The best non-toxic, fluoride-free children’s toothpaste
If you’re wanting to switch to a non-toxic, fluoride-free children’s toothpaste, you’re in luck. There are so many good options available that are also able to effectively remineralize teeth.
My little ones use toothpaste twice a day and even though we try to prevent it, I know they are swallowing some of it- they just don’t know how to spit yet.
And even if they didn’t swallow a drop of it, I know that whatever is in the toothpaste has the potential to be absorbed directly through the oral mucosa.
As a dental hygienist and mom, it’s important to me that the toothpaste we use is not only effective at preventing decay but also safe for my children to use.
Below I’ll share with you what I look for and what I look out for in children’s toothpaste, as well as the exact brands I like to use in my own home.
When should your child start using toothpaste?
As soon as that first tooth comes through…if you are using fluoride-free children’s toothpaste.
While your little one’s teeth are still developing under the gums they are at risk of fluorosis, which is actually a weakening of the enamel that happens with excessive fluoride ingestion.
Your little one’s primary teeth (baby teeth) and permanent teeth (adult teeth) are developing under the gums until they are about 8 years old.
During that time, your child is being exposed to fluoride through various sources, such as tap water, packaged food, baby formula, and pharmaceuticals. It all adds up quickly, especially since the effects of fluoride are cumulative.
While I don’t recommend ditching toothpaste altogether, I do recommend skipping the fluoride toothpaste altogether and opting for a cleaner and safer alternative.
More on that below.
What ingredients do you need in children’s toothpaste
The purpose of toothpaste is to help remineralize teeth.
If there is not an effective remineralizing agent, then the toothpaste is really just for show… or flavor.
And I’m sorry to say it, but if there is not an effective remineralizing ingredient in your child’s toothpaste then it is a waste of your money.
You would be just as well off brushing your child’s teeth with water.
The most common and well-known remineralizing agent in toothpaste is fluoride.
Fluoride does strengthen teeth and prevent cavities, but because the safe dose range is limited and the effects are cumulative there is a risk with using it. Especially because our kids are getting it from so many other sources including tap water, packaged foods, and pharmaceuticals.
The CDC cautions against the use of fluoride toothpaste for pregnant women and children under three years of age due to the risk of fluorosis, which is a weakening of the enamel, among other side effects.
If you are looking for an effective alternative option to fluoride, then hydroxyapatite is your best option.
Hydroxyapatite is a biomimetic crystallite that has been shown to be as effective as fluoride at preventing cavities in children.
Our enamel is made up of 97% hydroxyapatite.
It only makes sense that we offer our teeth the same mineral that naturally makes it the hardest bone in our bodies to strengthen and protect them from decay.
Ingredients to avoid in children’s toothpaste
Hydroxyapatite is starting to become more mainstream and readily available in toothpaste, which is a great step forward!
But just because it has hydroxyapatite does not make it completely non-toxic or the safest option for kids.
Aside from fluoride, a few other ingredients that I opt to avoid in my children’s toothpaste are:
- Titanium Dioxide
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- PEGs
- PPGs
- Ethoxylated ingredients
- SLS
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial coloring
- Mica
- Propylene glycol
- Triclosan
- Parabens
- Carrageenan
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Essential oils
The best non-toxic, fluoride-free children’s toothpaste
The BIG question I often get asked is what is the best non-toxic children’s toothpaste and what brand I use with my kids.
PRO-TIP: I have several different flavors and brands on hand so that I can give my kiddos an option of which they would like to use at any given toothbrush session. This is an easy way to prevent a toothbrushing battle.
Age-appropriate choices for the win when it comes to preventing toothbrush battles!
Here are the four we use in our home that meets my criteria for both safety and effectiveness. All four use nano-hydroxyapatite as the remineralizing agent and clean ingredients which mean I don’t have to worry if any get’s swallowed.
Dr. Brite
Dr. Brite children’s toothpaste offers super yummy and exciting strawberry, berrylicious, and chocolate mint flavors. It’s perfect for kids who want a sweeter taste, leaving them with a fresh and tasty smile every day.
Dr. Brite kid’s toothpaste only uses pure, organic flavor extracts without sacrificing performance.
Dr. Brite’s toothpaste is EWG VERIFIED as a safe kid’s toothpaste, an essential product for kids just starting their oral care! It uses 100% edible ingredients making this toothpaste okay to swallow, so it’s worry free!
It’s not just for kids though – they have great flavors for anyone in the family!
It is Formulated by doctors and recommended by dentists because it naturally eliminates bad breath, helps prevent cavities, and aids in gum health.
Dr. Brite kid’s toothpaste uses a vegan blend of non-acidic Vitamin C and antioxidants work together to whiten teeth and give your little one a bright, clean smile.
This toothpaste is all natural, gluten, paraben and phthalate free, non-GMO, free from dyes, sulfates, artifical sweeteners and flavors, with natural plant-based ingredients to help remove plaque and freshen breath.
Use the code TINYTEETH10 for 10% off your order!
Risewell
Risewell children’s toothpaste is cake batter flavored and is a big hit with our toddler.
It’s like a party in your mouth! Not only does it taste like sneaking spoonfuls of cake batter straight out of the bowl, RiseWell natural toothpaste for kids is packed with the natural tooth-strengthening ingredient, hydroxyapatite.
Daily usage will leave your kid’s teeth visibly whiter, healthier, and stronger as their smiles grow and mature.
And the best part? It’s safe enough to eat—even if your kids (or you, wink wink) eat the whole delicious tube!… but please don’t.
Wellnesse
Welnesse kid and toddler toothpaste contains a natural strawberry flavor to add a subtle, fruity taste that little ones love.
It contains no fluoride, GMOs, parabens, or sulfates. You and your family can rest assured, knowing that what you’re using daily won’t cause any problems to your child’s well-being, or even the environment.
Wellnesse fluoride-free toothpaste for kids uses hydroxyapatite powder, calcium carbonate, and aloe vera to fight grime, build-up, and plaque on your teeth, which leads to fresh breath — this Children’s Toothpaste can be used as a training toothpaste for toddlers age 1-3.
Kinder Karex
If you are looking for a non-sweet toothpaste flavor for your child, Kinder Karex children’s toothpaste is a good option.
It has a mild, minty taste that is approved by kids to help ensure they understand that sweets are not good for their teeth.
Kinder Karex gently cleanses teeth without fluoride, parabens, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Its primary ingredient is biomimetic hydroxyapatite- a toothlike ingredient with many known benefits.
Kinder Karex is safe if accidentally swallowed and gentle enough to start using on your child’s first tooth.
So, what non-toxic, fluoride-free children’s toothpaste do I recommend?
I can highly recommend each of these brands of toothpaste options knowing that they are both clean, safe, and effective.
It has given me such peace of mind knowing that the toothpaste we use twice a day with our little ones prevents cavities and is safe if swallowed- or absorbed- during toothbrushing.
And bonus points for having flavor options that my toddler really enjoys!
So really, the question is:
What flavors are you going to try?
Happy brushing!
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