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Toothbrushes, whether electric or manual, are not the only important factor to consider when it comes to oral hygiene. The right toothpaste can make or break your dental health. But with seemingly endless options available for adults, shopping for the right tube can be a challenge. Plus, there are so many different variations to choose from based on your needs, including toothpastes that whiten teeth, prevent tartar buildup, optimize gum health, and more.
SKIP AHEAD The best toothpaste for adults. | How to buy toothpaste | Toothpaste for special needs
We talked to dentists about what to avoid and how to buy toothpaste, including key ingredients to look for and avoid. We’ve also rounded up a handful of toothpastes that will deep clean your teeth, prevent cavities, and freshen your breath after you use them.
Our top picks
How we choose the best toothpastes
- American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: When you see the ADA Seal of Acceptancemeans that the brand sent data and other materials to the ADA and the organization determined that the product meets specified safety and efficacy requirements, explained Dr. Edmond Hewlettprofessor at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
- Fluoride: All toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride, an ingredient that experts told us is tried to be effective in the fight against cavities.
- Flavor: As long as the toothpaste you choose has the ADA seal, the taste is entirely a personal preference.
- specialized options: In addition to protecting teeth from cavities, some toothpastes offer additional benefits such as whitening or are made for those who experience tooth sensitivity, for example.
The best toothpastes for adults in July 2023
Below, we’ve highlighted basic toothpaste varieties, as well as some options designed for sensitive teeth, which experts said anyone can use, regardless of whether or not you have tooth sensitivity. If you’re looking for the best whitening toothpaste or the best toothpaste for kids, we’ve rounded up the ADA-accepted options separately. For each product, we include its flavor and the size of each tube.
The best anti-cavity toothpaste
Aim cavity protector gel
Flavor: Ultra Mint | Size: 5.5 ounces
Colgate Cavity Protection Fluoride Toothpaste
Flavor: Mint | Size: 6 ounces (two tubes)
Crest Cavity Protection Cool Mint Gel
Flavor: fresh mint | Size: 8.2 ounces
Arm & Hammer dental care toothpaste
Flavor: Fresh Mint | Size: 6.3 ounces
Parodontax Clean Mint Daily Fluoride Toothpaste
Flavor: Mint | Size: 3.4 ounces
SprinJene Fresh Boost Fluoride Toothpaste
Flavor: Mint | Size: 5 ounces
Quip Mint Anticavity Toothpaste
Flavor: Mint or Watermelon | Size: 4.6 ounces
PRO-SYS Peppermint Fluoride Toothpaste Gel
Flavor: Mint | Size: 4 ounces (three tubes)
best sensitive toothpaste
Crest Pro-Health Gum and Sensitivity
Flavor: Mint | Size: 3.7 ounces
CloSYS Fluoride Toothpaste
Flavor: mild mint | Size: 7 ounces
Sensodyne toothpaste
Flavor: Fresh mint and fresh impact | Size: 4 ounces (two tubes) | Select the 2023 Wellness Awards Winner
Aloe Sense Toothpaste
Flavor : Fresh mint | Size: 5 ounces
How to buy toothpaste
When shopping for a new tube, there are three main questions to consider, said Dr. Breno Reboucasprofessor at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine:
- Does it have the ADA Seal of Acceptance?
- Does it contain fluoride?
- Does it address any additional needs that your specific teeth may require?
All toothpastes that earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride, and while Hewlett said there’s been controversy about fluoride for decades, “it’s one of the best-documented therapies in all of dentistry,” he explained. Additionally, toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance do not contain flavoring agents such as sugar that cause or contribute to tooth decay.
Aside from choosing a toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, choosing one is mostly a matter of personal preference, Reboucas said. As long as you don’t select a fluoride-free option, anything you like to use is the right choice for you.
Brushing your teeth with toothpaste is just one element of an oral care routine, according to Hewlett. To effectively remove plaque and prevent cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and bad breath, you should also visit your dentist regularly, as well as use mouthwash and floss every day (or floss).
Toothpaste for special needs
Some adults’ teeth have additional needs that specialized toothpaste options can address. Reboucas said that specialty toothpastes contain specific active ingredients to help with issues like sensitivity and tartar buildup. Some whitening options are made with hydrogen peroxide, the same ingredient often found in other teeth whitening products, to remove surface stains from your teeth. Anti-erosion toothpastes generally contain ingredients to restore the minerals in tooth enamel, such as sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride, and harden them over time.
The experts told us that it’s important to talk with your dentist about your unique oral hygiene needs to decide whether to purchase a specialty toothpaste. “Your dentist knows your oral health status better than anyone and is an advocate for your oral health, so check with them and see what toothpaste they recommend for you,” Hewlett said.
What about charcoal toothpaste, “natural” toothpaste, and solid toothpaste?
Dentists often answer questions from patients about “trends” in the toothpaste space and whether these products are effective. We asked the experts to share some of the most common toothpaste trends they’re asked about and what we should know about them.
charcoal toothpaste
Charcoal is often considered an ingredient that can absorb toxins and bacteria on the teeth or in the mouth, similar to how it purifies water. However, experts agree that you should not use it. There are no charcoal toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and a study published in The Journal of The American Dental Association found that there was not enough evidence to support claims of efficacy. The experts also said that using charcoal toothpaste can damage the outer layer of enamel, as charcoal is abrasive.
“Natural” toothpaste
“Currently, the FDA does not define the term ‘natural toothpaste,’ which leaves it up to consumers to define what natural means to them,” said Dr. kate zoumboukos of SW Austin Dental. He said it’s common for the term “natural toothpaste” to describe options that are free of artificial flavors and ingredients, preservatives, sweeteners and colors. Experts agree that any toothpaste marketed as “natural” is effective as long as it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
solid toothpaste
Toothpaste usually comes in gel or paste form, but some brands sell solid toothpaste, usually in tablet form that you chew into a gum-like substance before brushing your teeth with it. There are no solid toothpaste options that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance and therefore do not meet our expert recommendations.
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Edmond HewlettDDS, is a professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he also serves as associate dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Dr. Breno Reboucas He is a professor at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and teaches pediatric dentistry and general dentistry. He also practices at the Boston University Center for Dental Health.
- Dr. kate zoumboukos practices dentistry at SW Austin Dental in Texas. He also participates in humanitarian dental mission trips and regularly speaks at local schools about the dental profession.
Why trust Select?
Zoe Malin has been covering dental care for over a year at Select and has written guides on teeth whitening products, dental floss, toothbrushes and more. For this article, Ella Zoe interviewed three dentists and researched dozens of toothpastes on the market. We recommend toothpastes that meet expert buying recommendations, contain fluoride, and have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
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