Kids toothpaste (fruit flavors etc.)
A different flavor can change how much they resist. Check the age range and amount on the package.
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Kids toothpaste: how to choose the best toothpaste for kids (ages 3 to 8)
The toothpaste aisle has dozens of kids toothpastes with cartoon boxes and fruity flavors. Which one is right for your child?
This guide is for grown-ups choosing a toothpaste for kids around ages 3 to 8. It covers what to look for on the label, how much to use, and what to try when your child dislikes the taste. For toddlers under 3, see our toddler toothpaste guide. Your dentist can tell you what fits your child best.
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Quick answer: what to look for in a kids toothpaste
If you are unsure, start with a toothpaste made for your child’s age and pick a flavor they like. A toothpaste your child is happy to use is easier to stick with every day.
- Age range on the label matches your child
- Fluoride: check whether it contains fluoride and follow your dentist’s advice
- A flavor your child will actually accept (fruit, mild mint, low-foam)
- Texture: gel, paste or foam, whichever is easiest for your child
- Look for an acceptance seal from your national dental association if that matters to you
How much toothpaste should kids use?
Kids tend to squeeze out far too much, so let a grown-up put the toothpaste on the brush. Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
- Under 3: a smear about the size of a grain of rice
- Ages 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount
- Older kids: follow the label and your dentist’s advice
Fluoride or fluoride-free?
Many dental organizations recommend fluoride toothpaste for children in age-appropriate amounts. Some families prefer fluoride-free options for their own reasons.
Because every child is different, ask your dentist which type and amount suits your child. Bring the toothpaste you use to the checkup so they can see the label.
When your kid hates the taste
In our home, finding a favorite toothbrush made a big difference. When kids help choose their tools, brushing feels more like their own thing.
- Try a different flavor: many kids find strong mint too spicy
- Try a low-foam gel if the foam bothers them
- Let your child choose between two toothpastes you have picked
- Pair it with a toothbrush they love
Kids toothbrush (favorite character or color)
Picking it themselves makes brushing “their own thing”. Choose a head size that suits their age.
Make brushing time easier
Every day we put a sticker on the calendar after brushing, and it became a routine our child looks forward to.
- Brush for about two minutes; a sand timer makes the time easy to see
- Let your child brush first, then a grown-up checks and finishes
- A sticker chart or a small after-brushing ritual helps kids look forward to it
Toothbrushing sand timer
A 2–3 minute sand timer for days without the phone or when traveling. It can sit by the sink.
Finishing toothbrush for parents
Long handle and small head make it easy for a grown-up to reach the back teeth.
Ask your dentist
If your child has sensitive teeth, gum worries or trouble spitting, talk to your dentist before switching toothpastes. They can recommend the type and amount that fits your child.
Turn brushing into an island adventure
Hamigaki Island is a kids app: during a two-minute brushing adventure, a boat sails around six islands, and lost baby teeth open new places to explore.
See brushing goods by worry →