13 best toothpastes, according to dentists

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, varying levels of which are often found in bodies of water like rivers, lakes and oceans, according to the ADA. It’s added to dental health products like toothpaste and mouthwash because it’s proven to effectively fight cavities, protect against acid erosion and strengthen tooth enamel to make it more resistant to decay, says Rozenberg. Your teeth absorb fluoride, which restores lost minerals to eroded areas on the surface, thus rebuilding, strengthening and hardening tooth enamel.

There’s been controversy over fluoride for years since it can be toxic in excessive amounts, says Rozenberg. But it’s one of the most well-documented therapies in dentistry, says Hewlett, and added to dental products in safe, measured amounts. In order for a toothpaste to earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance, it must be fluoridated — no ADA-approved toothpastes are fluoride-free. All the experts we spoke to also recommend choosing a toothpaste that has fluoride.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes three types of fluoride as being able to help prevent dental cavities: stannous fluoride , sodium fluoride and s odium monofluorophosphate. Stannous fluoride is also highly effective at fighting bacteria, preventing tooth decay and protecting against plaque buildup. “As a rule of thumb, if you’re looking for all-around protection and not just cavity prevention, then stannous fluoride is the preferred fluoride of choice for your oral health,” says Rozenberg. Stannous fluoride can relieve tooth sensitivity, too.

Sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, acts as a detergent in toothpaste to help remove food, debris and other particles from your teeth, says Rozenberg. It also has mild antimicrobial properties and is responsible for creating the foam that forms as you brush your teeth — “the more foamy the toothpaste, the more SLS used in it,” she says. Foam helps evenly distribute the active ingredients in toothpaste across your teeth, some of which polish them or help strengthen enamel.

Some people are sensitive to SLS, and if so, using toothpaste that contains it can cause mouth ulcers, gum irritation and swelling, says Rozenberg. In these cases, experts recommend choosing a SLS-free toothpaste — read the ingredient label on a toothpaste’s packaging to determine whether it contains SLS.

Similar to how it purifies water, charcoal is often thought of as an ingredient that can absorb toxins and bacteria on your teeth or in your mouth. However, our experts agree that you should not use it. There are no charcoal toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and a study published in The Journal of The American Dental Association found that there wasn’t enough evidence to support efficacy claims. Experts also say that using charcoal toothpaste may damage the outer layer of enamel since charcoal is abrasive.

“Currently, the FDA does not define the term ‘natural toothpaste,’ which leaves consumers to define what natural means to them,” says Dr. Kate Zoumboukos, who practices dentistry at SW Austin Dental in Texas. Some brands use the term “natural toothpaste” to describe options that are free of artificial flavors and ingredients, preservatives, sweeteners and dyes. Experts agree that any toothpaste marketed as “natural” is effective so long as it contains fluoride, and it’s even better if it also has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Toothpaste most often comes in a gel or paste form, but some brands sell solid toothpaste, usually in the form of a tablet you chew into a gum-like substance before brushing your teeth with it. There are no solid toothpaste options that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, so shop with caution and ensure anything you try contains fluoride.

There’s really no difference in effectiveness between toothpaste for kids and adults — it’s more a matter of flavors and packaging, experts told us. With that being said, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children start using toothpaste with fluoride as soon as their first tooth appears. Experts say this is usually around six months, but for some kids, it can be even younger. You can start with a fluoridated kids toothpaste and then transition to an adult toothpaste later on, or start with an adult toothpaste right away. Sometimes kids don’t like the flavor of adult toothpaste, so consider trying a few yourself and using the one with a very mild flavor for your child.