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Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Overall:<\/strong> Colgate Optic White Toothpaste<\/h2>\n\n
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Colgate<\/p>\n
Optic White Toothpaste<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why we love it:<\/strong> Whether you’re kicking off a comprehensive teeth-whitening journey\u2014complete with whitening pens and dentist office visits\u2014or just looking for low-key maintenance, Colgate’s Optic White Toothpaste is your brightest bestie. Every squeeze is packed with fluoride, which repairs and prevents damage to teeth caused by bacteria in the mouth, and targets gingivitis, the early and reversible stage of gum disease, and cavities. Five percent hydrogen peroxide is added to break down and lighten tea, coffee, and wine stains. Plus, it’s available practically everywhere, so you’ll never be without it once you fall in love.<\/p>\nP.S. We love Colgate toothpastes so much that we awarded the Total Active Prevention Whitening Toothpaste a 2025 Best of Beauty Award. It’s a “go-to for cavity prevention, gum health, and breath freshness,\u201d according to Inessa Kandov, DDS, a board-certified dentist in New York City.<\/p>\n
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\u201cSome people like a light minty flavor, I like one that burns (in a good way). This Colgate Optic White toothpaste has a powerful peppermint taste that wakes up my senses in the morning and lasts all the way through my commute. But the real draw is the whitening effects. While I don’t see much of a difference from day to day, my dentist comments on my white smile every time I’m in the office. He even asked if I bleached (nope!). I’m an A+ patient and part of that is due to my daily use of Optic White. Now, if only I could commit to flossing like I have committed to this toothpaste formula.\u201d \u2014Jessica Cruel, editor in chief<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nContains fluoride:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\nFlavor:<\/strong> mint<\/li>\nAdditional benefits:<\/strong> sensitivity relief, cavity protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Sensitivity:<\/strong> Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste<\/h2>\n\n
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Sensodyne<\/p>\n
Extra Whitening Toothpaste<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why we love it:<\/strong> Hear ye, hear ye\u2014sensitive teeth girlies, this one’s for you. Sensodyne’s Extra Whitening Toothpaste (which won a 2025 Readers’ Choice Award) goes easy on gums and teeth, using fluoride to build enamel strength and stave off cavities. Because it’s formulated with sorbitol, a naturally moisturizing sugar alcohol, as well as glycerin to reduce irritation, it’s perfectly soothing for dry mouths. “[This toothpaste is] ideal for patients with enamel erosion or sensitivity, especially common in an urban environment where acidic diets are prevalent,” Dr. Kandov explains. If one tooth or area is extra sensitive, you can apply Sensodyne directly to it for relief. Pro tip: Some of us even fill our retainers with a little toothpaste to wear overnight when a tooth is feeling extra sensitive.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cAs someone who has undergone five (!) gum surgeries, I take gum care very seriously. I have two toothbrushes (one for my teeth, a softer option for my gums), I floss twice a day, and I use an alcohol-free mouthwash. As for my toothpaste? Of course it\u2019s Sensodyne. I prefer the Clinical White formula, but I\u2019ve used them all and have had the same, gum-friendly results.\u201d \u2014Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nContains fluoride:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\nFlavor:<\/strong> mint<\/li>\nAdditional benefits:<\/strong> moisturizing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Bad Breath:<\/strong> Therabreath Deep Clean Toothpaste<\/h2>\n\n
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TheraBreath<\/p>\n
Deep Clean Toothpaste<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why we love it:<\/strong> Listen: There’s no shame in bad breath; we all experience it. Whether it’s a morning-only issue or an all-day downer, Therabreath’s Deep Clean Toothpaste fights bad breath for up to 12 hours, and it taps fluoride for a deep clean. You’ll find moisturizing aloe and glycerin to stimulate saliva and help combat dry mouth in the formula. Bonus: It\u2019s flavored mildly, which is ideal for people adverse to strong mintiness. Pair this toothpaste with the brand’s beloved mouthwash (a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner!) for an unbreakable barrier against bad breath.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cWe get a lot of exciting beauty product news day-to-day, but one launch that I found particularly thrilling was Therabreath\u2019s toothpaste. (I really<\/em> care about my smile, after years of braces and aligners.) I’m hooked on the brand\u2019s mouthwash\u2014obsessed with how clean it keeps my mouth feeling for hours\u2014and the toothpaste is just as refreshing. I use the Deep Clean formula, which thoroughly cleans my teeth as I brush, without feeling overwhelmingly minty.\u201d\u2014Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nContains fluoride:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\nFlavor:<\/strong> mild mint<\/li>\nAdditional benefits:<\/strong> moisturizing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for a Deep Clean:<\/strong> Crest Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Mint<\/h2>\n\n
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Crest<\/p>\n
Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Mint<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why we love it:<\/strong> You can’t possibly go wrong with Crest, especially when it’s a tube of the oral-care titan’s Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste. The minty-fresh formula features tiny crystals that gently exfoliate the surface of your teeth to make them feel squeaky clean. The formula employs sodium hexametaphosphate to tackle tartar and stains and remineralizing fluoride to stave off cavities and boost brightness. \u201cIt also has fluoride and whitening agents, which cover everything you really need in a toothpaste,\u201d Isabelle Pai, DDS, an endodontist in Wappingers Falls, NY, explained.<\/p>\n\n
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\nContains fluoride:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\nFlavor:<\/strong> mint<\/li>\nAdditional benefits:<\/strong> whitening, cavity protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Fluoride-Free:<\/strong> Lumineux Whitening Toothpaste<\/h2>\n\n
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Lumineux<\/p>\n
Whitening Toothpaste<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why we love it:<\/strong> Yes, there are plenty of whitening toothpastes out there, but Lumineux stands out because it\u2019s completely fluoride-free. Instead of harsh abrasives, it uses coconut oil (a natural whitener!) and Dead Sea salt for a deep clean, plus aloe to soothe gums and lemon peel oil to tackle stains. It might sound like a \u201cwoo-woo\u201d take on your usual toothpaste, but we tested it\u2014and it works. Case in point: Lumineux Whitening Strips, made with the same natural ingredients, are a favorite among Allure<\/em> editors for their seriously impressive whitening power sans any sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n
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Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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\u201cAs someone who tries to be extra gentle on their gums\u2014after being told I, for one, brush too abrasively (big oops!)\u2014I apply the same philosophy to my toothpaste. Lumineux\u2019s toothpaste. While there\u2019s nothing wrong with fluoride (I still use it!), I also generally (and very logically!) trust brands founded by experts in their field, such as board-certified dentists or makeup artists with decades of experience, so that\u2019s why I lean towards brands like Lumineux and Cocolab, the maker of my favorite floss!\u201d \u2014Sarah Han, commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nContains fluoride:<\/strong> no<\/li>\nFlavor:<\/strong> wintergreen<\/li>\nAdditional benefits:<\/strong> sensitivity protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Nano-Hydroxyapatite:<\/strong> Cocolab Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste<\/h2>\n\n
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Cocolab<\/p>\n
Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why we love it:<\/strong> You already love Cocolab for its woven dental floss (yet another 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner!), so it\u2019s no surprise the brand makes an excellent toothpaste, too. The Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste is a primo pick for people with sensitive teeth (and anyone who appreciates chic packaging), powered by nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA)\u2014a form of a naturally occurring mineral in teeth and bones that strengthens enamel and dentin. You\u2019ll also get a serving of baking soda\u2014this acts as a mild abrasive for shine, stain removal, and whitening\u2014xylitol, coconut oil, and soothing aloe vera. And, it does all of this without fluoride, peroxide, sulphates, or artificial dyes.<\/p>\n\n
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\nContains fluoride:<\/strong> no<\/li>\nFlavor:<\/strong> Mint, Lychee, Colada<\/li>\nAdditional benefits:<\/strong> sensitivity-relief, hydration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How should I choose a toothpaste?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n“The best toothpaste is one you’ll use twice daily and suits your specific needs,” says Dr. Kandov. That said, keeping your specific concerns in mind while shopping is key to your best brush. “For general cavity prevention, a fluoride toothpaste is a must. If sensitivity is a concern, look for products designed for sensitive teeth with ingredients like potassium nitrate, such as Sensodyne,” says Dr. Kandov.<\/p>\n
“Whitening toothpastes can be effective for surface stains but should be used cautiously if you have sensitivity or gum issues.” Better yet, look for a toothpaste with as many benefits rolled into one as possible. “The best thing is to find one that does everything: whitening, fights plaque, and is formulated for sensitive teeth,” says Dr. Pai.<\/p>\n
It’s also a good idea to avoid charcoal toothpaste. Despite its trendiness, \u201csome evidence shows that prolonged use of activated charcoal in toothpaste can potentially wear the enamel and even darken the teeth,\u201d Kami Hoss, DDS, a board-certified orthodontist based in San Diego, told Allure<\/em>. This is because dentin (the layer under enamel) is softer and naturally more yellow in appearance, so you don’t want to expose it.<\/p>\n
Is fluoride safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nEven though there are many fan-favorite fluoride-free toothpastes, it does not<\/em> mean fluoride is bad or unsafe. “As an orthodontist and dentist practicing in New York, I can confidently say that fluoride is both safe and essential for maintaining good oral health when used as directed,” says Dr. Kandov, adding, \u201cIn NYC, the public water supply contains fluoride, which has significantly reduced the prevalence of tooth decay over the years.\u201d<\/p>\nSo, despite whisperings that fluoride is something damaging to be avoided, it’s critical to dental health. “Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay, and it helps remineralize early cavities before they become serious issues. It’s a cost-effective, science-backed way to protect smiles,” explains Dr. Kandov. However, non-fluoride toothpaste is a good call for children developing early brushing habits who are inclined to swallow toothpaste accidentally.<\/p>\n
“There’s a lot of hype these days for non-standard ways to brush your teeth,” Caroline Barsoum, DDS, a New York City-based board-certified dentist, told Allure. “These include everything from clay and charcoal toothpastes to salt and baking soda formulas as alternatives to traditional fluoride toothpastes.” Even though these may seem like the more “natural” route, fluoride is the definition of natural. “It’s found throughout the earth’s crust, in rainwater, in plants, and it’s the only ingredient proven to reduce cavities,” Dr. Barsoum explained. “No ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ toothpaste has been clinically demonstrated to be better at decay prevention, gum disease elimination, or whitening performance than traditional toothpaste,” added Mark S. Wolff, DDS, a dentist based in New York City.<\/p>\n
Meet the experts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nCaroline Barsoum, DDS, a board-certified dentist based in New York City<\/li>\n Kami Hoss, DDS, a board-certified orthodontist based in San Diego, CA<\/li>\n Inessa Kandov, DDS, a board-certified dentist based in New York City<\/li>\n Mark S. Wolff, DDS, a dentist based in New York City<\/li>\n Isabelle Pai, DDS, a board-certified endodontist based in Wappingers Falls, NY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How we test and review products<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nWhen