We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Best Toothpaste for Tackling Plaque

  1. Sensodyne ProNamel Mint Essence Toothpaste
  2. SNOW Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
  3. Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste Cool Mint with Flouride
  4. Lumineux Oral Essentials Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
  5. Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Fluoride Toothpaste
  6. Crest Clinical Sensitivity Whitening w/Scope Toothpaste
  7. Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste
  8. Aquafresh Cavity Protection Fluoride Sensitive Toothpaste
  9. Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste
  10. Pearl Drops Smokers Stain Removing Whitening Gel Toothpaste
  11. Eucryl Toothpowder Original Powerful Stain Removal
  12. BlanX Non Abrasive Stain Removal Toothpaste
  13. Breath Rx Purifying Original Toothpaste
  14. Closys 1C-7-24F Fluoride Toothpaste
  15. Listerine Essential Care Toothpaste
  16. Dr. Katz TheraBreath Oxygenating Toothpaste, with Aloe Vera
  17. SmartMouth Toothpaste
  18. Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Extra Whitening Toothpaste with Tartar Protection
  19. Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste
  20. Colgate Total Advanced Fresh Whitening Gel Toothpaste
  21. Weleda Children's Tooth Gel
  22. Xlear Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol
  23. Natural Dentist Toothpaste Cavity Zapper
  24. Tom's Of Maine Children's Natural Toothpaste With Fluoride
  25. Colgate Kids 2 In 1 Toothpaste & Mouthwash
  26. Crest 3D White Vivid Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste
  27. Tom's of Maine Whole Care Fluoride Toothpaste, Peppermint
  28. Colgate Total Whitening Paste, Anticavity Fluoride and Antigingivitis Toothpaste
  29. AquaFresh Fluoride Toothpaste, Triple Protection
  30. Tom's of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
  31. Nature's Gate Natural Toothpaste
  32. PowerSmile Toothpaste by Jason
  33. Kiss My Face Triple Action Natural Aloe Vera Toothpaste
  34. Now Foods Xyliwhite Toothpaste

Choosing a toothpaste is as important as choosing your dentist. While you see your dentist twice a year, you use your toothpaste every day, and hopefully more than once a day. The best toothpaste in 2022 works to not only clean your teeth, but to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and possibly whiten your teeth too. There are many types of toothpaste on the market that offer multiple benefits wrapped into one product, so let's dive into our top recommendations.

Comparing the Best Toothpastes of 2022

Sensodyne ProNamel Mint Essence Toothpaste - Best Toothpaste Overall

Sensodyne ProNamel Mint Essence Toothpaste microhardens tooth enamel and helps stop pain from sensitive teeth. This toothpaste protects from the effects of acid wear and is formulated with low abrasives and a neutral pH. You get the benefits of a regular toothpaste with enamel hardening features as well as whitening your pearly whites. A great toothpaste to make brushing and eating more comfortable.

SNOW Teeth Whitening Toothpaste - Editor's Choice

The Snow Teeth Whitening Morning AM Toothpaste features a unique formula that helps maintain cleaner and whiter teeth naturally and effectively. This toothpaste keeps your teeth clean, white, and shiny, that too without any artificial ingredients. It is based on vegan, non-GMO ingredients like peppermint oil and coconut oil. These eco-friendly ingredients help fight gum diseases while maintaining a fresh breath. It is free from messy charcoal and harsh chemicals that are common in many big name brands. The manufacturer has also included hydroxyapatite in the formula that helps strengthen the enamel.

The toothpaste is available in two variations - Morning Frost AM Toothpaste and Midnight Mist PM Toothpaste. The entire line is developed by a team of professional dentists who ensure quality and proven results.

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste Cool Mint with Flouride - Best Whitening Toothpaste

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste Cool Mint with Fluoride uses natural ingredients to remove surface stains, fight cavities and whiten your smile. Available in clean and crisp great flavor, this toothpaste will keep your breath fresh throughout the day. With the highest enamel fluoride uptake, enamel and dentin are restored. The results are naturally whiter teeth without the use of chemicals to artificially whiten your teeth. Brushing three times a day restores your teeth to their whitest and maintains your great, pearly white smile.

Lumineux Oral Essentials Teeth Whitening Toothpaste - Best for Freshness

It leaves teeth whiter, healthier, and brighter looking without removing enamel or creating dental sensitivity since it uses strong oils to break up stains. Lumineux makes a daily teeth whitening toothpaste that works just as well as the leading brand without the sensitivity associated with standard hydrogen peroxide-based whiteners. Coffee, Tea, Wine, Green Juices, and Tobacco stains are gently removed with this Whitening Toothpaste, which also strengthens your teeth and freshens your breath. Good bacteria make up 98 percent of the microorganisms in your mouth! By reducing bacterium toxins while conserving beneficial bacteria, this idea aims to maintain a healthy environment in the mouth. There are no SLS, preservatives, or other cytotoxic additives in this toothpaste.

Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Fluoride Toothpaste - Best for Sensitive Teeth

Sensodyne Rapid Relief is a pain reliever made by Sensodyne. Tooth sensitivity can be relieved quickly using sensitive toothpaste. Its stannous fluoride-based composition immediately forms a barrier over exposed dentin, reducing sensitivity. It also has the same advantages as normal toothpaste.

In just three days, it provides clinically verified tooth sensitivity alleviation. When used as instructed, this toothpaste gives long-lasting relief from sensitivity discomfort. It works to keep sensitivity triggers away from your nerves. Brushing twice a day also protects against cavities and freshens the breath.

Crest Clinical Sensitivity Whitening w/Scope Toothpaste - Consider

Crest Clinical Sensitivity Whitening with Scope is formulated to relieve the pain to sensitive teeth, caused by hot or cold food or liquids. This toothpaste also fights cavities and removes plaque. You get fresh breath with a doctor recommended product for maximum relief of sensitivity. By soothing nerves in your teeth from exposed dentin, pain is alleviated by brushing twice per day. And with Scope for fresh breath included in their unique formula, your whole mouth feels fresh.

Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste - Consider

Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste is free of artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives. This toothpaste contains fluoride with 36% by weight of natural Xylitol. Whiten teeth, get fresh breath and protect teeth from sensitivity the low abrasives, no stinging, no animal testing and no animal products. A great choice for those with sensitive teeth who want whiter teeth and a fresher mouth.

Aquafresh Cavity Protection Fluoride Sensitive Toothpaste - Consider

Aquafresh Sensitive Toothpaste is a triple protection toothpaste that soothes the pain associated with sensitive teeth. This toothpaste attacks the source of sensitive tooth pain and soothes exposed nerves. And you get all the benefits of regular AquaFresh toothpaste; cleaning, preventing plaque and whitening. A great toothpaste that lives up to the Aquafresh name.

Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste - Best Stain Removal Toothpaste

Rembrandt Intense Stain Removal is formulated with calcium, vitamin E and fluoride, giving you healthier, stronger teeth. Low-abrasion citroxain and new stain fighting ingredient Alumisil, remove stains, even below the surface of teeth. By fortifying enamel, you fight tooth decay and prevent plaque build-up, keeping teeth from yellowing. Use at least twice a day and it will keep stains from forming and keep your smile brighter.

Pearl Drops Smokers Stain Removing Whitening Gel Toothpaste - Best Stain Removal Toothpaste

Pearl Drops Smokers Stain Removing Whitening Gel Toothpaste uses an advanced micro-polishing formula containing active oxygen to polish and remove stains from teeth. You get teeth up to two shades whiter in only 3 weeks. Their Liquid Calcium technology fills in microscopic crevices in enamel, preventing enamel breakdown and further staining. A leading whitening toothpaste in the UK and a favorite of make-up artists and celebrities, this toothpaste leaves your teeth naturally whiter, smoother and brighter.

Eucryl Toothpowder Original Powerful Stain Removal - Best Stain Removal Toothpaste

Eucryl Toothpowder Original Powerful Stain Removal goes beyond what a traditional toothpaste can do, in removing surface stains from teeth. With a fine powder and natural abrasive action, there is no hard brushing required. Eucryl has been whitening for over 100 years and is still going strong. You need only to use this tooth powder once or twice a week along with your usual toothpaste to rid your teeth of stains, whiten and brighten. A low commitment for a huge result.

BlanX Non Abrasive Stain Removal Toothpaste - Best Stain Removal Toothpaste

BlanX Non Abrasive Stain Removal Toothpaste gives you a clean, blank slate when it comes to your teeth. Restores your teeth to their natural white and help you keep them that way. With natural ingredients such as Arctic Lichen, your teeth are whitened with the damaging effects of chemicals. And the natural aroma and taste leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean. BlanX prevents plaque and tartar from forming and keep your teeth whiter longer.

Breath Rx Purifying Original Toothpaste - Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath

BreathRx Whitening Toothpaste contains Zytex, a blend of zinc, thymol and eucalyptus oil to break up foul smelling odors and kill odor-causing bacteria. Fluoride prevents cavities that can cause bad breath while special enhanced whitening actions whitens teeth. A first step in their 3-step program where you can brush, scrape and rinse to combat bad breath and prevent it from coming back. Use alone or with the other two steps, this toothpaste is a must-have for anyone suffering from bad breath.

Closys 1C-7-24F Fluoride Toothpaste - Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath

Closys Fluoride Toothpaste is recommended by doctors for killing 99.95 of bad-breath forming bacteria. Cloraistan is a naturally activated ingredient in the toothpaste, activated by amino acids in your own saliva. Smarter oral care using your own natural defenses to combat bad breath. Brighten your smile, fight plaque and fight bad breath for an all over fresh mouth. Get confidence knowing your breath is clean.

Listerine Essential Care Toothpaste - Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath

Listerine Essential Care Toothpaste contains a combination of eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol, a unique germ-killing combination to get to the root of bad breath. Sodium monofluorphosphate provides anti-cavity protection, while the same four antiseptic oils used in Listerine mouthwash are used in this toothpaste to kill plaque and gingivitis. This toothpaste is backed by decades of experience in fighting bad breath germs.

Dr. Katz TheraBreath Oxygenating Toothpaste, with Aloe Vera - Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath

Dr. Katz TheraBreath Oxygenating Toothpaste is the world’s #1 clinical oxygenating toothpaste. Containing aloe vera and natural anti-tartar and anti-plaque agents, this toothpaste neutralizes bacterially produced Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC’s), fighting bad breath at the source. Sodium lauryl sulfate free, no saccharin or harsh detergents, this toothpaste is perfect for dry mouth, those with diabetes or canker sores. Dr. Harold Katz DDS has helped countless patients control bad breath and now you have this toothpaste to conquer it on own.

SmartMouth Toothpaste - Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath

SmartMouth Toothpaste uses the same Zinc Ion formula as used in SmartMouth Mouthwash. Reducing sulfur gas that causes bad breath, while whitening teeth. Used twice a day, you can eliminate and prevent bad breath, even morning breath. Your fresh mouth lasts 24 hours per day with their fresh minty formula. A healthier mouth, stronger teeth, fresh breath and a beautiful smile.

Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Extra Whitening Toothpaste with Tartar Protection - Best Whitening Toothpaste

Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Extra Whitening with Tartar Protection in Clean Mint fights cavities while whitening your teeth. You get healthy teeth and gums and dazzling white teeth all while you brush. With specially formulated tartar blockers, removes plaque while gently polishing and removing surface stains. And the clean minty taste leaves your mouth fresh and clean. My top choice for whitening teeth while you brush.

Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste - Best Stain Removal Toothpaste

Rembrandt Intense Stain Removal is formulated with calcium, vitamin E and fluoride, giving you healthier, stronger teeth. Low-abrasion citroxain and new stain fighting ingredient Alumisil, remove stains, even below the surface of teeth. By fortifying enamel, you fight tooth decay and prevent plaque build-up, keeping teeth from yellowing. Use at least twice a day and it will keep stains from forming and keep your smile brighter.

Colgate Total Advanced Fresh Whitening Gel Toothpaste - Best Whitening Toothpaste

Colgate Total Advanced Fresh and Whitening Toothpaste lives up to the Colgate name. Fight germs, gingivitis, tartar build-up, cavities, bad breath, all while whitening your teeth. Colgate is a toothpaste most recommended by dentists and is the only toothpaste that is FDA approved to fight gingivitis. This toothpaste reduced plaque germs for 12 hours, whereas other toothpastes don’t. And you get whiter teeth as the toothpaste removes surface stains and plaque. Protection and white teeth all in one toothpaste.

Weleda Children's Tooth Gel - Best Kid's Toothpaste

Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel provides natural protection for children’s teeth. This fluoride-free toothpaste is gentle on baby teeth and tastes great. Using natural Silica and calming biodynamic Calendula, your children’s teeth will be cleaned without pain or discomfort to sensitive teeth. Calendula soothes gums for a better experience. Safe to swallow, Weleda makes it easy for kids to care for their teeth.

Xlear Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol - Best Kid's Toothpaste

Xlear Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol in strawberry banana flavor is an all natural toothpaste that is fluoride-free and all natural. Safe to swallow and sweetened with 100% xylitol, kids will love this toothpaste for the way it tastes. You will love this toothpaste for how it cares for your kids’ teeth. A great toothpaste that is gentle to baby teeth and protects gums to promote healthy adult tooth growth in the future.

Natural Dentist Toothpaste Cavity Zapper - Best Kid's Toothpaste

Natural Dentist Toothpaste Cavity Zapper Gel in Groovy Grape is a kids’ favorite. Parents love it for the cavity fighting protection, kids love it for the taste. Getting your kids to brush without a fight is monumental in their dental health. One of the only toothpastes to use grape as a flavor. Safe for sensitive baby teeth.

Tom's Of Maine Children's Natural Toothpaste With Fluoride - Best Kid's Toothpaste

Tom’s of Maine Children’s Natural Toothpaste is a fluoride-free tooth paste in Silly Strawberry flavor that kids love. Using calcium and silica with real fruit flavor, this toothpaste cleans children’s teeth, fights cavities and is safe to swallow. Using natural ingredients, you don’t have to worry about irritating gums, pain to sensitive baby teeth or any of it ending up in your kids’ tummies. Mild abrasive clean teeth gently and keep teeth strong until they fall out, while healthy gums promote healthy adult teeth.

Colgate Kids 2 In 1 Toothpaste & Mouthwash - Best Kid's Toothpaste

Colgate Kids 2 in 1 Toothpaste & Mouthwash in Watermelon flavor fights cavities, bad breath and plaque buildup. Kids will brush longer because they love the rich, fruity flavor. This fluoride toothpaste is clinically proven to fight cavities. Colgate is a trusted name in toothpaste and oral hygiene. Start great habits young.

Crest 3D White Vivid Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste - Best Fluoride Toothpaste

Crest 3D White Vivid Fluoride Anticavity Radiant Mint Toothpaste removes 90% of surface stains and micro-cleansing whiteners loosen stains while their foaming action formula polishes them away. And their white bond protection prevents further stains from forming. Get whiter teeth in just 14 days while protecting enamel and fighting cavities with fluoride. A great toothpaste by a trusted brand in oral hygiene.

Tom's of Maine Whole Care Fluoride Toothpaste, Peppermint - Best Fluoride Toothpaste

Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Fluoride Toothpaste in Peppermint is yummy goodness as it fights cavities and freshens breath. This toothpaste is all natural with clinically-proven cavity protection using fluoride as it’s main line of defense. Whitening with naturally sources silicas, you get whiter teeth, fresh breath and a clean mouth. Prevents plaque and tartar build-up too.

Colgate Total Whitening Paste, Anticavity Fluoride and Antigingivitis Toothpaste - Best Fluoride Toothpaste

Colgate Total Whitening Paste Anticavity Fluoride and Antigingivitis Toothpaste is a mouthful alright. A mouthful of goodness in whitening teeth, fighting cavities and preventing gingivitis. As a trusted name in oral hygiene, Colgate is dentist recommended. You get a whiter smile while fighting cavities and removing plaque that causes gum disease. This really is the total package.

AquaFresh Fluoride Toothpaste, Triple Protection - Best Fluoride Toothpaste

AquaFresh Fluoride Toothpaste, Triple Protection cleans with calcium, fights cavities with fluoride and is approved by the American Dental Association. This toothpaste strengthens teeth and gently removes stains while leaving your whole mouth fresh. With calcium carbonate to help clean surface stains, you get whiter, brighter teeth. And your fresh mouth lasts a good long time. Get fresh breath, whiter teeth and cavity protection in one toothpaste.

Tom's of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste - Best Natural Toothpaste

Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-free Toothpaste is one of my very favorite choices. Their Spearmint Gel is part of a long line of natural toothpastes by Tom’s. With the power of Mother Nature behind them, Tom’s uses authentic ingredients such as the naturally occurring zinc citrate sourced from zinc, and Xylitol, a natural ingredient derived from birch trees or corn. Their natural flavoring makes you want to brush. Tom's is a great natural toothpaste for those who choose to go fluoride and chemical free.

Nature's Gate Natural Toothpaste - Best Natural Toothpaste

Nature’s Gate Natural Toothpaste is another top choice in natural toothpastes. Their Creme de Peppermint flavor tastes great while removing plaque. It contains a natural strengthening ingredient as well as baking soda and peppermint oil, to clean your teeth. Nature's Gate does not use artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives. You get all natural ingredients while fighting cavities and plaque with the zing of peppermint. It's a great way to get a whole mouth fresh feeling every time you brush.

PowerSmile Toothpaste by Jason - Best Natural Toothpaste

Jason PowerSmile Toothpaste uses 3 natural whiteners, bamboo, calcium carbonate and silica, to whiten teeth without chemicals and harsh abrasives. One of my favorite toothpastes, it contains perilla seed extract, sugar acids are blocked from forming tartar on teeth. This product does not fluoride, saccharin, preservatives or sodium lauryl sulfate. It is not tested on animals and is the all-natural way to whiten your smile, while preventing plaque build-up. You get fresh breath from natural essential oils of peppermint, while inhibiting oral bacteria growth.

Kiss My Face Triple Action Natural Aloe Vera Toothpaste - Best Natural Toothpaste

Kiss My Face Triple Action Natural Aloe Vera Toothpaste is another of my top choices that uses natural ingredients. With tea tree oil, herbal extracts and CoQ10 to remove plaque and fight tartar, cavities, gum disease and bad breath can be a thing of the past. This fluoride-free toothpaste is also free from sodium lauryl sulfate. Using silica instead, you get a natural defense against tooth decay. Kiss My Face is formulated with Aloe Vera to sooth and care for your mouth. They never test on animals or use animal ingredients.

Now Foods Xyliwhite Toothpaste - Best Natural Toothpaste

XyliWhite Toothpaste uses all natural Xylitol in lieu of sugar. It rounds out my top 5 list by using natural sugar alcohol that is found in fruits and berries and is even manufactured in your own body. You get whiter teeth and can fight cavities all without fluoride or any harsh detergents. This great tasting toothpaste refreshes your mouth as well as your smile. Safe for all ages and a natural alternative to your standard toothpaste.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top