Toothpaste
Even an amazing toothbrush doesn’t get you far without a good toothpaste! Toothpaste should be slightly abrasive and have some sort of restorative property (i.e., fluoride or xylitol). Here are my favorites.
Crest Complete Whitening Expressions Extreme Herbal Mint
I’ve loved this variety for over a decade. My teeth feel clean, the variety of mint is pleasant and non-overpowering. It isn’t as easy to find anymore (Crest/P&G: Please do not discontinue this!) which stresses me out because I don’t want to pick a new one. Skip the one in the bottle; you want the paste for sure.
Xyli-White
This is a non-fluoridated xylitol-based toothpaste that is free of solium lauryl sulfate and parabens.
Xylitol isn’t just an alternative sweetener. Xylitol may help reduce sensitivity and remineralize compromised teeth. Talk to your dentist and do your own research to make an educated choice before adding this to your oral care arsenal or replacing something else.
Anecdotally, my experience with it has been good. I sometimes use it alone but more often in concert with the previous paste; I cocktail the two together on my toothbrush.
Sensodyne ProNamel
Occasionally, I experience sensitivity due to a) a tooth that was filled and b) treatment can cause teeth to be a little tender. I keep a travel-sized tube of this variety of Sensodyne my purse kit. It also comes traveling in case I have one of those days, but that doesn’t happen very often. Overall, I don’t love Sensodyne on its own, but it is effective at alleviating occasional sensitivity. If I did not have that need/concern, I would skip it.
The Bottom Line
There are actually more toothpastes out there that I like – can’t go wrong with the classic Colgate Total Whitening, for instance. If Crest Extreme Herbal Mint gets discontinued, that’s probably what I’m switching to! I used to really enjoy Mentadent (discontinued, shocker). Never enjoyed any Aquafresh products; not for a lack of effectiveness, mostly just a flavor and/or mouthfeel. Crest has some really nice premium toothpastes in their 3D White line; but abso-freaking-lutely skip this one. As for the ones that are nice, I have a hard time justifying the cost.
What is your favorite toothpaste and why?