Toothpaste: Reviews

Updated July 2008

Our toothpaste analysis comes from trusted tests, user reviews and dentist recommendations. Our top-rated toothpastes include choices for those with sensitive teeth and for those who want a natural brand. But we also take a hard look at marketing claims (hint: no toothpaste can make your teeth any whiter than they are naturally).

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Best toothpaste overall

Colgate Total

*Est. $3.50 for 7.8 oz. Compare Prices

Experts recommend Colgate Total more often than any other toothpaste. According to both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA), this was the first toothpaste on the market to… expandinclude the antibacterial ingredient triclosan, which has been proven effective for fighting gum disease (gingivitis). Total contains a copolymer that allows triclosan to remain active between brushings, even after you eat or drink. Colgate Total is not recommended for kids under six years old, since its antibacterial properties have not been tested for young children. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Editors rank 41 toothpastes based on lab tests for stain removal, abrasiveness and fluoride content.

Slate.com: The author and several friends test Colgate Total and 34 other toothpastes for taste and feel, and they interview dentists for clinical information.

DentalResource.com: Based on his professional experience, dentist Jeffrey Kohlhardt recommends Colgate Total for most people aged 20 to 65 unless they have sensitive teeth or are prone to canker sores.

SimpleTooth.com: This dentist recommends fluoride toothpaste that carries the ADA seal -- and for adult patients, Colgate Total.

Ask Dr. Ellie (blog): This dentist recommends a simple fluoride toothpaste instead of Colgate Total because she's not convinced triclosan is safe.

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Best stain removal

Ultra brite Advanced Whitening

*Est. $2.25 for 6 oz. Compare Prices

In a major comparison review, this budget toothpaste beat out 40 other brands for stain removal, but Ultra brite doesn't carry the ADA seal. It does contain fluoride plus a tartar-control ingredient, but not triclosan or… expandthe copolymer that makes cavity protection last between meals. Ultra brite is also more abrasive than Colgate (thought it is manufactured by Colgate), and some dentists warn that with aggressive brushing, highly abrasive toothpastes can wear down tooth enamel. This toothpaste is approved for kids older than two years of age. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Editors rank 41 toothpastes based on lab tests for stain removal, abrasiveness and fluoride content, noting burning or bitter tastes if present.

Drugstore.com: More than a dozen users give Ultra Brite Advanced Whitening toothpaste mostly positive reviews as a good value, though there are a few complaints about taste or the toothpaste's minimal whitening effect.

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Natural toothpaste

Toms of Maine Natural Anticavity Baking Soda Fluoride Toothpaste, Peppermint

*Est. $3.60 for 6 oz. Compare Prices

This ADA-approved toothpaste contains no saccharin, sweetened instead with xylitol, a natural sugar proven to combat harmful bacteria instead of feeding them. This toothpaste uses calcium carbonate as the abrasive, so it… expandis also much less abrasive than Colgate Total or Ultra brite, but doesn't remove stains as well. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Drugstore.com: Over a dozen users review Tom's of Maine Natural Anticavity Baking Soda Fluoride Toothpaste here and give it a near-perfect average rating.

Amazon.com: A handful of users review Tom's of Maine Natural Care, giving it high praise for its ingredients, taste and overall company policy -- though one reviewer notes that Colgate now owns the company.

Slate.com: In this review, based on taste comparisons and dentists' opinions of more than 35 toothpastes, the author notes that the foaming action of baking soda can leave a fresh feeling in one's mouth after brushing.

Vitacost.com: Only a few users review Tom's of Maine Natural Care Fluoride toothpaste here, but they give it top ratings.

Environmental Working Group Cosmetics Database: In this breakdown of the ingredients in this toothpaste, it's the fluoride that gets the most criticism, but the sodium lauryl sulfate and a few other ingredients are also questioned.

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Toothpaste for sensitive teeth and mouths

Sensodyne Pronamel

*Est. $5.50 for 4 oz. Compare Prices

Unlike the toothpastes above, Sensodyne Pronamel contains no sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that dentists say can irritate gums and the lining of the mouth. Reviews say SLS-free toothpastes are also better for people prone… expandto canker sores. In addition to fluoride, this toothpaste contains potassium nitrate, an ingredient dentists recommend for people with teeth extra sensitive to heat and cold. It also minimizes erosion of tooth enamel caused by acid foods, which can lead to sensitivity. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

SimpleTooth.com: This dentist recommends fluoride toothpaste that carries the ADA seal -- particularly Colgate Total for adult patients; however, he recommends Sensodyne Pronamel for those with sensitive teeth or those "more prone to cavities than gingivitis."

DentalResource.com: Based on his professional education and experience, dentist Jeffrey Kohlhardt recommends toothpaste that's free of SLS for people prone to canker sores.

Family Gentle Dental Care: This dentist also recommends Sensodyne toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth, also warning that tartar-control toothpastes are ineffective below the gum line and can cause sensitivity.

Drugstore.com: More than a dozen users give Sensodyne Pronamel mostly positive ratings, but a few report gum irritation.

Epinions.com: Most users reviewing Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste here give it top marks.

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