Toothpaste Reviews

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Toothpaste Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Toothpaste Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Toothpaste: Think they whiten? Think again Editors of Consumer Reports Aug. 2006		Consumer Reports tested 41 different toothpastes for stain removal and abrasiveness. Interestingly, testing showed that toothpastes labeled as 'whitening' had no advantage when it came to stain removal. Consumer Reports' editors don't really discuss how these products were tested, but it appears they underwent chemical analysis for fluoride content and abrasiveness.

Toothpaste Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Toothpaste Ratings Comments on Reviews

2. Drugstore.com	Toothpaste Reviews Contributors to Drugstore.com As of Dec. 2006		This site does not mention any specific scientific research, but consumers can use the customer ratings as a guide for choosing products. The listings can be arranged to be in order of average customer rating. Site visitors can also read ingredient lists and the information listed on the outside of the toothpaste boxes. Most toothpastes get good reviews. Complaints are mainly about taste and texture as opposed to effectiveness. It's hard to get a picture of which toothpastes are better overall, but this is a great place to read comments for specific brands and formulas. There's good info here on special formulas for dry mouth, including Biotene, and for natural toothpastes with or without fluoride.
3. Choice.com.au >> Details/Subscribe	Whitening Toothpastes Editors of Choice.com.au Jan. 2005		In this test, conducted with volunteers, 20 toothpastes were evaluated only for whitening ability. Editors say that 55 percent of testers noticed a slight change, but without any subjective measurements of tooth color, it's hard to quantify the results. Only one product, White Glo Extra Strength Whitening, was significantly better than others

Toothpaste Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Toothpaste Ratings Comments on Reviews

4. Which.net >> Details/Subscribe	Toothpaste Editors of Which.net Oct. 2004		This article covers regular toothpaste, whitening toothpaste and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. However, only the whitening toothpastes are tested (by 21 people). The rest are scrutinized by three dentistry experts for product claims and ingredients, but none appear to have undergone any testing or chemical analysis. Editors say that any toothpaste will do as long as it has fluoride. Those with sensitive teeth should skip expensive brands and go for the cheapest toothpaste that contains strontium or potassium salts
5. DentalResource.com	Over the Counter Dental Products Jeffrey Kohlhardt, DDS Not Dated		On this website, dentist Jeffrey Kohlhardt recommends a number of oral hygiene products and warns consumers who suffer from persistent mouth sores to stop using tartar-control toothpastes. Those with sensitive teeth should look for a formula with potassium nitrate, such as Sensodyne. For people aged 20 to 65, he recommends Colgate Total; for those over 65, his choice is Colgate Total supplemented with Prevident, a high-fluoride toothpaste available by prescription only. Kohlhardt does not document how he arrived at his choices, but rather offers his suggestions based on his past experiences and education.
6. Parent’s Place at iVillage.com	Ask the Doc Kimberly A. Loos, DDS As of Jan. 2007		Dentist Kimberly Loos is available to answer consumer questions regarding dental care on this website. There are a variety of articles available and new stories appear as new questions are asked. Dr. Loos recommends using fluoridated toothpaste; though non-fluoride brands may clean teeth effectively, they do not provide long-term protection for your teeth. Dr. Loos advises against using baking soda toothpastes on a regular basis, as their abrasiveness can cause gum problems. She is undecided about tartar control formulas, saying the most effective formulas are still in testing or cannot meet the taste standards of consumers. Colgate Total is discussed for its inclusion of Triclosan. Those with sensitive teeth should try a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, such as Sensodyne or Aquafresh Sensitive.
7. Slate.com >> Details/Subscribe	Paste Test Seth Stevenson Oct. 7, 1998		This article is very old, but it's also very comprehensive. Seth Stevenson and a bunch of friends test 35 toothpastes for taste and feel; interviews with dental experts cover the clinical side. Colgate Total is the winner when it comes to effectiveness. It has fluoride, is ADA approved, and contains the antibacterial agent Triclosan, which continues to kill bacteria on your teeth after you've finished brushing. Colgate Total wasn't the taste winner, however. That honor goes to Mentadent Crystal Ice, which has a sinus-clearing mint flavor, a combination of paste and gel, plus a nice pump bottle.

Toothpaste Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Toothpaste Ratings Comments on Reviews

8. DentalZone.com	Everything You Wanted to Know About Toothpaste Editors of Dental Zone Not Dated		This retail site also includes lots of information about ingredients and general tooth care. But this site is pretty much a multipage ad for a product called Enamel Saver, recommended for its lack of harsh abrasives, artificial ingredients, or detergents that can aggravate canker sores. The site has an easy-to-read chart, which lists the abrasiveness ratings of ten different brands. Another smaller brand, CloSYSII, is also recommended and sold on the website. As for mainstream brands, editors say Colgate and Tom's of Maine are best. These choices seem to be based solely on the abrasiveness of the product, and not on any other ingredients. The site also does not break the brands down into their differing formulas.
9. Loyola University Health System >> Details/Subscribe	Brushing and Toothpaste Editors of LUHS.org Not Dated		This is a good resource for basic information on oral care. This site's "What is Toothpaste?" feature discusses toothpaste ingredients, including approximate percentages across all brands. For the record, they are: 75 percent humectant and water; 20 percent abrasives; 2 percent foaming and flavoring agents; 2 percent pH buffers; 1.5 percent coloring agents, binders and opacifiers; and .24 percent fluoride. The site also offers help on choosing a toothpaste, stating that any brand will do as long as it contains fluoride. It does also recommend an ADA-approved brand, as these have been tested for safety and effectiveness.
10. About.com	Arm & Hammer Complete Care Toothpaste About.com Guide Not Dated		About.com gives Arm & Hammer Complete Care Toothpaste four out of five stars. Users might not like the taste, but it is said to be 50% less abrasive than other toothpastes and whitens even coffee stains. It's unclear whether or not this brand is compared to others.

Toothpaste Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Toothpaste Ratings Comments on Reviews

11. Amazon.com	Toothpaste Contributors to Amazon.com As of Feb. 2007		This site is a bit confusing as, at the time of our visit, we were presented with toothbrushes versus toothpaste. Delving deeper into the site we found toothpaste, but no (or very few) reviews. We suggest sticking with other consumer review sites such as Epinions or Drugstore.com.