The Best Toothpastes for Men in 2023, According to Dentists
Keep more than just bad breath at bay with this selection of trusted toothpastes.
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Sure, daily dental care might not be as exciting a grooming experience as doing a luxe face mask or foot soak, but it goes without saying that taking care of your teeth is crucial to having a healthy mouth. Like, absolutely. Not just for your sake but for those around you.
So, when it comes to that mundane routine of brushing your teeth every single day, the very least you can do is to ensure that the hard—and yes, boring—work you’re putting in is actually paying off. And that’s where a decent toothpaste comes in. Find the right one and, when used regularly, you’ve at least done the bare minimum in keeping your oral hygiene in tip-top shape.
But with so many different toothpastes on the market that cater to different dental concerns, you might expect to feel overwhelmed, so keep an eye out for toothpastes that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to narrow down your selection, as these products meet basic safety and efficacy standards, one of which includes the inclusion of fluoride, a key ingredient in cavity prevention.
“[Fluoride] has a long history in reducing and preventing tooth decay,” says Dr. Gary Cash of the Austin, Texas-based Gary L. Cash, DDS and a member of the US News & World Report Medical Review Board. “If a patient wishes to be fluoride-free, I may want to check their teeth more often.”
According to the ADA—on top of fluoride—toothpastes can also contain other components to better oral health, like ingredients that tackle gum disease, bad breath, enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and tartar build-up. And yes, cosmetic whitening factors are also allowed.
Read More: Best Whitening Toothpastes
That said, Dr. Cash warns that “many whitening toothpastes are highly abrasive and can cause tooth or mouth sensitivity.” If brightening your teeth is your main concern, he recommends other whitening methods like in-office bleaching or custom-made whitening trays for at-home use. “Abrasive toothpastes may clean the teeth but they can cause recession and abrasion,” adds Dr. Cash. “Think of your car; sand paper may get the dirt off but it will damage your paint.”
With that in mind, we’ve scoured the web—and with input from Dr. Cash—rounded up the best toothpastes for men in 2022 for all your oral health care concerns.
Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste
The active fluoride in this toothpaste works to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities from forming. If you’re looking for a no-fuss toothpaste to maintain your oral hygiene, this one’s more than capable of keeping your mouth both fresh and healthy.
Read more: Best Oral Hygiene Products for Men
Sensodyne Fresh Mint Toothpaste
Sensodyne Fresh Mint Toothpaste
“There are many reasons for tooth sensitivity,” says Dr. Cash. “A common cause is gum recession or any other condition exposing the root surface of the tooth.” This Sensodyne toothpaste tackles that problem with the ingredient potassium nitrate. “The potassium ions work to ‘plug’ the porous areas of your tooth, reducing sensitivity.”
Read more: Best Electric Toothbrush
Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste
Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste
Even though, as Dr. Cash admits, whiter teeth can be a great confidence booster, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice the health of your teeth to get a bright smile. Arm & Hammer’s Advance White toothpaste aims to strike that happy medium with the inclusion of baking soda for whitening and an enamel strengthening and tartar-control formula.
Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste
Parodontax Active Gum Repair Toothpaste
Gum disease issues run the gamut, with plaque often the main culprit when it comes to causing infections like gingivitis. Dr. Cash suggests that good brushing and regular flossing should be your first line of defense. This Parodontax toothpaste can assist your good dental hygiene practices with its active ingredient that targets plaque-spawning bacteria.
Biotène Fluoride Toothpaste
If you’re susceptible to dry mouth, you’re going to want to avoid any dental products that contain alcohol, so a toothpaste like this minty fresh Biotène one—which is also free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sugar—is a worthy choice.
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Protection Toothpaste
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Protection Toothpaste
As Dr. Cash pointed out, no toothpaste alone is magically going to get rid of plaque and tartar, so proper brushing and consistent flossing is your best bet against these nuisances. But one that’s specially formulated with stannous fluoride—an anti-bacterial agent found in this Crest toothpaste—could aid in fighting these stubborn deposits.
Hello Antiplaque + Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Hello Antiplaque + Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
If you suspect that you have a fluoride allergy, Dr. Cash recommends consulting with both your doctor and dentist first to confirm whether you should opt for fluoride-free toothpaste. “[Fluoride allergies] are very rare,” he says, with most mouth irritations due to other components in toothpaste. Hello makes a fluoride-free alternative that’s up to par—it’s also free of dyes, SLS, parabens and even gluten.
More on Going Fluoride-Free
Fluoride is an essential ingredient in toothpaste, so if you’re switching to a fluoride-free option, Dr. Cash advises that you speak with your dentist so that they can help you develop a fluoride-free home care regimen that will still adequately protect you from tooth decay. Additionally, Dr. Cash adds, “if a patient has a fluoride allergy or chooses to go fluoride-free, I highly recommend [the ingredient] Xylitol. It is a natural sugar that helps fight tooth decay. While Xylitol is great for humans, be sure to keep it away from your pets. It is toxic to our furry friends.”
Watch Next
9 Impressive Electric Shavers on the Market Now
7 Failsafe Razors for a Great Shave
The 5 Best Water Flossers to Use Right Now
Amazon Is Taking $80 Off the Braun Series 9 Pro
