How to Choose a Toothpaste for Kids?

As a parent, every decision you make for your kids adds up—and the type of toothpaste you select for them is no exception. This seemingly small choice is essential for instilling excellent oral hygiene habits that will support their dental health for life.

However, with the market overflowing with various types of children’s toothpaste, knowing which is truly suitable for your child can be difficult. 

To ensure you make the optimal choice, we’ll outline the essential criteria to look for so you can find a toothpaste for your kids that not only appeals to them but also provides comprehensive dental care.

What Should I Look for in a Child's Toothpaste?

1. Government and ISO Certifications

When selecting a toothpaste for your child, certifications can help ensure the product meets recognised guidelines. For example, ISO certifications such as GMP (ISO 22716) indicate that the manufacturing processes are carried out under established guidelines for quality and consistency. Singaporean oral care brands like Pearlie White operate under an ISO 22716: GMP-certified facility, showcasing our commitment to these essential standards.

Our toothpaste for kids is also Halal-certified, ensuring it’s free from alcohol and any ingredients not permitted under Islamic law, meeting strict dietary standards.

2. Safe Fluoride Level Content

While fluoride toothpaste is ideal for kids to prevent cavities, many parents are concerned about the risk of fluorosis—white spots on the teeth that can develop from prolonged exposure to excessive fluoride, particularly during the early years when teeth are still forming. However, there's no need to worry, as this can easily be prevented by choosing a toothpaste with an appropriate fluoride concentration, ideally at least 1000 ppm. Once your child finally learns to brush their teeth properly and spit out toothpaste, it’s recommended to make the switch to fluoride oral pastes. 

Making this switch is beneficial as it helps strengthen their teeth enamel and prevent cavities, which becomes increasingly important as they grow older and become more exposed to various foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay.

If you're looking for suitable options, you can explore Pearlie White’s fluoride toothpaste for kids, such as the Enamel Safe Kids’ Fluoride Toothpaste (Strawberry) and Enamel Safe Kids’ Fluoride Toothpaste (Blueberry), which are suitable for kids two years and up. 

These products are specifically formulated with 99.78% natural ingredients, with the remaining 0.22% being sodium fluoride, which assists in the remineralisation of enamel, making it more resistant to decay. The formula ensures a balanced fluoride concentration of 1000 ppm, which is carefully calibrated to help reduce cavities in young teeth without the risk of excessive fluoride exposure.

However, parents who still prefer fluoride-free toothpaste for toddlers can also check out the All Natural Enamel Safe Kids’ Toothpaste (Strawberry). This toothpaste is suitable for babies three months old and up, particularly those who have not yet learned to spit out toothpaste. Understanding this challenge, Pearlie White has intentionally formulated the toothpaste to be safe for accidental ingestions, easing the concern of parents regarding the health implications of such incidents.

This gentle formulation contains ingredients like Calendula and Xylitol, which are known to help reduce plaque buildup. To apply the toothpaste, gently rub it on their gums and milk teeth, nurturing their early dental hygiene with care.

But do note that while natural toothpastes offer a gentler option, they lack fluoride, which is important for cavity prevention. If your child is at higher risk for cavities or has already learned to spit out toothpaste, it’s worth considering the protective benefits fluoride provides.

3. Kid Friendly Flavour

It can sometimes be a challenge to encourage children to brush their teeth, particularly if they dislike the taste of their toothpaste. For example, the intense flavour of traditional mint can be off-putting for young kids, leading to resistance and making it difficult to establish regular brushing habits. This can turn what should be a straightforward daily routine into a struggle for both kids and parents.

To address this, consider choosing more child-friendly flavours, such as Pearlie White’s natural Strawberry and Blueberry toothpaste options, which are derived from plant-based sources. These varieties offer a mild and pleasing flavour, avoiding the artificial or overwhelming tastes that can deter young children.

By introducing these enjoyable and beneficially flavoured kids’ toothpaste, you can potentially make brushing a more delightful and anticipated part of your child’s routine. 

4. Low Relative Dentin Abrasivity

Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) measures how abrasive a toothpaste is against the dentin and enamel of teeth. To safeguard your children’s delicate teeth, consider choosing a toothpaste with an extremely low RDA, such as Pearlie White's options, which feature an RDA value under 30. This low abrasiveness helps prevent enamel erosion and reduces the risk of gum irritation, ensuring that the toothpaste provides a thorough clean without damaging young teeth and gums.

5. Free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in many toothpastes and serves as a foaming agent. However, it can be harsh, especially on young, sensitive mouths, potentially leading to irritation or canker sores. For this reason, it's recommended that children's toothpaste be free from SLS to provide a gentler brushing experience.

At Pearlie White, we are mindful of the ingredients in our toothpaste and ensure that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not included in any of our formulations. In addition to SLS, we avoid using other harsh ingredients such as Parabens, Triclosan, Titanium Dioxide, and Artificial Colouring in our kids' toothpaste. This approach is taken to minimise any potential irritation and to cater to the delicate nature of children’s oral health without compromising on cleanliness.

Oral Care Tips for Parents

1. Kids Only Need a Bit of Toothpaste 

Given all the sweets and treats kids consume, parents might think that using more toothpaste equals better cleaning, but this simply isn't true. Unlike adults, children need only a tiny amount of toothpaste to clean their teeth. 

Just a tiny smear the size of a grain of rice is sufficient for children under three years of age. For those older than three, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is adequate. This modest amount is enough to keep their young teeth and gums in good health.

2. Choose a Toothbrush That Makes Brushing Fun

Using toothbrushes with beloved characters can transform a mundane task into an exciting adventure. Take the BrushCare Kids Pop-Up Extra Soft Toothbrush, for example. Available in a delightful array of animal-themed options like Singa the Lion, Bear, Bunny, Panda, Penguin, Sheep, and Unicorn, it lets your child switch up their brushing routine by choosing a new character each time their toothbrush needs replacing.

With this engaging feature, the toothbrush is seen not just as a tool for cleaning but more like a toy that makes brushing their teeth fun rather than a chore. 

While playful features are emphasised, the design is kept practical, with a compact, rounded head and extra soft bristles to ensure it’s comfortable for kids over the age of three to use. Using a smaller toothbrush head makes it easier to reach those tricky spots, like the back teeth and around the gums, helping to make sure your child's teeth (and even yours) get the proper attention they need.

And for those who prefer something simple yet still engaging and strategically designed, the BrushCare Kids Enamel Protect Extra Soft Toothbrush offers a delightful brushing experience with its finely tapered bristles that clean gently and optimally.

3. Regular Dental Check-Ups Are Key

Parents should schedule dental check-ups for their children every six months or more frequently, depending on their specific needs. During these appointments, your child may receive a thorough dental cleaning, and the dentist will examine their teeth and gums for any early signs of problems. Catching issues early on can help ensure proper treatment and prevent more serious conditions, keeping your child’s smile healthy.

To support dental care between visits, tools like Pearlie White’s Lighted Dental Mirror can be useful for at-home check-ups. It allows you to see into those tricky areas where food might be stuck, or signs of decay might appear. This way, you can help maintain consistent care for your child’s teeth.

4. Monitor Brushing Time

Children often rush through brushing their teeth, which might mean they’re not cleaning them as thoroughly as needed, even with the right toothpaste. This could be because they find it tedious. To keep it engaging and ensure they brush for the recommended two minutes, consider singing along with them or playing a fun song that lasts for two minutes, such as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and "This Is the Way We Brush Our Teeth" 

 . This can help turn brushing into a more enjoyable experience.

5. Supervise Until Skillful

Parents should supervise their kids' brushing until they’re old enough or knowledgeable enough to do it correctly on their own. This way, you can ensure they brush for the full two minutes, thoroughly clean every part of their mouth, and don’t swallow any toothpaste.

Setting Up a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Good dental health is foundational for kids, and it all starts with the basics—like choosing the right toothpaste. As discussed above, oral care brands like Pearlie White offer toothpastes in Singapore that are specially formulated to make brushing a positive experience for kids. These products feature fun flavours and kid-friendly ingredients, making them a suitable option for parents aiming to instil optimal oral hygiene practices early on.

Consider exploring Pearlie White’s full range of dental products today to turn daily oral care into a fun, engaging ritual for your little ones. And while you're at it, feel free to browse our selection for yourself—whether you're looking for sensitive toothpastes, teeth-whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, or gum care products, there’s something for everyone in the family.