Children’s toothpaste recall: What’s included and what you need to know

More than 4.3 million tubes of fluoride toothpaste — many of them kid-themed, in flavors like bubble gum, strawberry and watermelon — were voluntarily recalled nationwide after the Food and Drug Administration reported manufacturing problems at the factory that made them.

The recall covers several brands sold under licensed character names, as well as a handful of lesser-known labels, and includes tubes with expiration dates extending into mid-2028, meaning some of the affected toothpaste could be in your medicine cabinet right now.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported. Still, the FDA says families should check lot numbers and expiration dates to see if their toothpaste is part of the recall. Below I detail exactly which products are affected, how to know if you have one, and what to do next.

Why have more than 4 million tubes of toothpaste been recalled?

The FDA announced the recall of more than 4.3 million tubes of fluoridated toothpaste distributed nationwide due to ongoing deviations in good manufacturing practices. These are federal standards intended to ensure that products are manufactured consistently and safely, so a deviation means that the manufacturing process did not meet requirements, not necessarily that the toothpaste itself is harmful.

The voluntary recall was initiated on September 10 by Pritam International Private Limited, an India-based manufacturer, and the FDA classified it as a Class II recall on October 19. A Class II recall involves products that may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, for which the risk of serious harm is considered unlikely. The FDA notice did not report any illnesses or injuries related to the recalled toothpaste.

Most of the affected tubes were intended for children. The recalled products include toothpaste sold under the Brush Buddies, Crayola, Hot Wheels and My Little Pony brands, in flavors such as bubble gum, strawberry, watermelon, peppermint, sweet mint and cool mint. They were distributed by Ashtel Studios Inc. of Ontario, California, and are available in 3.5-ounce and 4-ounce tubes, plus a two-pack of 3.5-ounce tubes.

Affected products carry expiration dates of November 2026 through June 2028, and consumers should check the lot numbers and expiration dates on the FDA recall notice to see if theirs is included.

What to do if you have the recalled toothpaste

The FDA recall notice does not include specific instructions for consumers, and neither the manufacturer nor the distributor has issued public guidance on returns or refunds. In the meantime, the safest thing is to stop using the toothpaste immediately and throw it away. Start by checking the brand, lot number, and expiration date on your tube against the FDA recall notice; if it matches, throw it out and switch to another fluoride toothpaste so your family’s brushing routine isn’t interrupted.

Keep your receipt or take a photo of the packaging before throwing it away, in case a refund process is announced later. No illnesses or injuries have been reported, but if you or your child has used the product and has any concerns, you should contact your dentist or doctor immediately.

Other toothpastes to use instead

The toothpastes below have not been recalled and have received an average rating of at least four stars from thousands of customers.

My kids love this toothpaste – in fact, it’s the only one they’ll ever use. The fruity flavor makes brushing less painful, while the fluoride fights cavities and the calcium and silica gently clean teeth. It is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and is suitable for children ages 2 and up.

The bright, sparkling blue color of this toothpaste will delight children. Plus, the fluoridated formula fights cavities while remaining gentle on enamel, and it carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It is suitable for children aged 2 and over, under adult supervision.

If you can’t decide which Hello Kids flavor your little one will love, get this variety pack that lets them try all three and choose their favorite. Each toothpaste comes in a brightly colored tube with an easy-flip cap that lies flat when closed, so it fits perfectly on the bathroom counter.

If you had one of the recalled adult toothpastes, Crest Pro-Health Advanced is a reliable replacement for a brand you already know. It is an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste that fights plaque bacteria and promotes gum health. It also helps whiten teeth and strengthen enamel.

Why trust NBC Selected?

I’m a business editor at NBC Selected and a reporter who regularly covers wellness and lifestyle, among other topics. I’ve also written about the cyclosporiasis outbreak and the recent egg recall.