The 8 Best Toothpastes for Healthy Teeth and a Dazzling Smile (2024)

We chose Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste as the best overall because it addresses the main uses of an effective toothpaste. It contains fluoride, the leading active ingredient recommended by dentists to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. It thoroughly cleans teeth and removes harmful bacteria. The regular flavor freshens breath and leaves your mouth feeling clean. Plus, Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste is an affordable option for most budgets.

Protecting your teeth should not come with a hefty price tag. Crest Pro-Health Pro Toothpaste is an economical way to fight plaque build-up and prevent cavities. The foaming action helps the active ingredient reach every surface. After spitting out the excess, make sure to leave the remaining foam on your teeth so that the active ingredients can work as intended.³

Teeth that are discolored can put a damper on any smile. Luckily, there are a plethora of toothpastes on the market that make whitening your teeth at home easy and affordable. We like Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste. The toothpaste contains baking soda and peroxide, which work together to remove unwanted stains and whiten the teeth, making it a great pick to maintain bright teeth after using a teeth whitening kit.

Like most conventional toothpastes, this one uses sodium fluoride as an active ingredient. So while the toothpaste is working to whiten your teeth, it is also strengthening them and preventing tooth decay. Customers say they are left with a whiter smile after using Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste and it typically doesn’t cause sensitivity.

The first signs of gum disease are often bleeding gums, tenderness, and a receding gum line. Leaving it untreated can cause more harm to the mouth, so it is important to visit a dentist if you're experiencing symptoms. However, toothpastes such as Parodontax along with flossing regularly may help treat gum disease. Parodontax is formulated with stannous fluoride, which works to strengthen your teeth and keep the seal between the teeth and the gums tight.

Sensitive teeth can make eating and drinking uncomfortable. You may experience discomfort when your teeth come in contact with hot or cold foods and drinks. Sensodyne is the most recommended brand by dentists for treating sensitive teeth. Sensodyne Repair & Protect Whitening Toothpaste is formulated with stannous fluoride to relieve sensitivity and to repair and strengthen enamel. Sensitivity can also be caused by cavities and other factors, so it is best to consult a dentist if you're experiencing pain.

Worried about bad breath? TheraBreath Fresh Breath is dentist-formulated to stop halitosis. It whitens teeth and helps prevent cavities and canker sores too. The main ingredient is sodium fluoride, but it also contains xylitol and soothing aloe. Xylitol is a sweetener that reduces plaque and inhibits the bacteria that cause bad breath. Use TheraBreath Fresh Breath to brush your teeth and tongue 2-3 times a day, especially after meals for lasting fresh breath.

The discomfort of dry mouth can occur when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Symptoms of dry mouth may include bad breath, stickiness in your mouth, even difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by a number of reasons such as medication, tobacco and alcohol use, cancer therapy, or health conditions. Since saliva is vital in helping to prevent tooth decay and for overall well-being, consult your care provider to determine the root cause.

Biotene Fluoride Toothpaste can help make symptoms of dry mouth manageable while preventing tooth decay and freshening breath. The non-irritating formula is alcohol-free and sugar-free. The active ingredient is fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. Biotene is the number one brand recommended by dentist for dry mouth.

Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste is a more natural alternative to conventional toothpastes. Calcium carbonate is used as a mild abrasive to gently remove plaque buildup, while hydrated silica cleans and polishes teeth. Naturally-derived zinc citrate and sodium bicarbonate freshens your breath and xylitol fights bacteria. In addition to peppermint, Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste is available in spearmint and fennel flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does toothpaste expire, and can you use expired toothpaste?

  Toothpaste does come with an expiration date stamped on the end of the tube. It’s usually two years out from the date of purchase and plenty of time to brush through every ounce before the date rolls around. Expired toothpaste may harden over time, making it harder to use effectively.

• How much toothpaste should you use when brushing?

  The recommended amount of toothpaste to use when brushing varies by age. The ADA recommends that children use a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) from the time the first tooth erupts until they're three years old. From three years through adulthood, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient. These small amounts help ensure children don't ingest unsafe amounts of fluoride.

  
  As tempting as it may be to squeeze a large swirl of toothpaste as seen on commercials, adults don’t actually need that much. “For adults, you want to use about a pea-sized amount of toothpaste,” Dr. Kennedy says. “Remember, it is not about how much toothpaste that you’re putting in there because you’re going to spit out all of the extra. It is about allowing it to stay on after you have brushed your teeth so that the active ingredients have time to work.”

• How does the ADA choose which products make the seal of acceptance?

  The ADA has a set requirements that toothpastes must meet to earn the seal of acceptance. The ADA uses the requirements listed in the ANSI/ADA Standard No. 130 for Dentifrices - Requirements, Test Methods and Marking to analyze each product, and uses additional lab studies to determine whether or not a toothpaste is fit for the seal. While the process of getting a toothpaste accepted is extensive, one general requirement of all products on the seal of acceptance list is that they must all contain fluoride.

• How much does toothpaste cost? Are more expensive brands better?

  Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste with Fluoride is our overall best pick and a great bargain. Available on Amazon in a package of six 6 ounce tubes for $10, that’s just $0.28 per ounce.

  The price of toothpaste can range from under $5 to over $10 per tube on the higher end. Many brands fall somewhere in the middle. Typically toothpaste costs less per ounce when you buy in bulk, such as the two to six tube packs. Don’t be afraid to shop around to price compare. Several options may be available on Amazon and drug store websites. In person, you may find the best bargain on your favorite toothpaste at the grocery store. Sometimes manufacturer coupons are available to help you save more money. We’ve even found name brands at the dollar store, TJ Maxx and similar retailers.

  Toothpastes targeting a specific issue, such as whitening are often more expensive due to added ingredients like charcoal or peroxide. Other times we’re paying for options such as a different flavor or a gel versus paste. Look beyond flashy packaging and read the label to ensure the toothpaste meets your needs. ADA-accepted toothpastes will contain fluoride, the main active ingredient for cavity prevention and healthy teeth. Beyond that, it’s a matter of personal choice or following your dentist’s recommendations.

  Learn More:How to Keep a Healthy Smile Into Old Age