See All Toothpaste

Colgate Total

*Est. $3.50 for 7.8 oz.

Reviewed by ConsumerSearch

Best toothpaste overall

Pros

Protects up to 12 hours
Contains fluoride
Approved by American Dental Association

Cons

Might be too abrasive
Contains sodium lauryl sulfate and saccharin
Taste gets mixed reviews
Contains triclosan

Where to Buy

See All Stores

Our Analysis
Specs

Consumer Reports is one of the few reviews we find that is based on lab tests, but that review emphasizes stain removal and taste and leaves any determination of clinical effectiveness to the ADA. Slate.com publishes a big comparison review that includes both subjective taste and texture ratings and dentists' recommendations. We also find several toothpaste reviews of Colgate Total written by dentists, based on their professional education and experience.

Experts recommend Colgate Total more often than any other toothpaste. It's approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and contains both fluoride and triclosan -- a broad-spectrum antibiotic -- to kill bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. A copolymer allows the triclosan to remain active between brushings, even after you eat or drink. Colgate Total is not recommended for kids under 6 since its antibacterial properties have not been tested for young children. It's moderately abrasive and contains sodium lauryl sulfate, which can sometimes irritate sensitive mouths. For people prone to canker sores or sensitive teeth, reviews recommend Sensodyne Pronamel (*est. $5.50 for 4 oz.), which contains fluoride but not SLS.

Where To Buy

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
1,257 store reviews	In Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Condi	$29.49	See It
1,833 store reviews	In Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!	$3.49	See It
235 store reviews	In Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!	$2.76	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

Editors rank 41 toothpastes based on lab tests for stain removal, abrasiveness and fluoride content. The review recommends a toothpaste containing triclosan, but a separate article at Consumer Reports Greener Choices recommends against toothpastes containing this ingredient.

Review: Toothpaste: Think They Whiten? Think Again, Editors of Consumer Reports, Aug. 2006

2. 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. Colgate Total gets top marks for clinical efficacy but mixed reviews for taste.

Review: Paste Test: Which Toothpaste Should You Buy?, Seth Stevenson, Oct. 1998

3. 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.

Review: Over-the-Counter Dental Products, Jeffrey Kohlhardt

4. SimpleTooth.com

This dentist recommends fluoride toothpaste that carries the ADA seal -- and for adult patients, Colgate Total. The review notes that the fairly new Colgate Total Advanced Clean incorporates similar stain-removing ingredients used in Ultra Brite, which is also made by Colgate.

Review: Dental Product Guide - Summer 2007, Vu Le, 2007

5. Ask Dr. Ellie (blog)

This dentist recommends a simple fluoride toothpaste instead of Colgate Total because she's not convinced triclosan is safe.

Review: Eight Questions, Ellie Phillips, DDS

Crest Cavity Protection *Est. $4/8.2 oz.

2 picks by top review sites.

Aquafresh Cavity Protection *Est. $2.50/6.4 oz.

2 picks by top review sites.

Squigle Enamel Saver *Est. $8/4 oz.

2 picks by top review sites.