In addition to using floss and an electric or manual toothbrush, picking the right toothpaste is key to having good oral hygiene. The best toothpaste for you depends on your specific dental needs, whether that involves whitening your teeth, maintaining gum health or tackling other oral hygiene concerns.
We talked to dentists about how to pick the perfect toothpaste for you, including key ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. We also rounded up a handful of toothpastes that will deep clean your teeth, prevent cavities and freshen breath.
SKIP AHEAD Best toothpaste for adults | How to shop for toothpaste | Toothpaste for specialized needs
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How we chose the best toothpastes
- American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: When you see the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance, it means the brand submitted data and other materials to the ADA and the organization determined that the product meets specified safety and efficacy requirements, explained Dr. Edmond Hewlett, professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
- Fluoride: All toothpastes with the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride, an ingredient experts told us is proven to be effective in fighting cavities.
- Flavor: As long as the toothpaste you choose has the ADA Seal, flavor is entirely a personal preference.
- Specialized options: In addition to protecting teeth from cavities, some toothpaste offers additional benefits like whitening, or is made for those experiencing tooth sensitivity, for example.
