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Brushing your teeth may not be a daily activity that you pay a ton of attention to, but it’s much more important than you might realize. According to the American Dental Association, oral health is linked to our overall health—in other words, poor dental hygiene can end up affecting more than just your teeth.
The point is, brushing (and flossing) your teeth at least twice daily is non-negotiable. But what kind of toothpaste should you use to do so? “Ultimately, the best toothpaste for you is one that is your personal favorite and is going to help encourage you to brush your teeth the recommended two to three times a day,” says cosmetic dentist Dr. Victoria Veytsman, DDS, founder of Cosmetic Dental Studios. There are different types such as fluoride toothpaste, sensitivity toothpaste, and whitening toothpaste, so consider both what your teeth are like and the goals you want to achieve; when in doubt, any toothpaste with the ADA seal is a good choice, she adds.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Victoria Veytsman, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist and founder of Cosmetic Dental Studios in New York City.
Read on to check out our list of some of the best toothpaste out there.
Best Overall: Crest Pro Health Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste
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Multi-tasking formula
Has ADA seal
Fairly small tube
There’s not much this do-it-all formula can’t do; it covers pretty much any and every issue, from cavities to gingivitis to plaque to stains to bad breath. It also touts that oh-so-important American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, meaning it’s passed lab tests and been vetted for efficacy and to meet the high standards of the ADA. Plus, the minty flavor is yummy and it’s super affordable.
Active Ingredients: Flouride | Size: 3.5 ounces
Best Budget: Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste
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Courtesy of Walmart
Very effective for whitening
Affordable
Hydrogen peroxide can trigger tooth sensitivity
“The active ingredients in this toothpaste are hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, which doubles the whitening effectiveness,” says Hang. “The peroxide removes stains as baking soda gently whitens and neutralizes acids that erode enamels,” she explains. Not to mention that the tube is larger than most and rings in at a very affordable price.
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, fluoride | Size: 6.3 ounces
Best for Gum Health: Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste
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Courtesy of Crest
Great for gum health
Has ADA seal
Pricey
Gum disease is no joke; more and more research indicates that there is a direct link between it and heart disease. It’s something that should be diagnosed (and treated) by your dentist, but using a toothpaste formulated to keep your gums in good shape, like this one, is a good idea. It, too, has the ADA’s seal of approval; the activated foam helps break down plaque in tough to reach spots, like along your gum line. It’s also cooling, keeping your gums and mouth nice and fresh.
Active Ingredients: Flouride | Size: 4.1 ounces
Best for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
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Can help reduce sensitivity over time
Whitens and strengthens teeth
Pricey
“If you’re prone to tooth sensitivity when it comes to temperature and touch, Sensodyne is what I always recommend,” says Veystman. “This one helps to whiten and remove stains, too.” It’s also a top pick for New York City cosmetic dentist Dr. Fadwa Robb, DDS. “Tooth sensitivity, which can be quite uncomfortable, is caused by many things, including fractures, thinning enamel, and gum recession. The potassium nitrate in Sensodyne Pronamel will calm tooth nerve activity and reduce pain signals. Additionally, sodium fluoride assists in fortifying your enamel, which also leads to less sensitivity. With continued use, it can significantly reduce your tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet stimuli,” she explains.
Active Ingredients: Fluoride, potassium nitrate | Size: 4.1 ounces
Best for Sensitive Teeth, Runner-Up: Hello Sensitivity Relief + Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
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Vegan, cruelty-free formula
Free of dyes and artificial sweeteners
Could be slightly mintier
New York City dentist Dr. Sharon Huang, DDS, says this is her top pick for those who have booth tooth sensitivity but also want a whitening formula. “It contains a 5% concentration of potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity, the maximum strength you can get over-the-counter,” she explains. She also lauds it for touting cavity-fighting sodium fluoride.
Active Ingredients: Fluoride, potassium nitrate | Size: 4.7 ounces
Best Whitening: Colgate Optic White Renewal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
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Courtesy of Amazon
Very effective for whitening
Enamel-safe formula
Hydrogen peroxide can trigger tooth sensitivity
This is Robb’s go-to for anyone seeking a brighter, whiter smile. Most whitening toothpaste works by gently buffing off stains with mildly abrasive ingredients; this formula contains those but also has a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which has bleaching powers, she explains. “For those who want to maximize their in-office tooth whitening through toothpaste, this is a great choice for daily use,” she says.
Active Ingredients: Fluoride, hydrogen peroxide | Size: 3 ounces
Best Tablets: Bite Fresh Mint Toothpaste Bits
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Courtesy of Bite
Vegan, cruelty-free formula
Good for travel
Comes in various flavors
Sustainable
Pricey
Toothpaste tablets aren’t necessarily new, but they are becoming a more and more popular alternative. Not only are they super convenient (especially for travel), they also are a more sustainable option than traditional tubes. These fluoride-free ones rely on nano-hydroxyapatite instead, a mineral that helps strengthen and restore tooth enamel. All you have to do is bite down on one and brush with a wet toothbrush; it foams upon contact. We also like that these come in five flavors, including unique ones such as berry and coco mango.
Active Ingredients: Nano-hydroxyapatite | Size: 62 bits
Best for Cavity Protection: Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride
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Amazon
Multi-tasking formula
Nice minty flavor
Pricey
There’s a good reason why fluoride pops up in so many kinds of toothpaste. “It’s a cavity-fighter that will make your teeth resistant to cavities and stronger overall,” explains Veytsman. She’s a fan of this toothpaste, lauding it for its multi-tasking abilities. “It has a great flavor, is non-abrasive, and anti-cavity. There’s also a version for sensitive teeth, too,” she says.
Active Ingredients: Fluoride | Size: 4.7 ounces each
Best Fluoride-Free: RinseWell Natural Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
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Good natural formula
Strengthens teeth
Reviewers say it's hard to dispense
On the flips side, if you’d like to stick with a fluoride-free option, Huan recommends this one. “The active ingredient is hydroxyapatite, which strengthens and restores tooth enamel. It also uses xylitol to inhibit bad bacteria, gentle scrubbers like silica, and antibacterial tea tree oil,” she says. Plus, the flavor is all naturally derived from wild mint and peppermint oils.
Active Ingredients: Hydroxyapatite | Size: 4 ounces
Best Duo: Twice Classic Duo
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Comes in various flavors
Multi-tasking formula
Pricey
You use different skincare products in the morning and at night, so why not change up your toothpaste, too? Sure, it may be a little extra to have two different kinds of toothpaste, but it’s also kind of fine. With this set, you get one option for the morning, their "Invigorating" minty flavor, and one for the evening, their "Calming" lavender and vanilla variant. Still, both formulas contain cavity-fighting fluoride, potassium nitrate, and vitamins.
Active Ingredients: Fluoride, potassium nitrate | Size: 3.4 ounces each
Best Natural: David's Premium Natural Toothpaste
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Good natural formula
Comes in various flavors
EWG verified
Reviewers say texture is liquid-y
Dispensing can take some getting used to
Those seeking a more natural toothpaste alternative should consider this pick, which is EWG verified. Fluoride- and sulfate-free, it relies on ingredients such as peppermint oil and baking soda and comes in a recyclable chic metal tube with a turnkey (also recyclable).
Active Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, baking soda | Size: 5.25 ounces
Runner-Up, Best Natural: Dirt Don't Hurt Brighten, Detoxify + Remineralize Mineral Tooth Powder
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Great value
Totally clean formula
Helps to whiten and strengthen
Can be somewhat messy
Albeit a bit messy, powdered toothpaste is always a great natural pick since it doesn’t require the same types of preservatives as its classic gel counterparts. This natural formula contains earth clays, essential oils, and herbs to safely and effectively care for your teeth. It works by neutralizing acids and bacteria in your mouth to create an alkaline environment, while trace minerals help strengthen and whiten as they clean your teeth. And while the price may feel somewhat steep for toothpaste, each two-ounce jar will last you up to six months.
Active Ingredients: Earth clays, essential oils, herbs | Size: 2 ounces
Best for Dry Mouth: Biotene Specially Formulated Fluoride Toothpaste
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Courtesy of Amazon
Moisturizing
Nice minty flavor
Pricey
True story: A dry mouth and bad breath often go hand-in-hand. (Severe dry mouth, aka xerostomia, is a condition in which your salivary glands don’t produce enough spit to keep your mouth wet.) Enter this pick, specially formulated to help soothe and moisturize a dry mouth; happy reviewers rave about how well it works. It’s also free of potentially irritating alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Active Ingredients: Fluoride | Size: 4.3 ounces
Final Verdict
Not all toothpaste is created equal, and there is plenty to pick from. The Crest Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste is our overall favorite, a do-it-all formula that’s earned the ADA’s seal of approval. If you’re after brighter, whiter teeth, try Colgate Optic White Renewal, and if you have sensitivity, Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste is beloved by dentists. (It contains an ingredient to help reduce sensitivity over time.) And if you’re looking for a convenient on-the-go choice that’s also more sustainable, check out the Bite Fresh Mint Toothpaste Bits, which are also a great option for anyone who is seeking out a natural, fluoride-free toothpaste.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Fadwa Robb, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist at Madison Dental Partners in New York City.
- Dr. Sharon Huang, DDS, MICOI, is a cosmetic dentist and founder of Les Belles NYC, one of the fastest-growing dental practices in Manhattan.
What to Look For in a Toothpaste
Fluoride
According to Huang, this is a key active ingredient to look for. “It makes teeth enamel stronger and helps remineralize early-stage cavities,” she says.
Hydroxyapatite
Want to go fluoride-free? Huang says this is the best alternative to help remineralize teeth.
Potassium Nitrate
If you’re prone to tooth sensitivity, Huang suggests seeking out this ingredient in your toothpaste, as it helps reduce it.
Avoid Charcoal
Both Huang and Robb say to avoid this now-popular toothpaste ingredient, warning that it can be too abrasive and cause enamel wear with long-term use. They also note that there is little evidence of any benefits.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s a devoted tooth brusher (and newly committed flosser) and loves trying out all kinds of new toothpaste regularly.