The Best Toothpastes, Recommended by Dentists
Whitening? Cavity protection? Sensitive gums? We polished off the very best picks for your pearly whites.
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When it comes to taking care of your dental hygiene, choosing the right toothpaste is half the battle. Everyone's dental care needs differ, but luckily, toothpaste options run the gamut from offering teeth whitening benefits to cavity protection to gum sensitivity.
We interviewed dentists who weighed in on how to pick the best toothpaste for your pearly whites, including what to search for on ingredient lists. From household names like Crest and Colgate to innovations like Bite toothpaste tablets, we've rounded up top-tier, expert-recommended toothpastes that nail the trifecta of cleaning, protecting and freshening your teeth.
At large, the dentists we consulted agreed on the two most important factors to look for in toothpaste: the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance and fluoride. An ADA seal indicates that it was tested and deemed safe. Going hand in hand, a toothpaste must contain fluoride to be ADA-accepted. "Fluoride helps to strengthen weakened teeth enamel, reduces the likelihood of tooth decay and aids in remineralizing teeth, which may have recently suffered from acid breakdown from food and beverages," according to Michael J. Wei, D.D.S., F.I.A.D.F.E., a cosmetic dentist in New York City.
Find all the best toothpaste varieties ahead, including ones with ADA approval. Complete your quest for good oral hygiene with a water flosser and an electric or manual toothbrush. Or, for all your teeth whitening needs, check out our guides to the best whitening pens, at-home whitening kits and whitening mouthwashes.
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Protection Toothpaste
Pros
- Top brand recommended by dentists
- ADA approval
- Affordable
Cons
- Crystals may feel gritty
Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste touts the ability to fight cavities, ease sensitivity, freshen breath and whiten teeth. Cosmetic dentist Lauren Becker, D.D.S., recommends the ADA-approved pick because of its "ingredients that help to whiten but won't break down your teeth." Zooming into its ingredients, stannous fluoride is listed as its main active. "You should always look for fluoride in toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene," adds Dr. Becker.
Hydrated silicas in the formula work to gently scrub stains and leave teeth with a squeaky clean feeling. The brand also says its "ActivClean Crystals" help with stain prevention, though some shoppers online warn that it makes the paste feel gritty. Otherwise, reviewers appreciate its good value: "It's nicely priced AND a nice size tube that'll last a while. Nice and soft, doesn't burn, leaves your mouth feeling clean."
Ingredients: Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica, sorbitol, sodium lauryl sulfate, zinc citrate | Size: 5.1 oz. | ADA approved: Yes
Colgate Total Clean Mint Toothpaste
Pros
- Great for relieving gum sensitivity
- ADA approval
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Leaves a strong sensation
For just under $6, Colgate Total Clean Toothpaste is the total package — the ADA approves it for preventing cavities, reducing plaque and gingivitis between teeth, easing sensitivity, removing surface stains and reducing bad breath. Dr. Wei suggests the fluoride formula for those seeking anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients that promote gum health.
One Colgate Total user reports that it's "helping to restore tooth enamel because my teeth seem a little less sensitive now." But, one gripe another shopper has is that it left their mouth "feeling as though one gargled with alcohol," like strong mouthwash.
Ingredients: Stannous fluoride, sorbitol, hydrated silica, sodium lauryl sulfate | Size: 4.8 oz. | ADA approved: Yes
Colgate Optic White Renewal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Pros
- Contains high levels of hydrogen peroxide
- Noticeably removes stains
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive teeth
Smile too dim? Increase its wattage with a toothpaste that visibly whitens. This GH Beauty Award winner contains high levels of bleaching active hydrogen peroxide to help brighten teeth one to two shades lighter. It also touts the ability to remove up to 10 years of yellow stains on teeth in only four weeks of twice-daily use, confirmed by our GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab analysis.
Colgate Optic White is also the only ADA-approved bleaching toothpaste that is formulated with fluoride for cavity prevention. It forms a protective layer on teeth, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to continue its whitening action beyond the time spent actively brushing. Gentle abrasives in the formula scrub stains and polish teeth. "I've been using [it] about two years and have no problems with my teeth!" a Walmart reviewer writes. "My dentist always comments on how clean my teeth are!"
Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, silica, fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate | Size: 3 oz. | ADA approved: Yes
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste
Pros
- Gentle on both teeth and gums
- Helps lift stains
Cons
- Lots of air in tube, per reviews
Nothing dims a smile more than sensitive teeth. Board-certified cosmetic dentist Richard Lipari, D.D.S., recommends this extra whitening pick to his patients with tooth sensitivity. Sensodyne's hydrated silica ingredient gives pearly whites a good, gentle scrub, while potassium nitrate helps stave sensitivity and stannous fluoride hardens the tooth surface. Its formula claims to decrease sensitivity after two weeks of regular use.
A GH editor and her entire family use Sensodyne: "It's great if you already have sensitive teeth and gums but don't want to slack on the whitening." Online reviewers share their results, writing: "After multiple uses, I noticed that my teeth have less sensitivity to cold drinks." For a non-whitening option, general dentist Alice Hoang, D.M.D., also recommends the Repair and Protect paste, saying: "It's gentle on teeth and keeps enamel healthy."
Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, hydrated silica, sodium fluoride, sorbitol | Size: 4 oz. | ADA approved: No
Crest Pro-Health Gum and Sensitivity Toothpaste
Pros
- ADA-approved formula
- Whitens and relieves sensitivity
Cons
- May take longer to experience results
Doing double duty on sensitive teeth and gums, this ADA-approved Crest toothpaste garners praise for its sensitivity relief. It's made with hydrated silica, a stain remover gentle enough for sensitive teeth, per Dr. Becker. Stannous fluoride coats the enamel to protect against erosion. Meanwhile, anti-bacterial zinc citrate soothes inflammation.
Shoppers appreciate its foamy formula sans grittiness. Most online reviewers also reported all-day protection, citing that it prevented discomfort when consuming hot or cold beverages. "It helps alleviate sensitivity throughout the day," a shopper writes. But, they also warn that results may be slow to take.
Ingredients: Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica, sorbitol, zinc citrate, sodium lauryl sulfate | Size: 3.7 oz | ADA approved: Yes
Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release Whitening Toothpaste
Pros
- Stannous fluoride helps curb sensitivity
- Effectively reduces plaque buildup
Cons
- Mint taste can be strong, per online shoppers
Dentists and Beauty Lab pros alike give Colgate Total its flowers. Switching to this toothpaste about three months before her dental exam, Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D., former executive director of the GH Beauty Lab, heard praise from her dentist for the significantly less plaque buildup on her teeth. "I am happy I found a toothpaste that can keep plaque under control and has whitening properties at the same time!" she says.
Dr. Wei specifically recommends its multitasking formula for those looking to improve their gum health. Made with less abrasive stannous fluoride, the plaque toothpaste gently brightens teeth, while hydrated silica helps dissolve plaque. Most shoppers enjoyed the peppermint taste, but others found it a bit strong at first.
Ingredients: Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 3.4 oz. | ADA approved: No
Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste
Pros
- ADA approval
- Great value
- Helps strengthen enamel
Cons
- Contains potentially irritating SLS
Cavities mean serious business. That's why you'll want toothpaste that gets the job done. Up your molar defense with the ADA-approved Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste. Its anti-cavity sodium fluoride helps strengthen weakened enamel, and hydrated silica gently cleans teeth. While its gel-like texture pleasantly foams up when cleaning teeth, that's in part due to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can be potentially irritating for some.
One GH editor calls themselves a "loyalist" to the classic toothpaste. "Ever since I switched to Colgate's cavity toothpaste, it's worked wonders in keeping dark spots (a la coffee) and cavities at bay," she says. "At my last cleaning, I walked out with a clean bill of health — most certainly thanks to this toothpaste!" There's also quite a lot to go around with its 6 ounces.
Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate | Size: 6 oz. | ADA approved: Yes
Pros
- Helps fight cavities
- Pleasant taste and texture
Cons
- Shoppers wished there was more flavor variety
Get kids a toothpaste they'll look forward to brushing with. Brooklyn-based dentist Dr. Hoang recommends this bubblegum-flavored pick from Spry because "it's gel-based and kids prefer the texture of it compared to traditional toothpaste." Dr. Hoang considers its xylitol ingredient one of the most important in preventing cavities. "Over time with xylitol use, the quality of the bacteria in the mouth changes and fewer and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces," she says.
Tons of parents online banded behind the toothpaste to instill good brushing habits in little ones. "We've been working on helping our 2-year-old to brush her teeth twice a day, and this is the first toothpaste that she doesn’t make a face about when she puts it in her mouth," a shopper writes.
Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, xylitol | Size: 5 oz. | ADA approved: No
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Innovative
Cons
- Most ideal for temporary use
Simply place a tablet in your mouth, bite down and then brush with a wet toothbrush. Bite aims to reduce waste with its recyclable glass jar and stock of 62 toothpaste tablets each, which gives you a two-month stock for twice-daily brushing. These Bits are made with nano-hydroxyapatite, an ingredient that helps with demineralization "by depositing its particles in enamel defects (or baby cavities)," per Dr. Hoang.
"Had a toothpaste tube open up in my travel bag, so I went looking for an alternative," one Amazon shopper explains. "I chucked a handful of these in a snack-sized Ziploc bag and took them on vacation this year. Took up virtually no space in my toiletries bag, and they work well." While it gets the job done of cleaning teeth, some say it's better as a temporary travel toothpaste than for every day.
Ingredients: Nanon-hydroxyapatite, xylitol, zinc citrate | Size: 124 count | ADA approved: No
Parodontax Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums
Pros
- Lessens bleeding in gums
- Reduces gum soreness
Cons
- May leave behind a filmy feeling
Chronic bad breath and tender gums may be a sore subject, but it could mean gingivitis is at play. Left untreated, it can lead to severe issues like infection. That's why it's crucial to brush with toothpaste specially formulated for gums. "For gum health, seek out toothpastes that contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like fluoride," says Dr. Wei, who recommends Parodontax.
Made with 0.454% stannous fluoride, this toothpaste shields teeth after its hydrated silica gently removes plaque buildup lining teeth. Online users found a healthy routine of regular dentist cleanings and daily brushing helped keep gingivitis at bay. "Since I started using Paradontax (and continuing flossing and mouthwash), my dental checkups have improved immensely!" a reviewer writes. "No bleeding!" A couple of others noted that it left behind a slight film on teeth.
Ingredients: Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica, sodium lauryl sulfate | Size: 3.4 oz. | ADA approved: Yes
How we chose the best toothpastes
With a deep background in evaluating oral care products, the GH Institute's Beauty Lab regularly tests everything from water flossers to whitening strips.
For example, our scientists recently evaluated teeth whitening products by measuring testers' tooth shades under standardized lighting before and after using a label-masked teeth whitening product as directed over a specified period to gauge changes in tooth color. Our panel of consumer testers also trial the products at home for ease of use, flavor, tooth sensitivity and cleaning efficacy. Then, our Beauty Lab scientists tally hundreds of data points to determine the top performers.
While we have not yet run a full category test of toothpastes, the picks included on this list were either recommended by the multiple dentists we spoke to or are from brands that have been rigorously vetted and analyzed by our in-house chemists.
What to consider when shopping for the best toothpaste
Remember to read the product labels and follow the instructions. Also, consult with your dentist who can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique dental needs and any existing oral health conditions.
✔️ ADA Seal of Acceptance: "Toothpastes with the ADA Seal are more likely to be effective in preventing tooth decay, gum disease and protecting against enamel erosion," explains Dr. Wei. It's a reliable indicator that the toothpaste has undergone rigorous testing and meets specific criteria for safety and effectiveness. Kessler adds that it also means the toothpaste is regularly being re-evaluated to ensure it continues to meet the highest standards. It's worth noting that toothpaste may not have ADA approval simply because a brand has not applied for it yet.
✔️ Fluoride: Known as the ultimate protector in dental care, the mineral helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel, according to Dr. Kessler. In fact, toothpaste must contain fluoride to be considered for an ADA Seal of Acceptance. "It promotes remineralization, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and acidic foods," she explains.
✔️ Abrasive agents: Commonly spot these as calcium carbonate and hydrated silica on ingredient lists. Such abrasives help remove surface stains and dental plaque, which help to clean and whiten teeth. Despite its effectiveness for cleaning, toothpaste with overly abrasive agents may damage enamel. "If a toothpaste claims to whiten, it should contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide," according to Dr. Becker.
✔️ Humectants: When toothpaste has a smooth texture, it's typically thanks to ingredients like glycerol and sorbitol. These ingredients help retain moisture in toothpaste — preventing it from drying out — improve the consistency of toothpaste and enhance its taste, says Dr. Kessler.
✔️ Detergents: Detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are what create the foaming action that helps clean the teeth. While foaming may give a satisfying feeling during brushing, some people may be sensitive to certain detergents. If you experience irritation, consider a toothpaste without SLS.
✔️ Flavor: Flavoring agents such as mint or fruit extracts are added to improve the taste of toothpaste and enhance the overall brushing experience. "Flavors encourage regular use and make brushing more enjoyable!" says Dr. Kessler.
How to address specific teeth concerns
✔️ Sensitivity: Look for toothpastes that contain ingredients like potassium nitrate, strontium chloride or stannous fluoride, which are known to relieve tooth sensitivity. Dr. Wei suggests Sensodyne (as listed above) and Colgate Sensitive.
✔️ Gum health: For gum health, seek out toothpastes that contain anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like fluoride, triclosan or zinc citrate. Our Crest Pro-Health Gum and Sensitivity Toothpaste pick gently removes plaque, while Parodontax treats cases of gingivitis.
✔️ Cavities: Toothpastes with fluoride are essential for cavity prevention, says Dr. Wei. Most major toothpaste brands offer fluoride-forward options, like the Crest Pro-Health and Crest Cavity Protection.
✔️ Whitening: Whitening toothpastes usually contain mild abrasives or peroxides. One of the most popular options is the Colgate Optic White. "Keep in mind that toothpaste alone may have limited whitening effects, and professional treatments may be more effective," adds Dr. Wei.
Meet the experts
We tapped a variety of dentists to cast a wider net of expert recommendations. All of these experts were sourced by our editors independently from any repped brands.
- Dr. Irina Kessler, D.D.S., is a cosmetic dentist at New York Family Dental Arts in NYC. Dr. Kessler graduated from the NYU College of Dentistry and is an active member of the American Dental Association.
- Dr. Michael J. Wei, D.D.S., F.I.A.D.F.E., is a cosmetic dentist who owns a private practice in NYC. Dr. Wei completed his doctorate from the NYU College of Dentistry and received dual certificates in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) from Columbia University School of Oral and Dental Surgery. He currently is a clinical associate professor at NYU's College of Dentistry.
- Dr. Lauren Becker, D.D.S., is a general and cosmetic dentist in NYC. Dr. Becker received her Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Binghamton University and she received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from NYU College of Dentistry.
- Dr. Alice Hoang, D.M.D., is a general dentist in NYC and a founder of Brooklyn Mint Dental. Dr. Hoang graduated from the University of South Carolina and since then, she has spent over a decade educating other dental professionals through her faculty positions with NYU and CUNY.
- Dr. Richard Lipari, D.D.S., is a board-certified cosmetic dentist and a graduate of NYU College of Dentistry. He practices exclusively in Chappaqua, NY, focusing on cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jacqueline Saguin is a commerce editor within the GH Institute where she regularly collaborates with the scientists and chemists at the GH Beauty Lab. She regularly reports on expert-recommended products within the beauty and wellness space, from whitening toothpaste to water flossers. When writing this guide, she researched ingredient lists and worked with our Beauty Lab experts to vet recommendations from five professional dentists.
Jacqueline (she/her) was a commerce editor for Good Housekeeping from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining GH, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
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