Choosing the right toothpaste is essential for oral hygiene, but doing so can be confusing. While all toothpastes clean teeth, you might 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. For this story, I talked to dentists about determining which toothpaste to buy and used their guidance to round up options made with fluoride from brands like Crest, Colgate and Sensodyne. Many of the toothpastes we recommend earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, and the NBC Select staff also tried a handful of them.
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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. All ADA-approved toothpastes contain fluoride and are not made with flavoring agents that can cause or contribute to tooth decay, like sugar. This doesn’t mean toothpaste without the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance are ineffective — it just means brands have not voluntarily submitted their…
