The Dentist's Ultimate Toothpaste Guide

Written by, Dr. Mikaeya Kalantari, a colleague, fellow mom, and close friend of Dr. Bellingham is The Dentist's Ultimate Toothpaste Guide.

Over the years there has been one question that I can count on to hear over and over again from patients: “What Toothpaste Should I Use?”.   As more and more toothpaste brands and varieties roll out into the market, the choices are becoming more plentiful and the decisions harder to make. This is why I decided I need to make the ultimate toothpaste selection guide to help answer the question of “what toothpaste should I use?”.

Just as every toothpaste is a little different, every person’s needs in a toothpaste are a little different.  Some need a toothpaste to help fight cavities, others may want to help their teeth appear whiter, and others may need help with their sensitive teeth.  Selection of the right toothpaste for each person is equal parts choosing an effective toothpaste, but also choosing one that meets the dental needs of the brusher.  So, let’s get to those recommendations, shall we?  Here you will find the Ultimate Toothpaste Guide with selections based on the following categories: Cavity Fighting, Teeth Sensitivity, Taste Aversion, Making Brushing Fun For Kids, Natural Ingredients, Teeth Whitening, and Gum Health.  Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Some links within this post are Amazon affiliate links

Toothpaste Recommendations For Fighting Cavities

3M Clinpro 5000

This toothpaste is one of best when it comes to fighting cavities due to its higher fluoride component, 1.1% Sodium Fluoride.  The toothpaste also contains tri-calcium phosphate which is another remineralizing ingredient.  This toothpaste is only available via prescription from your dentist and comes in Vanilla Mint, Bublegum, and Spearmint.

Crest Pro Health Advanced

This toothpaste swaps out the traditional Sodium Fluoride for 0.4% Stannous Fluoride, a component that some research has shown is better at remineralizing tooth structure.  Crest Pro Health Advance also helps to fight plaque, bad breath, gingivitis, tartar formation, and tooth erosion.  Currently the toothpaste is offered in a Deep Clean Mint flavor and can be found in your local toothpaste aisle.

Fluorimax 5000 Toothpaste

This doctor prescribed high fluoride content toothpaste has been shown in studies to have a higher fluoride uptake over other popular brands of prescription strength toothpaste.  The increased fluoride component can help to strengthen and remineralize tooth structure while the added 10% xylitol also helps fight cavity causing bacteria. This toothpaste must be obtained though your dental provider and comes in Vanilla-Mint or Spearmint flavors.

MI Paste One

MI Paste One is a special patented toothpaste that contains a unique formula called Recaldent.  Recaldent is a milk derived protein that is able to free up calcium and phosphate in the body and send it towards the teeth. This will help with remineralizing decalcified tooth structure, while the added fluoride will also help to prevent future cavities.  This toothpaste is dispensed by a dental professional and comes in a Fresh Mint flavor.

CT X3 Gel

This is a great toothpaste for those that are at high risk for cavities but do not wish to use fluoride in their toothpaste.  This toothpaste contains nano hydroxyapatite which helps with remineralization of tooth structure and also contains 25% xylitol which can help with eliminating cavity causing bacteria.  This toothpaste also has a patented pH technology which helps to neutralize acidity in the mouth caused by a high carbohydrate diet. The toothpaste comes in Mint and Grape flavors and can be purchased on the Cari Free website.

Toothpaste Recommendations For Teeth Sensitivity

Squigle Tooth Builder

This toothpaste has been shown to help seal off sensitive area of teeth to help reduce sensitivity due to the nanosized calcite crystals. This toothpaste is fluoride free but has 35% xylitol for protection against cavity causing bacteria. This toothpaste is also made with gentle ingredients so that even those with the most sensitive skin can use this toothpaste. In addition, this toothpaste can help with canker sore relief as well as dry mouth.  This particular toothpaste has no additives such as flavor or coloring, however the Squigle Jr. variety does come in a raspberry flavor. This brand of toothpaste can be purchased from Homestead Market or Amazon.

MI Paste

Similar to the MI Paste One, MI Paste uses a special milk derived protein, Recaldent, which helps to remineralize tooth structure.  Fortifying teeth with minerals can help reduce overall sensitivity. This is a topical crème that you will apply to teeth after brushing and can be used several times daily.  MI Paste must be obtained through your dental provider.

Sensodyne Rapid Relief

One of the most popular brands in sensitivity toothpastes now has a variety which helps to reduce teeth sensitivity in just 3 days. The anti sensitivity ingredient, stannous fluoride, helps to form a layer of protection which helps prevent transmission of sensitive stimuli towards the central nerve of the tooth.  This toothpaste comes in both Mint and Extra Fresh flavors and can be found in your local toothpaste aisle.

Hello Vegan Sensitivity Relief Fluoride Toothpaste

A new brand to the toothpaste world is Hello, which offers reasonably priced oral care products that are also free of many chemical ingredients such as dyes, SLS, parabens, and triclosan. This particular variety of their toothpastes helps reduce sensitivity with the help of the active ingredient potassium nitrate which has been known to reduce sensitivity in teeth.  In addition to this, the toothpaste also contains calming aloe vera and moisturizing coconut oil.  This toothpaste comes in Soothing Mint flavor and can be found in your local toothpaste aisle as well as on Amazon.

Toothpaste Recommendations For Those That Don’t Like Toothpaste Taste

OraNurse

For those that are sensitive to taste, this toothpaste has no added dyes or flavoring agents, it is also free of SLS. This is great for those that feel minty toothpastes are “too spicy” or burn their oral tissues. The toothpaste does contain fluoride like many other over the counter toothpastes. At this time this brand of toothpaste can be found on Amazon.

Tanners Tasty Paste

This fluoridated toothpaste was developed by a pediatric dentist and mom who saw the need for more kid friendly flavors in toothpaste.  Not only does this brand offer kid approved flavors such as Vanilla Bling and Cha Cha Chocolate, but the toothpaste also contains no artificial colors or flavors and is sugar free! The toothpaste is naturally sweetened with xylitol which also helps to inactivate cavity causing bacteria. At this time this toothpaste can be purchased on Amazon.

Toothpaste Recommendations To Make Brushing Fun For Kids

Hello Kids Unicorn Sparkle

Not only does this tube of toothpaste look super cute, but the bubble gum flavor and sparkly appearance will get kids excited about brushing their teeth! There’s a reason why this toothpaste is consistently on back order and there is a purchase limit in place… kids love it! The toothpaste is currently in stock on the Hello website and in select local stores such as Target.

Risewell Kids

This toothpaste is loved by kids simply for the fact that it tastes like “cake”, “icing” and “ice cream”! The packaging is fun and plants the idea in the child’s mind that they are celebrating every time they brush!  This is also a toothpaste brand that is on the rise for it’s use of safe and non toxic ingredients.  The toothpaste does not contain fluoride but does have xylitol to help inhibit bacteria, and hydroxyapatite crystals to strengthen tooth enamel. This toothpaste can be purchased on the RiseWell website.

Toothpaste Recommendations With Natural Ingredients

Earthpaste

This toothpaste brand aims to go as natural as possible with its ingredients to deliver an effective toothpaste without any added chemicals. Specifically, this toothpaste is made without glycerin, fluoride, SLS, or titanium dioxide. The ingredients are few and simple: water, bentonite clay, xylitol, sea salt, and essential oils. The toothpaste comes in several flavors including lemon, cinnamon, peppermint and spearmint. The toothpaste can be purchased on the Redmond website, Amazon, or can also be found at some health food grocers.

Jason Kids Only Toothpaste

This toothpaste is for little mouths that wish to use a natural variety of toothpaste, free of fluoride. The toothpaste also leaves out parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. The toothpaste also contains xylitol which helps to inactivate cavity causing bacteria. The toothpaste comes in a Strawberry flavor and can be found at some health food grocers.

RiseWell

This is a relatively new brand in the oral care industry with a focus on natural ingredients. This is one of only a few toothpastes that use Hydroxy Apatite crystals in its formulation which can help to strengthen and remineralize tooth enamel. The toothpaste also contains antibacterial essential oils as well as echinacea extract for boosting immunity. The toothpaste comes in a wild mint flavor and can be purchased on the RiseWell website.

Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Whitening Toothpaste

This highly reviewed toothpaste contains natural ingredients such as Triphala which is an extract that is naturally anti microbial and can help fight cavities and gum disease, and Neem extract which can help eliminate plaque and bacteria in the mouth. The toothpaste does not contain fluoride but does have xylitol which helps to inactivate cavity causing bacteria in the mouth. This toothpaste comes in a Simply Peppermint flavor and can be purchased on Amazon.

Boka Ela Toothpaste

Another highly rated natural toothpaste, this brand features a fluoride free toothpaste with the addition of nano hydroxyapatite. Like a few other toothpastes that have this ingredient, this toothpaste can help remineralize weak enamel and also help with tooth sensitivity. The toothpaste comes in an Ela Mint and Coco Ginger flavor can be found on Amazon.

Toothpaste Recommendations For Teeth Whitening

Moon Whitening Stain Removal Toothpaste

This great toothpaste in the eye-catching black tube was one of my first dental product reviews on the blog. It does a great job withing whitening and polishing surface stains off of teeth using their special Elixir X formula of 10 antioxidants and essential oil ingredients. The toothpaste has many natural ingredients and is made without SLS, parabens, or artificial flavors. This toothpaste also comes in both fluoridated and non fluoridated varieties. The toothpaste comes in a Fresh Mint flavor and can be purchased online or in your local toothpaste aisle.

Crest 3D Whitening Toothpaste

One of the most trusted brands in oral care offers this basic, yet effective toothpaste for whitening as well as cavity protection. The toothpaste has been shown to remove up to 80% of surface stains on teeth to reveal a lighter and brighter smile. This toothpaste comes in a Radiant Mint flavor can be purchased in your local toothpaste aisle.

Marvis Whitening Toothpaste

Marvis is a European toothpaste brand that delivers on all day freshness. Many users love its smooth texture and powerful minty fresh taste. This toothpaste also uses gentle abrasives to polish away exterior tooth stain. This toothpaste also contains no fluoride or parabens. The toothpaste comes in a Whitening Mint flavor and can be purchased on Amazon.

Sensodyne Extra Whitening

The trusted brand in tooth sensitivity relief, Sensodyne offers this toothpaste with includes both Potassium Nitrate to help with teeth sensitivity as well as gentle abrasives which polish teeth to achieve a whiter smile. With twice daily toothbrushing this toothpaste can help prevent tartar buildup, whiten teeth, and reduce teeth sensitivity. This toothpaste can be found in your local toothpaste aisle.

Toothpaste Recommendations To Fight Gum Disease

Parodontax Toothpaste

This toothpaste aims to help control bleeding gums and gingival disease by ridding the teeth of plaque and bacteria which helps to tighten the gingival tissue over the teeth the prevent gum disease. The active ingredient, stannous fluoride, also helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. The toothpaste comes in a Clean Mint flavor can be found on Amazon or in your local toothpaste aisle.

Jason Healthy Mouth Tartar Control

This toothpaste has several unique ingredients aimed at reducing the plaque and tartar buildup that leads to gum disease. Antibacterial tea tree oil helps eliminate bacteria while CoenzymeQ10 helps eliminate tartar buildup.  The addition of aloe also helps to soothe irritated gum tissue. This toothpaste comes in the flavor Tea Tree & Cinnamon and can be found on Amazon or at your local health food grocer.

Colgate Total Advanced Deep Clean

This toothpaste certainly has it all! This toothpaste helps to fight cavities with fluoride, helps remove surface stain on teeth with polishing micro particles, and also has a few unique ingredients (zinc oxide and zinc citrate) to help fight gingivitis and bacteria in the mouth. This toothpaste can be found in your local toothpaste aisle.

Crest Gum Detoxify

This toothpaste was formulated after years of research by Crest, as the brand looked to find the best way to help fight gingivitis. This toothpaste has a special foaming action which is able to reach deeper down into the gums to neutralize bacteria and oral pH. The toothpaste also leaves a fresh clean cooling feeling behind after use. This toothpaste can be found in your local toothpaste aisle.