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It’s been drilled into you repeatedly since you were little: Brushing your teeth is important for healthy teeth and gums. And, naturally, finding the best toothpastes to help you get the job done is a crucial element.
FWIW, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. From there, “The qualities to look for in a toothpaste all depends on what you want and need out of a toothpaste,” says Julie Cho, DMD, a dentist in New York City and member of the American Dental Association. “Do you want something that will diminish your sensitivity to air and cold? Do you want anti-cavity protection? Do you want one that will help with dry mouth?” Figuring that out upfront will make the whole process of finding the right toothpaste for you that much easier. (We've got a whole variety of options ahead.)
Another pro tip: When you’re actually shopping for toothpaste, it’s helpful to keep eye out for the ADA seal of acceptance. This seal means that companies have demonstrated that the toothpaste is safe and effective at cleaning your teeth. Keep in mind that not all good toothpastes have this, but you can know that any toothpaste you choose with this seal is quality. Looking out for the seal “can help make your life easier,” says Nate Lawson, DMD, PhD, associate professor in the school of dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Got all that? There are a lot of different options out there, and it’s a little overwhelming to know where to start. Here are the best toothpastes out there.
Looking for a quality toothpaste that does it all?Lawson recommends Crest Pro Health. "It has a different type of fluoride than other brands calledstannous fluoride to help protect against cavities and gingivitis," he says. "It also helps protect your gums." Crest Pro Health also works to freshen your breath, fight tooth sensitivity, and whiten your teeth.
"Sensodyne is the gold standard" for sensitive teeth, Cho says. It contains potassium nitrate, which works to keep fluid from flowing through the tubules in your teeth, protecting your nerves in the process. Sensodyne alsooffers the same cavity protection benefits of regular toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
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Best For Fresh Breath
Colgate Total Toothpaste, Clean Mint
Now 20% Off
Colgate Total works to give you a whole mouth clean—and it has a yummy clean mint flavor for fresh breath. "If you want that foaminess which contributes to fresh breath sensation, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is the ingredient to look for,"Cho says. Colgate Total contains that, along with ingredients tofightplaque buildup andbacteria in your mouth.
Gum issues can be painful, and harsh toothpastes can make things even worse.Parodontax is specifically designed to be gentle on your gums while reducing plaque. It alsohelps keep the seal tight between your gums and teeth by killing bacteria at and along the gum line—and it gets the thumbs up from Cho.
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When it comes to a toothpaste that will get your teeth even whiter, Cho recommends looking for something with hydrogen peroxide in it.Colgate Optic White contains 2 percenthydrogen peroxide to help get rid of stains and yellow spots. It also has a deliciously minty flavor.
Just a heads up, from Cho:Whitening toothpastes can be more abrasive than other kinds, so stop using it if you get irritation in your mouth.
6
Best For Cavity Protection
Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Bright & Strong Fluoride Anti-Cavity Toothpaste
The biggest ingredient you need in an anti-cavity toothpaste is fluoride, Lawson says. Arm & Hammer's Anti-Cavity toothpaste hasbaking soda andperoxide for extra whitening, and active calcium and fluoride to strengthen your teeth.
If you're struggling with cavities, though, talk to your dentist. "You may need to get a prescription toothpaste with even more fluoride in it," Lawson says.
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Natural toothpastes are free ofartificial flavors, fragrances, and preservatives, Cho says. Some also don't have fluoride, but this natural toothpaste fromTom's of Maine does. It works to fend off cavities while freshening your breath and preventing tartar buildup. It's also not tested on animals.
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Best Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Hello Oral Care Fluoride Free Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste, Vegan & SLS Free, Natural Peppermint with Tea Tree Oil & Coconut Oil, 4 Count
Now 11% Off
Not everyone is into fluoride, and it's ultimately your choice.Hello's fluoride-free toothpaste fights plaque and stains on your teeth while taking out tartar. It also delivers a seriously fresh taste. Cho says it's one of the best fluoride-free toothpastes out there.
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Many charcoal toothpastes don't contain fluoride, which is a concern,Lawson says. But Crest Charcoal 3D White does, making it a great toothpaste to strengthen and whiten your teeth. The cool-lookingblack and white striped toothpaste remineralizes your teeth tostrengthen weakened tooth enamel.
Sometimes, you want to take toothpaste on the go without taking up space in your suitcase. Enter toothpaste tablets. This option from Hello is whitening and anti-plaque. It also has a fresh peppermint taste. Just a heads up:They're fluoride-free, so you probably don't want to make this your everyday toothpaste.
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This toothpaste is specially formulated to help tackle dry mouth symptoms. "Biotene contains glycerin, which serves as a lubricant, and sorbitol, which is an artificial sweetener,"Cho says. Together, those can be gentle and non-irritating for your mouth.
Korin Miller
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.