While a trip to the dentist ensures top-tier oral care, maintaining that clean, fresh feeling every day starts at home, with the right toothpaste. Whether you’re targeting sensitivity, aiming to whiten, or just want a toothpaste that leaves your mouth feeling minty-fresh, the right formula makes all the difference. From enamel repair to plaque removal, we’ve rounded up the best toothpaste options across a range of needs and budgets.
GlowingPicks’s Favorite Toothpastes:
Best for Enamel Protection: Sensodyne Pronamel Fresh Breath Toothpaste, $24.96
Best for Sensitivity & Gum Health: Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum + Enamel Toothpaste, $17.47
Best Whitening Option: Crest + Scope Whitening Toothpaste, $8.99
Best Natural Formula: Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride Toothpaste, $16.95
Best All-in-One Protection: Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste, $9.05
Best for Enamel Protection:
- Four 4 oz tubes of Sensodyne Pronamel Fresh Breath Enamel Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth, Fresh Wave
- Daily fluoride toothpaste for cavity protection (1)
- Formulated to help strengthen and reharden enamel for stronger, healthier teeth; Helps relieve the pain of sensitive tee…
Sensodyne Pronamel Fresh Breath Toothpaste
Price: $24.96 (4-pack)
Why We Love It: This enamel-strengthening powerhouse is a go-to for dentists and anyone dealing with acid wear. With a refreshing mint flavor, it’s free of harsh ingredients like sulfates, artificial dyes, and formaldehyde donors. It’s formulated to deliver fluoride and minerals into weakened enamel, leaving your teeth not only stronger but also less sensitive over time.
Key Features:
- Fluoride-based for cavity protection
- Targets enamel erosion
- #1 dentist-recommended for enamel care
- SLS, baking soda, and colorant-free
Best For: Sensitive teeth and enamel protection
Best for Sensitivity & Gum Health:
- Three 3.4 oz tubes of Mint flavored Sensodyne Toothpaste Sensitivity Gum and Enamel, Triple Protection, Refreshing Fluor…
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth from the number 1 dentist-recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth
- Sensodyne Sensitivity Gum and Enamel Toothpaste is clinically proven to provide long-lasting sensitivity protection and …
Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum + Enamel Toothpaste
Price: $17.47 (3-pack)
Why We Love It: Looking for a multi-tasking toothpaste? This one does it all—protects enamel, relieves sensitivity, and supports gum health. Backed by clinical research, it’s known for long-lasting protection and a refreshing mint finish. The formula actively targets plaque bacteria while being gentle on gums.
Key Features:
- Triple-action formula: sensitivity, enamel, and gum care
- Gentle but effective plaque control
- Minty fresh feel
Best For: Those with both sensitivity and gum issues
Best Whitening Option:
- BULK TOOTHPASTE: Includes three 5.4 oz cartons of Crest + Scope Whitening Toothpaste.
- BAD BREATH KILLER: Our Crest toothpaste kills millions of bad breath germs in laboratory tests, ensuring your oral hygie…
- CAVITY AND TARTAR FIGHTER: Fights cavities and tartar, strengthening enamel with our fluoride toothpaste.
Crest + Scope Whitening Toothpaste
Price: $8.99 (2-pack)
Why We Love It: If a dazzling smile is your goal, this minty-fresh formula from Crest combines the cleaning power of baking soda and peroxide with the mouthwash benefits of Scope. It gently lifts surface stains while freshening breath. The dual-action leaves your teeth sparkling and your mouth ultra-clean.
Key Features:
- Whitening agents with Scope freshness
- Removes surface stains
- Affordable and widely available
Best For: Everyday whitening and fresh breath
Best Natural Formula:
Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride Toothpaste
Price: $16.95
- Includes three (3) 4.0 oz tubes of Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste Gel
- This whitening antiplaque mint toothpaste gel helps whiten teeth and helps prevent tartar buildup with regular brushing
- The refreshing Spearmint toothpaste flavor helps freshen breath every time you brush with this gel toothpaste
Why We Love It: Clean beauty, meet clean teeth. This fluoride toothpaste is made with naturally derived ingredients, including calcium and zinc. It’s free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and animal testing. While it leans eco-conscious, it doesn’t sacrifice effectiveness, making it a favorite among those seeking gentle, sustainable oral care.
Key Features:No artificial sweeteners or preservatives, naturally derived fluoride
- Certified B Corp brand
Best For: Eco-conscious users and those avoiding harsh additives
Best All-in-One Protection:
Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste
Price: $9.05
- Four 6.3 oz tubes of Colgate Max Fresh with Whitening Toothpaste, Clean Mint
- Breath freshening toothpaste pack provides freshness that lasts for hours
- Colgate Max Fresh toothpastes provide 10X longer lasting cool than a leading fluoride toothpaste
Why We Love It: A classic that continues to dominate dental aisles, Colgate Total offers protection against plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. This formula includes stannous fluoride for whole-mouth protection and also helps remove surface stains. Bonus: It’s often recommended by dentists for general-purpose daily care.
Key Features:
- 12-hour protection
- Complete oral health defense
- Helps maintain a healthy smile with consistent use
Best For: All-around protection at an unbeatable price
What Makes a Good Toothpaste?
According to dental experts, a great toothpaste should address your specific oral needs—whether that’s sensitivity, whitening, or gum care—without harsh abrasives or questionable ingredients. Fluoride remains the gold standard for cavity protection, but gentle alternatives are rising in popularity.
How to Choose the Best Toothpaste
Here’s what to consider:
- Tooth Sensitivity? Go for potassium nitrate-based formulas.
- Want Whiter Teeth? Choose hydrogen peroxide or baking soda blends.
- Sensitive to ingredients? Opt for sulfate-free or natural formulas.
- Gum Health Concerns? Look for anti-gingivitis agents like stannous fluoride.
Meet the Experts
This guide was created with insights from licensed dentists and hygienists who evaluate toothpaste based on ingredient quality, effectiveness, and overall safety for daily use.
Your Smile, Your Way
Whether you prefer an eco-friendly clean or a bright, dazzling shine, the perfect toothpaste is just a brush away. Start with one of our top picks—and smile knowing you’re in good hands.
