Best Toothpastes to Buy

Quick Look

There are many different types of toothpaste available. There is an option for every need, from fluoride toothpaste to specialty products for whitening or sensitive teeth. 

To help you choose the best toothpaste, we looked through the most popular brands, their ingredient lists, pros and cons, and customer reviews. We also talked to a dentist, Dr. Brian Harris, for expert insight. He is a cosmetic dentistry expert and the lead medical advisor at SNOW.

4 Best Toothpastes in 2023: Full Review & Where to Buy

Based on our research and Dr. Brian's recommendations, here are the four best toothpastes for all types of teeth:

Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste

Best Overall (Cavity Prevention)

Dr. Brian recommends Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair as the best overall toothpaste for cavity prevention because it strengthens enamel. It's also safe to use on sensitive teeth and is readily available at any grocery store.

Pros:

• Prevents the demineralization of teeth
• Repairs micro-damage
• Provides sensitivity relief quickly
• Protects against painful sensitivity to cold, heat, sweets, acids, and contact
• Helps prevent enamel erosion from acidic foods and drinks
• Freshens breath
• Can be found at your local drug or grocery store (readily available)

Cons:

• Excessive use can result in pigmentation
• More expensive than other options

Sensodyne Toothpaste has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This is based on the ADA's findings that the product is safe and effectively prevents tooth decay. When used correctly, it also relieves sensitivity in normal teeth.

Sensodyne Pronamel Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Best Gentle, Enamel-Safe Whitening

Sensodyne Pronamel Teeth Whitening is the best toothpaste for gentle, enamel-safe whitening. It also contains minerals that protect against cavities, acid erosion, and other dental health conditions.

Dr. Brian recommends this toothpaste because it effectively removes surface stains and is gentle on enamel. It's also loaded with fluoride, which helps remove discolored pigments in teeth. However, it should not be used daily because overuse can lead to sensitivity.

Pros:

• Contains fluoride (cavity protection and enamel strengthening)
• Gently removes surface stains and fights sensitivity
• Protects against acid erosion
• Freshens breath
• Can be found at your local drug or grocery store (readily available)

Cons:

• Can cause temporary tooth sensitivity
• Should not be used frequently

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste

Best Fluoride-Free & Remineralizing

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste is the best natural, fluoride-free option. This vegan toothpaste is made with 70% organic ingredients. The low-foaming formula also helps brighten tooth enamel, reduce plaque build-up, and freshen breath.

Dr. Brian recommends this toothpaste because it brightens and strengthens the enamel layer of teeth. It’s also PETA-approved and contains cruelty-free ingredients.

In addition to sustainability, this toothpaste prevents enamel erosion and eliminates cavities. The main downside is that it doesn't freshen breath as well as the other options listed.

Pros:

• Sustainable and eco-friendly
• Cruelty-free (never tested on animals)
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) approved
• Organic, non-toxic ingredients
• Free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
• No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives
• Gently whitens teeth (naturally)

Cons:

• Unfamiliar taste and doesn't freshen breath
• Abrasive and may require harsh cleaning (according to Dr. Brian)

Davids Natural Toothpaste

Best Organic & Eco-Friendly

If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, Dr. Brian recommends Davids Natural Toothpaste. It's an excellent non-toxic toothpaste that protects against cavities, boosts enamel health, and gently whitens teeth.

Like Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste, Davids Natural Toothpaste is fluoride- and SLS-free. The organic ingredients are also sourced in the U.S. to support American jobs.

Pros:

• Cruelty-free (never tested on animals)
• Zero waste metal tube (recyclable)
• FSC® certified packaging (most recognized sustainability certificate)
• Safe, clean, and non-toxic
• Organic, superior quality ingredients (98% U.S. origin)
• Contains xylitol to boost enamel health
• Contains premium mint oils to freshen breath naturally and baking soda to neutralize acids

Cons:

• Not as powerful for cavity protection (according to Dr. Brian)
• Pricey

Types of Toothpaste & How to Choose the Right One

Here are the most common types of toothpaste and when they are necessary:

Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste is the most common type of toothpaste. It's the best choice if you are prone to cavities and have weaker enamel. These toothpastes can also help freshen breath.

Remineralizing Toothpaste

These toothpastes contain ingredients like n-Ha or HAp. These are 100% non-toxic ingredients that remineralize and desensitize teeth. 

Early scientific studies show that remineralizing toothpaste shows great potential to help repair enamel and strengthen teeth.

Natural Toothpaste

Natural toothpastes are non-toxic and chemical-free options. They use all-natural ingredients to freshen and strengthen teeth.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste can be used daily to whiten teeth gradually. You may benefit from whitening toothpaste if you drink a lot of coffee or tea.

Sensitivity-Fighting Toothpaste

These toothpastes are designed for sensitive teeth, a common condition that affects adults. 

Toothpaste, Oral Hygiene & General Health

Brushing your teeth twice a day helps prevent:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Bad breath
• Yellow or stained teeth
• General health problems

Increasing evidence shows that oral health “cannot be considered isolated from the rest of the body.” ⁶ An unhealthy mouth can signal nutritional deficiencies or general infection.⁹

Eating a balanced diet and brushing your teeth with the right toothpaste is essential to your general health. 

How We Choose Products

All medical content on this site, including this guide and other product reviews, is written by our team of experienced writers and researchers. All NewMouth writers vet products that are recommended and reviewed in the industry. We also:

• Compare positive and negative reviews 
• Personally test out products 
• Reach out to experts in the field for high-quality recommendations
• Talk to company leaders to ensure their products are safe and effective
• Look into costs to ensure customers are getting the best quality products at reasonable prices
• Research common ingredients (side effects, benefits, uses, etc.) 

Every piece of content is heavily reviewed before publication. All content on NewMouth is also medically reviewed by a licensed dentist, specifically any content where we recommend products. Our dentists are specifically instructed to flag any recommendations they don’t agree with. Any products that don’t meet their professional standards are removed.

Many of the products we recommend have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. These products are proven to be effective in preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions.

When we recommend products that do not include this seal of acceptance, we conduct further research to ensure reputability. This may include speaking with company leaders, reading hundreds of customer reviews, and ensuring they provide quality customer service.