

When Should My Child Start Brushing With Toothpaste, and How Much Should They Use?

• 0-6 months: No toothpaste is needed. Clean baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth; a washcloth; or a silicone finger brush.
• 6 months – 2 years: Once the first tooth appears, begin brushing with a smear of fluoridated toothpaste.
• 2 years and older: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a kid’s toothbrush.
• 6 years and older: Continue using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

It is okay if your child doesn’t spit yet, the small amount of toothpaste will cause no harm if swallowed!

Fluoride vs. Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: What’s the Difference?

Let’s keep it simple.

• Fluoride Toothpaste:
  Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and protects teeth from cavities. It’s been safely used in toothpaste for decades. We recommend fluoride toothpaste for kids who can reliably spit after brushing.
• Fluoride-Free Toothpaste:
  While it can help with brushing habits and hygiene, it doesn’t protect against cavities in the same way fluoride does.

What About All These Toothpaste Flavors and Textures?

There’s no “right” answer here—go with what your child will actually use. Some kids love bubblegum. Others go only for mild mint or fruity flavors. It doesn’t matter as long as the toothpaste has the right ingredients. You might notice some options labeled as “gel” or “paste.” That’s mostly a texture preference. Some kids like the slickness of a gel. Some want the foam of a paste. Try both and see what sticks.

Pro Tip: Let your child pick the flavor—they’re more likely to brush if they feel like they were able to choose.

Toothpaste Label Decoder: What Do These Terms Mean?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for understanding the language on kids’ toothpaste tubes:

• Fluoride: Helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel.
• Fluoride-Free: Will not prevent cavities.
• Enamel Protection: Reinforces the outer layer of the tooth—good for kids with early enamel wear.
• Whitening: Skip it. Whitening formulas are meant for adult teeth and not for kids.
• Sensitive: Not usually necessary unless your child has specific dental sensitivity—ask your dentist.

So…What Is the Best Toothpaste for Kids?

It’s the one your child will use—every morning and every night. That might sound like a cop-out, but it’s the truth. From a dental health standpoint, the best toothpaste for kids is a fluoride toothpaste, used with supervision and the right amount.

At Newtown Dentistry, our pediatric dental team recommends using fluoride toothpaste, brushing together twice a day for two minutes, and seeing us regularly for checkups. Schedule your baby’s first routine dental visit around 12 months or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

Want more early dental care tips? Download our free guide:
What Parents Need To Know About Pediatric Dentistry in the First Year (And Beyond). Together we can make brushing something to which your child looks forward—not just something they have to do.