Looking for Toothpaste Alternatives?

Looking for Toothpaste Alternatives?

Are you constantly on the hunt for new toothpaste because your child dislikes the flavor or texture, or are you simply looking for something different from the usual mint-flavored adult toothpaste?

Guide to Choosing the Right Toothpaste

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing toothpaste, whether for adults or kids, strawberry or mint flavor.

The key is to ensure that the toothpaste contains fluoride. The effective fluoride dose is 1000 ppm (parts per million). In the US, all fluoridated toothpaste meets or exceeds this requirement. When purchasing toothpaste in the US, simply look for the label "fluoridated" to ensure you're getting the right product.

Fluoride concentrations may be labeled differently. Refer to the table below for guidance.

Toothpaste Choices (includes affiliate link)

Common flavors in children's toothpaste include strawberries, bubble gum, and sparkle fun. You can also find chocolate, flavorless, or very mild mint options.

If texture is a concern, consider trying gel, foam or non-foaming toothpaste.

Some toothpastes change color after 2 minutes of brushing, serving as a fun reminder for children.

If plaque buildup is a concern, opt for tartar control toothpaste.

What if my child can't spit?

It's recommended to use fluoridated toothpaste from the eruption of the first tooth. If your child can't spit, wipe off the toothpaste after brushing with a towel or cloth. As long as the toothpaste touches the teeth, the fluoride can still do its job.

Not rinsing after brushing helps maintain the concentration of fluoride on the teeth and is more effective in preventing cavities.

Other Tips if You Have Your Child's Favorite Toothpaste Flavor Without Fluoride

If you find a rare flavor that your child likes but it doesn't contain fluoride, you can mix it with fluoride toothpaste as a transitional or alternative option to enjoy both the flavor and the benefits of fluoride.

Do I Really Need Fluoride?

Cavity formation is influenced by multiple factors. If you're working on a healthier diet and better brushing routine, fluoride can complement your efforts.

Use a smear or rice-sized amount (0.1 g) of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 years old, and a pea-sized amount (about 0.25 g, contains 0.25 mg of fluoride) after 3 years old.

The typical toxic dose of fluoride ingestion is estimated at 5-10 mg/kg, with symptoms potentially appearing at 3-5 mg/kg.

For an average 3-year-old weighing 15 kg, symptoms of fluoride toxicity would occur after ingesting almost half of a regular 4.2 oz (119 g) tube of toothpaste, and toxicity would be reached after consuming at least half to a full tube. Regular use of toothpaste in small amounts should be safe and shouldn't deter us from using fluoride for cavity prevention.

Vivian Tsai, MS, DDS

Reference:

1. Thornton-Evans G, Junger ML, Lin M, Wei L, Espinoza L, Beltran-Aguilar E. Use of Toothpaste and Toothbrushing Patterns Among Children and Adolescents — United States, 2013–2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:87–90.

2. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Fluoride therapy. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2023:352-8.