Using toothpaste made with fluoride is the key to cavity-free teeth, dentists say.
Choosing the right toothpaste is essential for oral hygiene, but the process can be confusing. All toothpastes clean teeth, but you may also need to address concerns like reducing sensitivity, whitening, and improving gum health.
I’ve spent years reporting on oral care and practically have dentists on speed dial. To find the best toothpastes, I talked to dentists and used their guidance to round up options made with fluoride from brands like Crest, Colgate and Sensodyne. Many of the toothpastes we recommend have the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, and the NBC Select staff also tried a handful of them.
How I picked the best toothpastes
While shopping for toothpaste, experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind.
American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: Oral care products like toothpaste, floss, mouthwash and manual and electric toothbrushes can earn the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. In order to do so, brands submit scientific evidence showing that their products meet specific safety and efficacy criteria, which the ADA evaluates. Each ADA-approved toothpaste contains fluoride and is not made with flavoring agents like sugar that can cause or contribute to tooth decay. This doesn’t mean toothpaste without the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance are ineffective — it just means brands have not voluntarily submitted their products for the ADA to review.
Fluoride: All of the experts I spoke to recommend using a toothpaste made with fluoride, a cavity-fighting ingredient. Sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride and sodium are three types of fluoride that may be listed on toothpaste ingredient labels, all of which are equally effective.
Sodium lauryl sulfate: Sodium lauryl sulfate, commonly referred to as SLS, is an ingredient found in many toothpastes that acts as a detergent for your teeth, says Dr. Lana Rozenberg, dentist and founder of Rozenberg Dental NYC. It’s also what makes some toothpastes foamy. People can be sensitive to SLS, so if you are, look for an SLS-free option.
Texture: You’ll commonly find toothpaste texture broken down into gels and pastes. Gel toothpastes have a smooth, non-foamy texture and are typically not abrasive or gritty. Paste toothpastes tend to be more foamy, thicker, grittier and solid in color, says Rozenberg.
Specialized options: Beyond protecting teeth from cavities, toothpaste can offer additional benefits like teeth whitening or enamel repair. Some are also designed for those with sensitive teeth. A toothpaste’s packaging and label will say what it specifically targets, so think about whether that aligns with your teeth’s needs.
Flavor: Toothpaste flavor is entirely a personal preference. But be sure that the toothpaste you choose doesn’t contain flavoring agents like sugar that cause or contribute to tooth decay. All ADA-approved options don’t, so if you’re unsure about a toothpaste, it’s best to go with one that earned the organization’s Seal of Acceptance, experts say.
