9/15/2023

Recyclable Toothpaste Tubes?

Are toothpaste tubes labeled as recyclable actually getting recycled? See what a recent investigation found in our article about toothpastes, which includes our Top Picks for various types of toothpaste.

11/02/2021

Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride Toothpaste

Is hydroxyapatite as effective as fluoride for preventing cavities?

4/05/2022

Mucus From Toothpaste?

Which ingredients in toothpaste may cause mucus to build up in your mouth after brushing? Find out in our updated answer to the question: Which ingredients should toothpaste contain, and which should be avoided?

4/07/2022

Tooth Stains from Toothpaste?

Can a common ingredient in toothpaste cause tooth staining? Find out in our updated answer to the question: Which ingredients should toothpaste contain, and which should be avoided?

4/22/2022

Toothpaste vs. Tooth Powder

Is brushing with tooth powder as good as brushing with toothpaste? Find out what research has shown in our answer to the question: Which ingredients should toothpaste contain, and which should be avoided?

4/29/2022

Top Picks for Toothpaste

Find out which toothpastes we think are best, based on their ingredients, for preventing cavities, reducing tooth sensitivity, or whitening, in our updated answer about toothpaste ingredients.

5/03/2022

Anticavity Toothpaste: New Top Pick

We changed our Top Pick for anticavity toothpaste. Find out why in our article: Which ingredients should toothpaste contain, and which should be avoided?

5/17/2022

Diatomaceous Earth Toothpaste?

Is diatomaceous earth a safe abrasive ingredient in toothpaste? Find out what research suggests in our updated CL Answer about finding the best toothpaste.

5/24/2022

Toothpaste and Rinses

We answered the following questions this week as part of our broader article about "Which ingredients should toothpaste contain, and which should be avoided?"

• Can you safely use hydrogen peroxide rinses to whiten teeth?
• Is titanium dioxide safe in toothpastes?
• Is arginine helpful in toothpaste for sensitive teeth?

5/27/2022

Glycerin and Edathamil in Toothpaste

Does glycerin in toothpaste have any negative effects such as sealing in microbes or preventing remineralization?

Does edathamil in toothpaste help control plaque?

6/24/2022

SLS in Toothpaste?

What are the pros and cons of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in toothpaste?

7/08/2024

Toothpaste Skin Reaction

Be aware that a variety of compounds in toothpaste have been linked with allergic skin reactions around the lips, according to a recent report. Get the details in our article about toothpaste and other dental products.

7/28/2023

Toothpastes, Mouthwash, and Probiotics for Oral Health

We answered the following questions this week, all of which relate to our article about toothpastes and other dental products:

• Can hydroxyapatite toothpaste prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride toothpaste?
• Does chlorhexidine mouthwash affect blood pressure?
• Why do some toothpastes contain glycine, and is this ingredient beneficial?
• Are probiotics beneficial for oral health?

Also, find out the abrasiveness of two Fluoridex brand toothpastes.

12/05/2023

Toothpaste Abrasiveness

We’ve added information about the abrasiveness of several Arm & Hammer toothpastes to table covering over 50 popular toothpastes. Also see our Top Picks among toothpastes for preventing cavities, reducing sensitivity, bleeding gums, surface stains, dry mouth, and bad breath.

7/25/2024

Whitening Toothpaste vs. Gel

Can toothpastes containing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth as effectively as a whitening gel? Find out what a recent study showed in the chemical whiteners section of our article about toothpastes and other dental products, which includes our Top Pick whitening toothpaste and Top Pick whitening strip.

11/15/2021

Natural Toothpastes

Are "natural" toothpastes safe and effective? Find out in our updated article about Finding the Best Toothpaste.

5/10/2022

Brushing With Baking Soda: A Caution

Is it safe to use baking soda instead of toothpaste to brush your teeth? Find out in the Natural Toothpastes section of our article about Finding the Best Toothpaste.

6/10/2022

Abrasiveness of Sensodyne Toothpaste

We've added updated information about the abrasiveness of four more Sensodyne toothpastes, as provided by a company representative. Get the details in our article Which ingredients should toothpaste contain, and which should be avoided?

4/14/2023

Nano-hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Are toothpastes that contain nano-hydroxyapatite safe to use? Find out what research suggests in the Hydroxyapatite section of our CL Answer about toothpastes and other dental products.

3/28/2023

Colgate for Whitening?

Is Colgate Ultra Brite toothpaste a good option for whitening teeth? Find out in the Whitening Agents section of our article about Toothpastes and other dental products.

Also see our Top Picks for whitening toothpastes.

1/12/2024

Pricey Toothpaste for Gum Health?

Tartar Control Fluoride Toothpaste by Smileactives is promoted as “supporting healthy gums” but is it worth $36 per tube? Find out in the Preventing bleeding gums section of our article about toothpastes and other dental products, which includes our Top Picks among products for bleeding gums, preventing cavities, desensitization, dry mouth, and bad breath.

8/11/2023

Burning Sensation From Toothpaste

What in my toothpaste is causing my mouth to burn? Find out which ingredient might cause this and toothpastes to avoid it.

6/14/2024

Is Xylitol in Toothpaste Unsafe?

Use of Xylitol was recently linked with increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death, but does xylitol in toothpaste or salivary stimulants for dry mouth pose a concern? Find out in our article about toothpastes and other dental products, which inlcudes our Top Picks.

Also, find out if intake of regular sugar has been linked with heart-related concerns.

12/12/2023

Xylitol Toothpaste?

Do toothpastes containing xylitol (including Squigle and XyliWhite) prevent cavities? Find out what research shows in the Preventing Cavities section of our article about toothpastes and other dental products.

3/22/2024

Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste?

Dental products containing tea tree oil (such as toothpastes and mouthwashes) can be dangerous. Learn more in our article about dental products, which includes our Top Picks for toothpaste.

4/09/2024

Best Fluoride Toothpaste Without SLS

A member asked us to recommend a fluoride toothpaste that does not contain SLS or menthol/mint flavoring, which bothers them. See which product we selected in our article about toothpastes and other dental products.

5/14/2024

Rinse After Brushing?

A study showed how much more fluoride (from toothpaste) persists in the mouth when spitting, but not rinsing, after brushing – a practice that experts suggest. See the details in our article about toothpaste, which includes our Top Picks.

6/17/2022

Managing Bleeding Gums

Find out which ingredients can help prevent gum disease and our Top Picks toothpaste and mouthwash for bleeding gums in our updated answer to the question about finding the best toothpaste.

5/27/2022

Top Pick for Whitening Strips

Find out which whitening strips are our Top Pick for reducing deep stains on teeth in our updated CL Answer about finding the best toothpaste.

Also see our Top Picks among toothpastes for:

• Whitening surface stains
• Reducing tooth sensitivity
• Preventing cavities

5/10/2022

Bioactive Glass for Tooth Sensitivity?

Can toothpaste with Biomin F, a "bioactive glass," reduce tooth sensitivity? Find out in our updated CL Answer about Finding the Best Toothpaste.

5/20/2022

New Toothpaste Top Pick

See our new Top Pick toothpaste for whitening surface stains, and see what we suggest for deeper stains. Also find out why we changed our mind about our previous Top Pick.

11/05/2021

Fluoride and Hypothyroidism?

Can fluoride in toothpaste affect thyroid function? Find out what research suggests in our updated article about what to look for, or avoid, in toothpaste.

8/08/2023

Theodent for Cavities?

Can Theodent toothpaste, which contains theobromine instead of fluoride, help remineralize teeth and prevent cavities? Find out what research suggests in our article about toothpastes and other dental products, which includes our Top Pick for cavity prevention.

8/01/2023

Rinsing After Brushing

For fluoride to work best, it is recommended that you spit out toothpaste rather than rinse, after brushing. A reader asked if the remaining fluoride poses a risk. Find out in our article about toothpastes and dental products.

4/14/2023

Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost?

Find out how abrasive Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost Toothpaste is and whether we think it’s a good option for people with sensitive teeth, in our updated CL Answer about toothpastes and other dental products.

5/12/2023

Don’t Brush Right After Eating

Did you know that it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth? You should also delay using mouthwash after brushing. Learn why in our article about toothpastes.

Also, learn if you should use toothpaste made with sea salt or hydroxyapatite.

4/07/2023

Sensodyne

Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste is marketed for reducing sensitivity and whitening teeth, but it's not our Top Pick for desensitizing or for whitening. Learn why and see which toothpastes we prefer for desensitizing and for whitening in our article about dental products.

3/17/2023

Whitening Strips for Crowns and Veneers?

Can you use whitening toothpastes and strips on crowns, veneers, or other dental restorations? Find out in our article about dental products.

Also see our Top Picks among whitening toothpastes and whitening strips.

2/15/2022

Hydroxyapatite for Cavities?

A form of hydroxyapatite was shown to prevent cavities as well as standard fluoride toothpaste in a recent study. But it’s not actually a substitute for fluoride. Find out why in our updated answer to the question: Which ingredients should toothpaste contain, and which should be avoided?

11/04/2022

Best Form of Hydroxyapatite?

Some toothpastes include "hydroxyapatite", while others list "nano-hydroxyapatite." A CL member asked us if one form is better than the other. Find out in the Preventing cavities section of our article about finding the best toothpaste.

6/20/2023

Teeth Whiteners, Coffee & Tea

Should you avoid coffee and tea after using whitening toothpastes or whitening strips? Find out in the whiteners section of our article about toothpastes and other dental products.

11/02/2021

Keep Xylitol Away from Dogs

Find out why toothpaste with xylitol should be kept away from dogs.

8/05/2022

Help for Dry Mouth

Find out which toothpastes, oral rinses and lifestyle modifications may help reduce symptoms of dry mouth.

Find out which foods and drinks are associated with tooth erosion in our article about toothpastes and other dental products.

12/12/2023

Fluoride & Oral Microbiome?

Find out if fluoride in toothpaste or mouthwash adversely affects bacteria in the mouth.

9/20/2022

Dry Mouth Spray

A CL member asked us to review the oral moisturizer Allday Dry Mouth Spray. Find out how it compares to other products, and see our Top Pick among them, in the Oral Moisturizers section of our article about the best toothpastes and other dental products.

10/28/2022

Does Collagen Reduce Gum Inflammation?

Learn if taking a daily collagen supplement after dental cleaning reduced subsequent swelling and bleeding of the gums in the Healing of skin and tendon injuries section of our Collagen Supplements Review.

See our separate article about the best toothpaste and mouthwash for reducing bleeding gums.

5/13/2022

Crown and Veneer Damage from Mouthwash?

Does mouthwash damage crowns and veneers? Ingredients in some mouthwashes can be problematic. We’ve added information about this to our article about finding the best toothpaste.

11/28/2023

Coconut Oil for Oral Health?

Can rinsing with coconut oil (known as coconut oil “pulling”) prevent plaque buildup and reduce bleeding gums? Find out in our article about finding the best toothpastes and other dental products.

Also see our Top Picks for coconut oil in our Coconut and MCT Oils Review.

7/21/2023

When to Floss

• Should you floss before or after brushing? See what research shows.
• Does rinsing with hydrogen peroxide change the microbiome of the mouth? Find out.
• How abrasive is Crest Pro-Health Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste? Learn what its maker told us.

4/14/2023

Oral Hygiene and Blood Pressure

Can oral hygiene practices lead to increased or decreased blood pressure? Find out what research suggests in our updated CL Answer about toothpastes and dental products.

6/27/2023

Should you worry about fluoridated drinking water?

A recent study showed an increase in dental fluorosis in children in areas with fluoridated water. Should you be concerned? Learn more in the Fluoride section our article about toothpaste and other dental products.

6/30/2023

Fluoride Supplement?

Should people who drink water that has little fluoride take a fluoride supplement? Find out in the Fluoride section of our CL Answer about toothpaste and other dental products.

7/14/2023

Electric vs. Regular Toothbrushes

Sonic and oscillating electric toothbrushes may be more abrasive than manual toothbrushes, but there are steps you can take to reduce this. Get the details in our article about dental products.

Also, find out which additional ingredients may help strengthen enamel when included in fluoride toothpaste.

11/29/2022

Rinse for Bad Breath?

A CL Member asked if a particular CloSYS Rinse product is helpful for bad breath. Find out in our article about toothpastes and other dental products.

1/31/2023

What Helps or Worsens Reflux?

Find out if the following improve, or worsen, symptoms of acid reflux:

• Turmeric & Curcumin
• Menthol (in toothpastes, mouthwashes and chewing gum)
• Alanine
• Glutamine
• Glycine

5/24/2024

Fluoride Risk During Pregnancy?

A recent study suggested a link between higher fluoride exposure during late pregnancy and an increased risk of certain behavior problems in offspring, although there are notable caveats. See our article about fluoride and ADHD for details.

Get more information about fluoride in our article about toothpaste.

6/11/2024

Are Water Flossers Better?

Find out if water flossers (e.g., Waterpik) are better than using string floss in our article about toothpaste and other dental products.

6/18/2024

Mouthwash Caution

A popular alcohol-containing mouthwash increased the abundance of cancer-related bacteria in the mouth. Get the details in the Mouthwash section of our article about toothpaste and other dental products, which includes our Top Pick mouthwash for bleeding gums.

6/28/2024

Peelu Chewing Gum?

Peelu Chewing Gum claims to be helpful for “cleansing and whitening” your teeth, but does it work? Find out in our article about toothpaste and other dental products.

3/29/2024

Understanding Fluoride

How does fluoride protect teeth and do older people need it? Find out in our article about toothpaste, which includes our Top Picks.

3/12/2024

Aloe Mouthwash?

Some mouthwashes, such as one from The Natural Dentist, contain aloe instead of alcohol, which can be too harsh for some people. But how effective are aloe-based mouthwashes? Find out in our article about toothpastes and other dental products.