The 14 Best Toothpastes of 2024, Tested by Real People
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Our winner is the Made By Dentists Total Care Toothpaste
People / David Hattan
Whether you’re shopping online or browsing the dental care aisle at the grocery store, you’ll find a variety of toothpastes, from household brands like Crest and Colgate along with some that you might not have heard of yet. All likely make some promise to brighten, whiten, remove plaque, freshen breath, fight gingivitis, or be gentle on sensitive teeth.
“Many of the main brands use the same formulation but just market it differently to give it a seemingly different appeal,” says Sean Kutlay, DDS, owner and principal practitioner of Santa Clarita, California’s top-rated cosmetic and general dentistry practice. However, there is a way to break through the marketing lingo to find a toothpaste that’s best for your teeth. “I always like to find products that contain fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite, as both are proven workhorses in fighting cavities and helping with sensitivity.”
To find the ideal pairing with your toothbrush, our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 36 different toothpastes from some of the top brands. Guided by expert input from Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, we considered key ingredients, formula, price, and ADA approval for each product when selecting the most effective toothpastes.
Here are the 14 best toothpastes that PEOPLE tested in 2024.
Best Overall: Made by Dentists Total Care Toothpaste
Pros
It has a thick, smooth consistency that foams up well
The mint flavor keeps mouths fresh without being overpowering
Cons
It's one of the pricier options we tested
Is it possible for a toothpaste to make brushing your teeth feel like a luxurious experience? It is when it’s Made By Dentists Toothpaste for Total Care (the brand was formerly known as Spotlight Oral Care). We loved the paste’s thick consistency that went on smoothly and foamed up just enough to give our teeth a good, gentle scrubbing.
This Made By Dentists toothpaste's key ingredient is sodium fluoride to protect against cavities and strengthen enamel. Some toothpastes overcompensate with their minty flavor, but not this one. We loved that the flavor wasn’t overpowering but strong enough to keep our mouths feeling fresh until it was time to eat again.
While it's pricier than some budget-friendly options we tested, we can say that the consistency is thick enough, so a little goes a long way. If you like a good, minty toothpaste that will leave your mouth incredibly clean for hours, this might be worth the splurge for you.
Size: 4.2 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: Mint | Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride
Best Overall, Less Expensive: Colgate Sensitive Prevent & Repair Toothpaste
Pros
It cleans effectively without injury to sensitive teeth
It has a minty-fresh taste that’s not overpowering
Cons
There wasn't anything we disliked about this toothpaste
If you draw the line at pricey toothpaste, we have another excellent option at a better price point. (The price is similar, but you get nearly twice as much in the tube!) Colgate Sensitive Prevent & Repair Toothpaste made our teeth feel clean and fresh from the first time we used it.
We liked the smooth consistency of this toothpaste, which lathers nicely and spreads easily. The flavor is just minty enough without being overpowering. There was no burning or tingling that you can get with other super-minty toothpastes, so there’s no need to rush our brushing. Our teeth even seemed to be whiter after using this during testing, so it was a no-brainer to switch to using Colgate Sensitive Prevent & Repair Toothpaste in our daily brushing routine.
Size: 6 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: Gentle mint | Key Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride
Best Budget: Colgate Total Deep Clean Toothpaste
Pros
It’s a basic, budget-friendly toothpaste that cleans your entire mouth
It offers round-the-clock antibacterial protection
Cons
It’s not as minty as some would like
Nothing makes you feel like you’re pouring your hard-earned money down the drain like toothpaste. That’s why we’re glad to include such a high-quality, budget-friendly option like Colgate Total Deep Clean Toothpaste on our best toothpastes list.
This opaque white paste is about as basic as you can get, but that’s not a bad thing. Our teeth felt smooth and clean after using it. We found it to be an especially good pairing with a solid electric toothbrush, but manual toothbrushes will do just fine, too. It’s got a mild, minty taste that’s not at all overpowering, but enough to make your entire mouth feel clean after brushing. It also offers 24-hour antibacterial protection, which we like, and despite that powerful feature, we didn’t feel any sensitivity when using it.
Size: 5.1 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: Light mint | Key Ingredients: 0.454% stannous fluoride (0.15% w/v fluoride ion)
People / Ashleigh Morley
Best for Sensitive Gums: Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste
Pros
It offers a deep clean without affecting gums
The mint flavor is effective without being overpowering
Cons
It’s a bit pricier than others on our list for a single tube
If you have sensitive gums, then you know that some toothpastes, especially whitening ones, can make things worse. We quickly found there was nothing to worry about when using Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify.
We found that it made every part of our mouth feel clean and fresh, especially our tongue. But despite this deep-clean feeling, we had no sensitivity issues. This gentle toothpaste has a thick, creamy consistency that spreads easily while brushing. Only a pea-size amount is needed to get the right amount of foam to reach all teeth, but not so much that we had to spit out the toothpaste before our two-minute brushing session was over.
We liked that there was a nice, light scent of mint without it being too overpowering. Most importantly, our sensitive gums seemed just fine, even though this toothpaste seemed to take care of plaque buildup effectively. This toothpaste is priced a bit higher than others on the list, but if it means having irritation-free gums, it’s well worth the extra money.
Size: 3.7 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: Mint | Key Ingredients: Fluoride
Best Whitening: Arm & Hammer Essentials Whiten & Strengthen Fluoride Toothpaste
Pros
It cleans the entire mouth with the gentle power of baking soda
It’s great for those with sensitive teeth
Our teeth whitened over the testing period
Cons
It’s not as minty as other toothpastes we tried
Our teeth felt amazing after brushing with this toothpaste for the first time. Teeth sensitivity is a concern, so we were impressed at how the baking soda allowed for such a deep clean without any teeth or gum aggravation. Over time, our teeth felt stronger, and they looked whiter.
The mint flavor was very light, and though the taste didn’t linger for too long, our mouth felt clean and pleasant for quite a while after brushing. The best part was that if we ate or drank something shortly after brushing, the taste wasn’t affected as it can be with other minty toothpastes.
Overall, we were very impressed with how clean our sensitive teeth felt without any pain while brushing.
Size: 4.3 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: Fresh mint | Key Ingredients: Fluoride and baking soda
Related: The 9 Best Water Flossers of 2024, Tested by Real People
Best Whitening for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste
Pros
We didn't experience any pain in our sensitive teeth or gums while using this toothpaste
We appreciated the deep clean it provided
The formula foams up nicely
Cons
It might take longer to notice a more distinct improvement in sensitivity
Whitening can be a troublesome and even painful process if you have sensitive teeth. Sensodyne has long been the leading toothpaste brand for people with sensitive teeth, which is why we were eager to try the Extra-Whitening Toothpaste.
Despite having sensitive teeth and gums, this was our first try with a sensitive toothpaste, and we did notice a slight difference that we hope will increase over time. We like the smooth consistency that foams up nicely to reach and clean every spot in our mouth. The minty flavor is slight but strong enough to fix morning breath, so if you are averse to super-minty toothpastes, this might be a winner for you.
Size: 4 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: Mint | Key Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride
Related: The 9 Best LED Teeth Whitening Kits of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Whitening Upkeep: Crest Pro-Health Clean Mint Toothpaste
Pros
It brightens your smile without triggering teeth or gum sensitivity
It's one of the more budget-friendly toothpastes we tested
The flavor is minty but not overpowering
Cons
Some may prefer a thicker formulation
It’s one thing to whiten your teeth either in a dentist’s office or at home with teeth-whitening strips or teeth-whitening pens, but it’s another thing to keep up the good work for your smile. That’s why we like Crest Pro-Health Clean Mint Toothpaste. We were able to see a difference in our smiles in the before and after photos. On a daily basis, we noticed that it kept coffee and tea stains at bay, so this does work for a brighter smile.
We were impressed with how clean and smooth our teeth felt after just one use — none of that gritty residue that you can sometimes get with other whitening toothpastes. This toothpaste has a thinner consistency than others, but it lathered up just right even when using an electric toothbrush. It left us with a nice, fresh feeling, without any sensitivity. The flavor is just minty enough for fresh breath, but not at all overpowering.
Size: 4.3 oz. | Formula: Gel | Flavor: Clean mint | Key Ingredients: Stannous fluoride, sodium hexametaphosphate
Best for Breath: TheraBreath Fresh Breath Toothpaste
Pros
The flavor is effective without being overpowering
It's a good option for kids transitioning to adult toothpaste
The formula features aloe vera in addition to flouride
Cons
Some may prefer a toothpaste with a thicker consistency
Our teeth felt smooth and clean after using TheraBreath. If you’re new to this brand, know that we were impressed with how well it stacked up to other “traditional” toothpastes but without additives.
This toothpaste comes in a clear gel that has a nice, smooth consistency. There’s a hint of sweet mint, though we wish it were a bit stronger to mask some of the other ingredients in the toothpaste. For those who don’t love toothpaste with a strong flavor, this might be a good option, including kids who are moving on from their kiddie toothpastes to adult formulas.
We like that it’s made with clean ingredients like aloe vera, though it still has the power of fluoride to fight cavities.
Size: 4 oz. | Formula: Gel | Flavor: Mild mint | Key Ingredients: Fluoride, aloe vera
People / Ella Field
Best for Kids: Tom's of Maine Natural Children's Fluoride Toothpaste
Pros
It’s easy to spread over little teeth without fuss
The fruity flavors are pleasant without being too strong
Each tube comes with 5.1 ounces of formula, which is more than most we tested
Cons
The gray color might be off-putting to adults, but kids don’t seem to mind
To instill healthy dental hygiene habits in kids as early as possible, it’s important to find a toothpaste that’s effective, easy to use, and has clean ingredients that are gentle on tiny teeth. That’s why we like Tom’s of Maine Children’s Toothpaste.
We liked that this creamy toothpaste is easy to get sudsy; we were able to spread it over a 13-month-old’s set of 10 chompers without any fuss. It scrubbed her teeth gently without leaving any residue. The only real surprise was that the toothpaste was gray because everything is natural and there are no dyes.
We tried out Silly Strawberry with no complaints, even though we found it tasted a bit grainy when we tried it out ourselves. It’s got a very fruity smell, but the flavor isn’t as overpowering. Anything that makes it easier to brush the teeth of a wiggling baby is a good thing in our book, but Tom’s of Maine seals the deal with toothpaste that’s all-natural and free of dyes.
Size: 5.1 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: Silly Strawberry, Outrageous Orange | Key Ingredients: Sodium monofluorophosphate
Best Gel: Colgate Total Fresh Mint Stripe Gel Toothpaste
Pros
Thanks to stannous fluoride, it fights bacteria throughout the entire mouth
Our breath stayed minty fresh long after brushing
It's safe for those with sensitive teeth
Cons
Some may prefer a paste formula versus gel
If you prefer a gel formula to paste when brushing your teeth, we recommend Colgate Total Fresh Mint Stripe Gel Toothpaste. The minty flavor kept our breath fresh for a long time after brushing, and even better, our teeth felt clean and smooth all day.
The active ingredient is stannous fluoride, and it fights bacteria not only on teeth but also any that’s lingering on gums, tongues, and cheeks. It protects against cavities, plaque, tartar, and gingivitis. It strengthens enamel, whitens teeth, neutralizes odor, and freshens breath.
In short, this Colgate toothpaste lives up to the “Total” in its name. It’s even good for those with sensitive teeth. All told, this is an effective and affordable option to include in your dental hygiene routine.
Size: 3.3 oz. | Formula: Gel | Flavor: Fresh mint stripe | Key Ingredients: Stannous fluoride
Best Foaming: Colgate Total Plaque Pro-Release Fresh Mint Toothpaste
Pros
It foams up well to reach even the back teeth easily
The mint flavor is strong but not overwhelming
Cons
For the size, it is pricier than other toothpastes on our list
It took just a single brushing for us to become big fans of Colgate Total Plaque Pro-Release Fresh Mint Toothpaste. Our breath was fresh and clean, and our teeth felt like they had just been polished. We were surprised to see that the consistency was smooth, not gritty. We were impressed to see how shiny and clean it made our teeth, especially by the gum line, where plaque likes to live.
This toothpaste gets quite foamy, which is a plus in our book. Even better, we found it reaches all areas of the mouth quite well, even the back teeth. Each time we used it, we felt like we were getting a really good cleaning without any sensitivity.
We also like how the Fresh Mint lives up to its name. We found the mintiness stuck around without being overwhelming, so you don’t always have to reach for the mouthwash.
Size: 3 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: Fresh mint | Key Ingredients: Stannous fluoride
People / Sarah Sorensen
Best Tablets: Tidalove Smile More Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride
Pros
The tablets foam up nicely and leave a fresh-from-the-dentist feeling
Cons
It’s not as cost-effective for everyday use compared to some budget-friendly traditional toothpastes
These tablets foam up nicely so that the paste can reach around the entire mouth for easy brushing without clumping. It was also quite easy to rinse out, too. The best compliment we can give these Tidalove tablets is that our teeth have that fresh-from-the-dentist feel after just one use. We also noticed a slightly brighter smile after continued use.
We love that these tablets reduce packaging and waste, but there is a slight learning curve with having to chew the tablets rather than squeeze some paste or gel onto a brush. We were at first concerned with consistency, but this foamed up as well or better than any paste or gel we had used before.
At first, we found the yuzu to be more prominent than the mint in the flavor. Oddly enough, we noticed a stronger mint flavor as we brushed, especially when we rinsed, so the flavor does live up to its yuzu/minty name. Overall, we found the taste and the brushing experience to be quite pleasant.
Size: 62 tablets | Formula: Tablets | Flavor: Fresh minty yuzu | Key Ingredients: Fluoride
People / Jaylyn Pruitt
Best Pump Dispenser: HiSmile Everyday SmileCare
Pros
The pump dispenses the ideal amount of product
The consistency is smooth and foams up nicely
Cons
We found this toothpaste to have a slightly bitter taste
We thought we were happy with our current toothpaste until we started brushing with HiSmile Everyday SmileCare. We loved how clean and refreshed our teeth felt after just one use. People with sensitive teeth can also use this toothpaste with no problem.
The pump does take some priming before the toothpaste starts to dispense, but once it gets going, it dispenses the ideal amount in a single pump. The consistency is smooth and easy to apply without sticking or clumping. We find it foams up just enough so you do not constantly have to spit during your brushing routine.
HiSmile comes in 10 different flavors, but we tried out the watermelon flavor and found it both fruity and minty, though we did detect a slightly bitter taste.
You can’t currently purchase HiSmile anywhere but online, so keep that in mind when stocking your bathroom supplies.
Size: 2.1 oz. | Formula: Paste | Flavor: 10 | Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride
Best for Travel: Simplut Chewable Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride
Pros
It foams up nicely to clean your whole mouth
We liked the refreshing mint flavor that made our mouth feel very clean afterward
Cons
There is a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never used tablets before
It’s not as cost-effective for everyday use
Toothpaste tablets are great for travel, whether you stow them in a bag for work or are looking for a TSA-friendly personal care product for your toiletry bag. But if you’re new to tablets, be prepared for a learning curve.
At first, it felt like you were chewing a mint, and the flavor was enough to get rid of our morning breath even before brushing. There’s a grainy texture that’s unlike any paste or gel you’ve ever used. But once you’ve chewed it properly, it becomes easy to brush and reach every tooth. We liked the refreshing yet not overpowering mint flavor that left our mouth feeling clean even after rinsing.
It’s a great option to keep packed in your carry-on luggage, but it’s probably not cost-effective to use as your everyday toothpaste. At 60 tablets per canister, you’ll use it up in a month, whereas gel and paste tubes will likely last much longer.
Size: 60 | Formula: Tablets | Flavor: Peppermint | Key Ingredients: Fluoride
What to Know About Toothpastes
Key Ingredients
“Fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite-containing toothpastes are great, and you can’t go wrong with either of those ingredients,” says Dr. Kutlay. And since all of the toothpastes on our list contain at least fluoride, you can’t go wrong with any of our picks. We’re especially partial to the Made By Dentists Toothpaste for Total Care and Colgate Sensitive Prevent & Repair Toothpaste, which topped our list.
Formula
Are you Team Paste or Team Gel? But wait, there’s another option: If you are looking for a toothpaste that cuts down on packaging and waste, you might be on Team Tablet, in which case you’ll want to look at our reviews of the Tidalove Smile More Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride and Simplut Chewable Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride.
Packaging aside, it comes down to personal preference. Some people feel that gels foam up better to reach inside the entire mouth, while others like the thicker consistency of paste. Chewable tablets will change up your brushing routine, but those who love them say it’s all the same when it comes time to rinse. The good news is that the key features (like whitening power) or ingredients (like fluoride) are found in all three major types of toothpaste formulas, so you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite way to brush.
ADA Approval
If you want to be sure that your dentist is on board with your toothpaste choice, look for the American Dental Association's (ADA) seal of approval. “For the most part, any ADA-approved product has undergone rigorous testing to ensure safety for consumers,” says Dr. Kutlay, who notes that many of the toothpastes you’ll find at the store will have the ADA seal of approval.
People / Ella Field
Behind the Scenes
Our PEOPLE Tested team tested 36 toothpastes over the course of six weeks to fully determine their effectiveness.
Six-Week Evaluation: Our testers applied a pea-sized amount to their toothbrushes twice a day and set a timer for a two-minute brushing session. We brushed carefully, remembering to reach the backs of their teeth and behind the far back teeth, as well as brush their tongues. After rinsing, we noted how smooth our teeth felt and how fresh our breath was after brushing. For those who tested whitening toothpastes, we took before-and-after photos of their smiles to gauge progress.
Ranking: Concluding the toothpaste tests, we ranked each product on a 1 to 5 scale (with 5 being the best) against the following attributes: effectiveness, comfort, and taste. The toothpastes with the highest average scores ultimately earned a spot on this PEOPLE-Tested list of the best toothpastes.
People / Ashley Craiger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual best toothpaste?
Our PEOPLE-Tested team recommends Made By Dentists Toothpaste for Total Care, but it’s hard to come up with a single best toothpaste that will fit everyone’s dental needs. When deciding which of the best toothpastes on our list is best for you, Dr. Kutlay says to look for something high in fluoride but low in abrasives — especially if you have had major dental work. This will help you maintain a bright, shiny smile without stripping away enamel or glaze from porcelain veneers.
What is the best dentist-recommended toothpaste?
Dentists regularly recommend toothpastes from major brands like Crest, Colgate, and Sensodyne. Aside from asking your dentist directly, look for the ADA seal of approval to know which toothpastes are the best on the market.
But it’s hard to narrow it down to a single best toothpaste, simply because everyone’s dental needs are different. Some might want whitening power, while others need better plaque protection. Some might want the mintiest paste on the market, while others just want something that strengthens enamel. Still, others need a product that’s gentle on their sensitive teeth. The good news is that there are ADA-approved toothpastes that do many, if not all, of these things at once, so read product labels with your needs in mind.
What is the main ingredient in toothpaste?
You’ll see fluoride as the star ingredient in most of the toothpastes on our list, but that’s not all that’s on your toothbrush. Toothpastes also contain abrasives and detergents, says Dr. Kutlay. “The abrasives usually are calcium carbonate or silica, which help to physically remove surface stains, plaque, and tartar,” he explains. “The detergent is often sodium lauryl sulfate, which is used to foam up and help evenly distribute the toothpaste throughout the mouth.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE with more than 18 years of experience as a writer and editor. For this article, she consulted Dr. Sean Kutlay, DDS, about key factors to consider when choosing the best toothpaste for your needs. Zito analyzed the insights given by our team of testers, who tested out 36 toothpastes for a six-week period at home. Their input finalized the selections for the best toothpastes that you’ll want to consider for a cleaner, fresher smile.
Meet Our Expert
Dr. Sean Kutlay, DDS, is the owner and principal practitioner of Santa Clarita, California’s top-rated cosmetic and general dentistry practice.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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