We took a deep dive to pick out the best toothpastes on the market, because if you’re like us, your oral hygiene routine likely hasn’t changed much since you were a kid: Flossing every night, brushing two times daily, and visiting the dentist twice a year for a checkup. And while you can pick from a variety of toothbrushes, mouthwash, and floss, toothpaste is where the rubber really meets the road.
Maybe it’s time to make some tailored changes to your toothpaste, too, depending on your particular needs. Say, for a sensitive smile, plaque proclivity, or even a bigger budget. Maybe you’re chasing a bright, made-for-TV smile? Or perhaps you’re prone to killer breath and need to counter the odorous bacteria. And, every so often, gingivitis comes for us all, whether we’ve been neglecting the floss, brushing with the same brush for too long, or ducking the dentist.
So we rounded up the very best toothpaste (and, more importantly, our most trusted dentists’ favorite toothpaste) that take aim at a variety of concerns. It’s time to brush up.
The Best Toothpaste, According to GQ
Looking for Something Specific?
The Best Toothpaste for Gum Health: Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste
Gum care is the key to perfect teeth. When gum tissue is strong, it prevents bone loss and tooth decay. “Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean toothpaste contains stannous fluoride, which has a greater range of benefits compared to the more common sodium fluoride,” says Dr. Keith Bracy, DDS, in NYC. “In addition to cavity and sensitive teeth protection, stannous fluoride fights bacterial endotoxins in your gums, reducing bleeding and inflammation.” In other words: better toothpaste means a healthier mouth. Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS, FIADFE, at Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist, agrees, touting the fluoride toothpaste’s ability to prevent cavities and improve breath overall.
The Best Affordable Toothpaste: Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste
You’re not struggling with bad breath, gum health, or other oral health issues (congratulations), so all you really need is some regular ol’ toothpaste that doesn’t cost the same price as a non-insured trip to the dentist. All you need is something to get rid of plaque buildup because having to deal with tartar is no fun. Colgate’s affordable Cavity Protection toothpaste has what you need—i.e. classic fluoride—to make sure you’re not saying “ah” with a few holes in your teeth and it’ll keep you smelling minty fresh throughout the day, meal after meal. Plus, you’ll notice the ADA seal on the packaging, which means the American Dental Association deems this toothpaste as safe and effective—not bad for something that costs two bucks a pop.
According to the University of Utah, one in eight Americans have tooth sensitivity, which can be pain caused by extreme temperatures, certain foods, or any other stimuli. Sensitive toothpaste will help those with dentinal hypersensitivity to make sure they can take care of their teeth without being in agony. “No whitening toothpaste is strong enough to dramatically whiten teeth on its own,” says Dr. Timothy Chase, DDS, of Smiles NY in NYC. “But if you’re looking to achieve a brighter smile, I would recommend Sensodyne Extra Whitening toothpaste. It is one of the least abrasive options out there with fluoride, whitening and anti-sensitivity ingredients, for those with sensitive teeth. Many of the other whitening toothpastes are too abrasive and can cause loss of tooth enamel. Sensodyne helps remove stains for a whiter smile with twice daily brushing.”
The Best Toothpaste to Counter Bad Breath: Smartmouth Refreshing Mint
“SmartMouth’s toothpaste fights the real cause of bad breath: sulfur gas,” says Bracy. “Many oral care products mask bad breath with a clean mint flavor. This toothpaste contains zinc ions that bind to sulfur, eliminating a common source of bad breath.” If bad breath haunts you, consider investing in SmartMouth’s oral rinse as well, since it contains zinc ions. If you brush and rinse in the morning, you’ll have fresh breath all day, and if you do the same at night, you should wake without morning breath.
The Best Whitening Toothpaste: Opalescence Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
If your pearly whites aren’t so pearly, you’re probably in the market for a whitening toothpaste. Dr. Erin Fraundorf, DMD, MS, an orthodontist and the owner of BOCA Orthodontic+Whitening Studio, says that she’s hesitant about recommending whitening toothpaste because of the potential for causing permanent damage such as gum tissue loss and enamel abrasion. She’s also very against charcoal toothpaste, which use “large abrasive particles” that can cause severe damage to your teeth and gums. If she had to recommend a whitening toothpaste, however, she says Opalescence makes an excellent option because of its lower relative dental abrasion, or RDA, which means it’ll help remove stains (i.e. whiten your teeth) while being safe enough for daily use without the worry of wearing down the enamel. And pro tip: Fraundorf says the safest way to use whitening toothpaste at home is by using it with an electric toothbrush that has a pressure sensor so you don’t end up shaving your teeth down to a nub.
The Best Toothpaste for Cavity Protection: Twice Remineralizing Toothpaste
Truth be told, using any toothpaste is cavity protection in and of itself, yet while many on this list have their own specific targets, we like this one from Twice, which Dr. Mariam Zade, DDS, at JBL New York City, also recommends. “It contains high-quality, safe ingredients like fluoride and zinc citrate to strengthen enamel, fight cavities, and freshen breath,” she says. “It avoids additives like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and triclosan, and instead uses natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamins for a gentle yet effective clean.”
The Best Fluoride-Free Remineralizing Toothpaste: Boka Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Boka ditches fluoride since the ingredient can cause sensitivities for some quarter of the population. This remineralizing toothpaste substitutes nano-hydroxyapatite (N-Ha) in place of fluoride. N-Ha is the foundation of our teeth and bones, and rebuilds tooth structure while reducing sensitivity. So, the more, the merrier! On top of that, peppermint oils provide a refreshing kick.
FAQ
What’s the best toothpaste?
We wouldn’t say there’s one toothpaste to rule them all as each person will have different oral health concerns—like cavity prevention, sensitivity, whitening, gum health, or using a natural toothpaste—that they’d want to address. Look at the active ingredients in all the toothpastes you’re choosing between and make sure the one you choose actually addresses your needs.
What’s the best toothpaste to whiten teeth?
Different types of toothpaste will advertise their ability to whiten teeth, but for serious teeth-whitening action, go to a professional. We think Opalescence makes the best whitening toothpaste based on Fraundorf’s recommendation, but she does want to clarify that there are two types of whitening: mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical whitening happens through “physical means,” which means you’re physically removing surface stains to get back to that pure sparkly white enamel. This will come in the form of ingredients like baking soda, calcium carbonate, or charcoal. Chemical whitening relies on some sort of solution, like hydrogen peroxide, which oxidizes stains to remove color and make teeth look whiter. You’ll recognize this kind of whitening if you’ve ever used a teeth whitening strip, which is basically a tamer version of what they’d use on your teeth if you were to go to the dentist’s office.
Why should I brush my teeth twice a day?
“The mouth is the gateway to your body, making it important to keep the oral microbiome balanced and healthy,” Zade says. “The primary function of brushing is to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth throughout the day. When plaque is not adequately removed, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.”
Brushing in the morning helps to get rid of bad breath and remove bacteria that’s built up overnight, while brushing at night will remove food and germs that have accumulated during the day. As Fraundorf reminds us: “The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time,” and taking care of your oral health will generally lead to better overall health.
What to Look For in Toothpastes
With all the toothpaste options that line the aisles and crowd Amazon’s search pages, it’s hard to know what exactly to look for to stock in your medicine cabinet. Here’s what to look out for when shopping for the best toothpastes for you, according to Wei.
Fluoride content: Fluoride is one of the most popular toothpaste ingredients for a reason: It works. By strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay, fluoride should be at the top of your checklist when shopping for a new toothpaste.
Dental concerns: Think about what you want from your toothpaste. Feel like you have chronic bad breath? Maybe your family has a history of gum disease. Or maybe you just want a smile that lights up a room (but that leans a little more white than yellow). Make sure you’re shopping for a toothpaste that addresses those concerns, and check out the ingredients (more on that below) to make sure you’re actually getting what you paid for.
Taste: No, you’re not eating your toothpaste, but you do have to keep it in your mouth for two minutes. Find a toothpaste that won’t trigger your gag reflexes, and as Wei notes, if you actually like the flavor of your toothpaste, you’ll be more likely to brush regularly.
American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: “Nine out of 10 dentists,” is something you’ll hear a lot when it comes to oral hygiene products, but forget about those unnamed white coats. Look for toothpastes that carry the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, “which indicates that it meets strict criteria for safety and effectiveness,” Wei says.
Age: If you’re shopping for yourself (assuming you’re 18 and above), age isn’t a huge factor in your choosing of a toothpaste. However, if you’re shopping for a child, make sure you choose something age-appropriate, which generally means something with a lower fluoride content. The side effects of the overuse of fluoride—especially for children who may accidentally swallow their toothpaste—can lead to fluorosis, which can cause discoloration and decay of the teeth.
Dental consultations: Above all else, ask your dentist for their toothpaste recommendations. Nobody knows your teeth better than your dentist, and they can help you find the right toothpaste to ensure your oral health is at the top of its game.
Common Toothpaste Ingredients
Every toothpaste has a different formulation depending on what you want to address with your oral hygiene—whitening, bad breath, gum protection—so we asked our dentists to break down the various common active ingredients in toothpastes so you can know what to look for when shopping.
Fluoride: One of the most well-known toothpaste ingredients, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to reduce cavities. Fraundorf says that the mineral “helps to remineralize the enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by bacteria in plaque that can erode enamel.”
Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA): Fraundorf recommends that anyone looking for a natural toothpaste (or an alternative to fluoride) looks into toothpastes featuring nano-hydroxyapatite, which she says is the “only other active oral care ingredient that has been shown in studies to aid in repairing enamel.” Nano-hydroxyapatite rebuilds enamel by filling in the voids in your teeth while simultaneously helping to reduce tooth sensitivity. Fraundorf also notes that nHA is safe for all ages, and “poses no risk of side effects like fluoride does in high doses.”
Potassium nitrate: People with sensitive teeth will want to find toothpastes that have potassium nitrate, which Fraundorf calls a “game changer.” It’s a desensitizing agent that, when used regularly, can reduce dental sensitivity, whether it’s chronic or caused by recent teeth whitening. Wei says that it works by “blocking the nerve signals that cause tooth sensitivity and can help to alleviate pain from hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks.”
Calcium carbonate: A lot of people seek out a whiter smile, and calcium carbonate is a common ingredient you’ll find in whitening toothpastes. Wei says that it’s a gentle abrasive that “helps to remove plaque and surface stains from the teeth without causing damage to the enamel.”
Baking soda: Another whitening ingredient, baking soda is great for “[neutralizing] acids in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay,” Wei says.
Xylitol: If your toothpaste tastes a little sweet, it’s because it has xylitol. This natural sweetener, unlike refined sugar, can prevent cavities by “reducing the growth of bacteria in the mouth and decreasing acid production,” Wei says.
Triclosan: An antibacterial agent, triclosan helps to prevent gum disease and bad breath because of the way it reduces the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth.
How We Tested
We brushed. Sometimes more than twice a day. For years on end. Look, not all of these pastes are new to the market (Arm & Hammer, Colgate, Crest, Tom’s). This isn’t “best new toothpaste;” this is “best toothpaste.” And some of our old-school drugstore favorites will forever reign—they’re top-shelf despite being low-cost. And with a lifetime of experience, some added expertise from the dentists we trust most and a few focused years of testing the latest innovations, we found the best toothpaste for pretty much all oral health concerns.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Timothy Chase, DDS, of Smiles NY in NYC
- Dr. Keith Bracy, DDS, in NYC
- Dr. Erin Fraundorf, DMD, MS, orthodontist and the owner of BOCA Orthodontic+Whitening Studio
- Dr. Mariam Zade, DDS, at JBL New York City
- Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS, FIADFE, at Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
