Overview
- Öko‑Test published an assessment of 20 junior toothpastes in issue 8/2026, reported on July 30, 2026, and found 11 products received the top grade “sehr gut.”
- Nearly all tested pastes declare 1,450 ppm fluoride, the level dental groups recommend for children in the tooth‑changing phase because newly erupted permanent teeth need stronger cavity protection.
- One fluoride‑free junior toothpaste that relies solely on hydroxyapatite was rated “ungenügend” because Öko‑Test judged the current study evidence for hydroxyapatite too limited to replace fluoride as the main anticaries agent.
- A different product was downgraded to “ausreichend” after testers penalized it for containing sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming agent known to irritate oral mucous membranes and potentially aggravate sensitive gums during the tooth change.
- The cheapest successful products cost about €0.25 per 50 ml, which supports parents choosing inexpensive store‑brand junior pastes, and the report reinforces expert advice to brush twice daily for two minutes with parental supervision until around age eight.