When it comes to cleaning your teeth, using an effective plaque-fighting toothpaste is absolutely crucial. Because over time, ineffective cleaning and plaque buildup can lead to decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. That’s why Dr. Carolyn Kittell, who owns Smile Essentials in Denver, says that what you brush with does count. Whether you’re using Colgate Total or CloSYS toothpaste, she calls it your “initial line of defense against bacteria and inflammation.” So, she gave us her top recommendations for plaque-fighting toothpaste.
“Toothpaste that helps in managing plaque must contain fluoride that reinforces the enamel and averts cavities. It must also contain antibacterial substances such as stannous fluoride or zinc citrate to aid in the reduction of plaque-forming bacteria,” she explains. “Texture and foaming agents can also be used to dislodge debris, though it should not be too abrasive, or it will wear down enamel with time.” So, she listed her top faves, below.
Dr. Kittell’s Plaque-Fighting Toothpaste Picks
- Cavity-Free: Crest Gum Detoxify neutralizes plaque bacteria, especially around the gum line. As long as you use it twice daily, you should have little to no plaque around your gums, which is especially important when preventing cavities and keeping your teeth as clean as can be!
- Pearly Whites: Colgate Total fends off plaque and whitens your teeth? Seriously, say less. With stannous fluoride and anticavity protection, you’ll have the healthiest teeth in the waiting room.
- Gum Repair: Gingivitis got you down? Parodontax can fix that. It’s clinically proven to help reverse the four signs of early gum problems, which include bleeding, swelling, redness and bad breath. So you can say hello to healthy gums.
- For Sensitive Teeth: If you have sensitive chompers, Sensodyne Complete Protection is for you. It’s specifically formulated to go easy on the gums and enamel, particularly if you tend to have sensitive teeth.
- Sustainable Queen: In addition to fighting plaque and freshening your breath, Toms of Maine Whole Care doesn’t contain preservatives, colors, flavors or animal ingredients. Plus, the packaging has a minimal environmental impact, which we love.
- Bye Fluoride: Arm & Hammer Essentials is fluoride-free, if that isn’t your jam. Plus, it whitens your teeth with activated charcoal and natural baking soda, if you’re in your natural era.
- Enamel Protection: Protect your tooth enamel with CloSYS toothpaste. It fights plaque buildup while restoring your enamel, which helps better protect against cavities in the long run.
- Dry Mouth: There isn’t a worse feeling than dry mouth, but Biotene Fresh Mint specifically targets that. It’s SLS-free, which means it’s also non-irritating, while helping freshen your breath and combat dry mouth issues.
- Natural Flavor: If you aren’t about that artificial mint flavor, Hello Antiplaque is flavored with tea tree oil and natural peppermint flavor. It’s free of artificial sweeteners, fluoride and animal byproducts, too.
