5 Best Natural Toothpastes for Toddlers

As a natural-living, health-conscious parent, I've never been excited about the bizarre, moderately toxic chemicals that end up in children's toothpaste. The trace amounts of petrochemicals in kids' toothpaste are probably harmless in the small doses that most children will swallow, but I'm concerned about the ecological impact of conventional toothpaste. Natural children's toothpastes offer a safer, healthier, greener alternative for parents who prefer herbs and minerals over petrochemicals and aspartame.

My toddler has sampled several natural children's toothpastes, and the following products have been her favorites:

Animal Parade

My daughter adores her Animal Parade tooth gel, which is manufactured by the renowned supplement manufacturer Nature's Plus. This fluoride-free, baby-safe formula contains herbal extracts, bacteria-fighting enzymes and baking soda. The natural cherry flavor is delicious-- I've tried it myself!

Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a staple toothpaste for natural-living families; their grown-up formula is the only natural toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. The "Silly Strawberry" children's formula is safe for young children because it contains no fluoride or chemical additives. Nontoxic cleansers like silica and calcium can gently clean your child's teeth.

Wedela

While Wedela children's tooth gel lacks the taste appeal of Animal Parade and Tom's of Maine, it is ideal for parents who want radically natural toothpaste. This mildly minty children's formula contains no nebulous, vague "natural" ingredients; each ingredient is minimally processed and easy to recognize.

Burt's Bees

In the midst of a massive bee-killing epidemic, companies like Burt's Bees provide headway against ecological collapse. My daughter likes both flavors of Burt's Bees natural kids' toothpaste-- it comes in both Berry and Orange. These SLS-free, fluoride-free formulas are a bit pricey, but they work well and support a great, green company.

Natural Dentist

This natural kids' toothpaste is hard to find in my area, but my daughter seems to like it. Natural Dentist toothpaste is extremely mild and doesn't have much flavor, so it's ideal for kids who are picky about dental health products. My only concern: these toothpastes are so mild that they don't always "feel" like they are working.