What we’re looking for
ADA Seal of Acceptance: The American Dental Association is the leading authority on dentistry in the United States. Dr. Lana Rozenberg, a dentist at Rozenberg Dental NYC, says, “When in doubt, let ADA steer you in the right direction.” If you see a label saying “ADA Seal of Acceptance,” then it’s been tested and will provide effective protection against tooth decay. This is the case for most of the toothpastes we looked into. A note on fluoride for babies and children: Dentists note that it’s important for them not to ingest too much of it. Dr. Rashmi Ambewadikar, a dentist at Astoria Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, recommends children under the age of 3 should use toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, and children three and up should use a pea-sized amount.
Contains fluoride or fluoride-free: Fluoride is the No. 1 ingredient recommended by most dentists. That’s because it “remineralizes your teeth in the earliest phase of tooth decay, often replacing minerals that have become lost and might lead to a cavity,” explains Rozenberg, adding that it “also strengthens teeth for even more protection against tooth decay.”
Contains SLS or SLS-free: Sodium lauryl sulfate is found in most toothpastes: It’s the ingredient that causes the toothpaste to foam. But some people are allergic to it or develop mouth sores from it.
Added benefits: You might be on the market for a toothpaste that tackles a specific issue. Several options out there have added benefits, be it whitening, for sensitive teeth, aiding with gum health, and more.
Flavor: This comes down to preference. Most toothpaste is mint-flavored, but in case you’re mint-averse or just want to switch things up there are other options out there too.
Best Overall Toothpaste
Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste with Stannous Fluoride and Zinc
ADA-approved | Contains fluoride | Contains SLS | Gum health, bad breath | Mint
Colgate Total, which used to be the best-rated toothpaste among Amazon reviewers, also happens to be the most touted by dentists. It has the right ingredients to improve the health of the gums and teeth. After researching this toothpaste online, we found several other dentists have come to the same conclusion. It has stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, and calcium phosphate because these ingredients bond to weakened tooth enamel, forming patches, much like patches sewn into worn-out fabric. Bonus feature is that it also calls out stannous fluoride because it’s antimicrobial, so it helps fight bacteria that cause bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Plus, according to the majority of Amazon reviewers, it tastes great!
To get a personalized plan for your oral care and see what your mouth needs, schedule a visit with one of our dentists in Layton, UT by calling us today at 801-547-8800.