GETTING kids to brush their teeth regularly – and thoroughly – is hard. Which is why having the best children's toothpaste at home is so essential.
We’ve rounded up the best kids' toothpastes based on our favourites over the years and the top-rated kids' toothpastes other parents love.
You may not know this, but you should really start brushing baby’s teeth as soon as they start to come through.
The NHS recommends using a toothpaste with fluoride, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.
You only need a tiny smear of toothpaste for babies, and a pea-sized amount is enough to clean the teeth of kids up to age six.
Now, how do you entice a child into brushing their teeth? Finding a toothpaste with a flavour or appearance they like can really help – anything from cool packaging to glittering toothpaste has been known to tempt less-than-keen toddlers into practising good dental hygiene habits.
We’d also recommend getting a fun toothbrush for your little one.
You’ll be able to find a variety of their favourite characters or a toothbrush in wild prints or crazy colours, in both electric and manual styles with soft bristles, at your local supermarket or pharmacy.
Getting them excited about the toothbrush can sometimes be the first step into getting them keen on brushing itself…
With characters they love and funky flavours to sample, there are plenty of kids' toothpastes out there to entice little ones. But parents should know that if all else fails, you can always give them a tiny bit of your toothpaste – it's perfectly safe, according to experts.
And sometimes, getting to be just like mum and dad is exactly what they want.
1. Best baby toothpaste
- Aquafresh Milk Teeth, £2.20 at Amazon – buy here
This one is a winner with tiny tots because it has a subtle minty flavour rather than a strong taste – a good thing when it comes to pleasing the baby crowd.
It's a less-abrasive formula than regular toothpaste, with the right amount of fluoride for this age group.
2. Best strawberry toothpaste
- Tom's Of Maine natural children's toothpaste, £13.18 for 3 at Amazon – buy here
The reason for the high price point is because this toothpaste is imported from the US – but that doesn't stop parents from ordering it.
It's a natural toothpaste with fluoride, and it won't cause that common taste complaint of being "too spicy." It tastes great – and has been a hit for over 25 years, since it was first developed.
3. Best for reluctant brushers
- Oral B Stages Frozen Toothpaste, £7.50 for a pack of six at Amazon – buy here
Non-minty flavour? Tick. Beloved characters on the packaging? Double tick.
This sugar-free, fluoride toothpaste even has a special nozzle so the toothpaste comes out in fun shapes.
4. Best toothpaste for 3-5 year olds
- Colgate Smiles, £1 at ASDA – buy here
This toothpaste is popular with the toddler and early-school years crowd who typically don't deem the mild mint flavour too "spicy."
It's well-priced which is important for parents whose toddlers insist on brushing teeth themselves – and redecorating the sink in the process – every time.
5. Best kids toothpaste for cavity protection
- Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, £1.95 at ASDA – buy here
Yes, even milk teeth can get cavities. If your child needs extra protection, this toothpaste has fluoride and calcium to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities from starting, as well as a patented Sugar Acid Neutraliser to stop sugar acids from destroying teeth.
Interestingly, the packaging appeals to little ones – precisely because it looks like adult toothpaste.
6. Best flavoured kids toothpaste
- Jack N' Jill Natural Toothpaste, £4.99 at Holland and Barrett – buy here
An all-natural, fluoride-free toothpaste, this won't appeal to everyone, but we had to add it onto our list because the brand's got the yummiest-tasting flavours out there, like Banana, Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry and Blackcurrant.
It's got calendula to help soothe gums and Xylitol, a natural way to help fight cavities.
This brand also makes biodegradable kids toothbrushes if you're looking for environmentally friendly alternatives.
7. Best teething toothpaste
- Brush-Baby Teething Toothpaste, £2.35 at Amazon – buy here
Teething is a troublesome time for little ones, and it lasts for months and months and months.
This toothpaste has a lovely applemint flavour and soothing chamomile to help sore gums.
Parents like it so much, they use it whether there's teething pain or not.
8. Best kids toothpaste for 6+
- Sensodyne Pronamel Daily, £2 at Ocado – buy here
As kids transition to that next stage of tooth brushing where they're losing milk teeth and adult teeth are growing in, a toothpaste that protects against decay and acid erosion (caused by juices and soft drinks), is key.
Sensodyne's Pronamel toothpaste helps harden enamel and protect against cavities and has a gentle taste that kids like.
9. Best fluoride-free toothpaste for babies and kids
- Weleda Children's Tooth Gel, £6.10 at Amazon – buy here
Not every parent is a believer in fluoride. For those who want a more natural toothpaste, Weleda's spearmint, fennel and calendula flower version is a favourite.
The calendula flower extract helps promote healthy gums, while silica cleans teeth. The best part? If your little one swallows some, no biggie.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best kids' toothpaste? Then be sure to check out more of Sun Selects’ recommendations.
Looking for some inspiration for a wardrobe revamp? Check out our dedicated Sun Selects fashion section.
Got a little one that's teething? Check out the best teething gels on the market, here.
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