Bambini is an ongoing column that features Bamboo’s favourite eco parenting ideas and products, for children of all ages.

Have you looked at the ingredient list on your child’s toothpaste tube lately?

If not, here’s reason to: not only do most children’s toothpastes contain generous amounts of petroleum, tar-derived dyes and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, a synthetic, foaming ingredient often found in shampoos, soaps and floor cleaners), experts say that one mainstream tube has enough fluoride to kill a child if consumed in one sitting.

What’s the healthy alternative? Here are Bamboo’s picks:

Green Beaver Zesty Orange Natural Toothpaste: This vegan, biodegradable, gluten- and nut-free Canadian option also lacks fluoride and SLS.

Tom’s of Maine Silly Strawberry Children’s Toothpaste: Drawing on kids’ natural affinity for all things fruit flavoured, this paste uses calcium and silica to clean teeth and is also fluoride-free.

Burt’s Bees Kids Natural Berry Bee Toothpaste: This toothpaste has cranberry extract to fight plaque-producing bacteria, as well as calcium and phosphorous to build strong teeth. It’s also free of SLS, fluoride, artificial colors, flavours, preservatives and sweeteners.

Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste: Free of SLS, artificial colours, preservatives and sweeteners, it helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.