The best toothpaste for a healthy smile, recommended by dental experts and tested by us

There's no need to rifle through the shelves at the grocery store, our roundup of the best toothpaste has you covered. Whether you're looking to combat sensitivity or tackle bad breath, these are the top choices to buy this year.

Considering that we use oral health products like toothpaste daily, it should come as no surprise that the oral care market is worth 53.4 billion dollars globally. From straightening procedures to new toothbrush technology, many of us are happy to invest in looking after our teeth. But caring for your smile doesn't need to go that far, dental experts reveal, sometimes it can all be in choosing the best toothpaste. 

To help you find everyday toothpaste that suits your needs, whether you're looking for the best whitening toothpaste or specialist gum care pastes, we asked dental experts what toothpastes they recommend to their clients and then we tested them out for ourselves. 

How we tested the best toothpastes

We, the health team at woman&home, tested the products recommended by dental experts and the most popular brands on the shelves. As each product is expert-recommended, the levels of fluoride are healthy across all the section so we tried and tested each product based on other factors: 

• Fluoride level: All the experts agreed this is the number one quality to look out for in toothpaste, so noted which pastes offered higher levels of fluoride.
• The packaging claims: If the toothpaste claims to be whitening, did it have this effect over the prescribed usage time? We tested each paste for at least one week - two if the packaging suggested to do so - to figure out whether it had the effect offered by the brand. 
• Taste: All being well, we use toothpaste twice a day - so having one with a strange or unpleasant taste is the last thing we need. We assessed each toothpaste for taste, texture, and smell, ranking it based on how likely we'd be to have it in our own bathroom cabinets. 
• RRP: While some specialist toothpaste will naturally cost more, no toothpaste should break the bank. We noted which pastes came with a higher price point and which ones were budget-friendly. 

 The best toothpaste, recommended by the experts 

If there’s one toothpaste that you know your pearly whites are in safe hands in, it has to be Oral-B Pro Expert. Recommended (and used) by dentist Dr Elizabeth Claire Borland at Bupa Dental Care, Malin Bridge, our expectations of this product were high and it didn't disappoint. 

Oral-B claims the product is developed by oral health experts and works to remove surface stains, help prevent enamel erosion, and offer 24-hour protection. This is all down to the fluoride complex, which is designed to combat sensitivity, bad breath, wine, and coffee stains, and even prevent cavities.

The foam and fresh toothpaste left our tester's teeth and gums feeling super clean and over just one week, she noticed a very slight difference in the color of her teeth. Although our tester did note a slightly powdery-dry aftertaste to the product, it wasn't an unpleasant experience using the toothpaste at all. For the price and the approval of the experts, this is a great all-rounder for the entire family.

There are only three proven ways to whiten teeth naturally, unfortunately, so most people turn to whitening toothpaste to get the job done. And this one, we found, was the top pick. Recommended by our experts, this new addition to Colgate's lineup comes out of the flip-top lid tube as a warming, fragrant foam that tastes a little sharp to begin with, but easy to get used to. If you find your teeth are turning brown or have started to yellow recently, it may be worth the investment.

This whitening toothpaste from Colgate contains millions of active oxygen molecules, the packaging states, and it's these that work to oxidize the stains on teeth. Our tester found it worked in just three days, per the brand's promise, with some minor staining lifted. Over two weeks, she found this graduated into overall whiter-looking teeth. When it comes to buying this toothpaste, it's worth noting that it's around $4 / £4 on Amazon (at the time of writing) while some brands, including Boots in the UK, are selling it for double this. 

Colgate is a staple in many people’s households and one of the brands recommended by Dr Borland and Dr Payal Bhalla, the lead dentist at Quest Dental Clinic. But, how did it fair up against some of the other premium brands in our testes? Colgate Original claims to keep your whole mouth healthy, fighting bacteria on your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums for 24 hours, after twicetwice-a-day a day use for four weeks. 

The design of the tube is easy to use, with a large cap that you can flick open and close with one hand. The toothpaste itself isn’t overpowering or spicy, but pleasantly minty. While the mint taste wasn’t initially strong after brushing, our tester found that afterward, their breath stayed minty fresh for a few hours. After continual use over two weeks, reduced sensitivity was another bonus effect of using this brand, she found. 

Enamel erosion can happen to everyone as they age, so choosing formulas that are good for overall teeth health can help repair what you might have lost. This premium toothpaste from Regenerate is excellent for those looking to restore the health of their teeth and harden damaged enamel. 

Pleasant to use, with a foamy texture and a mild minty taste, users get what they pay for with this toothpaste. Sleek packaging makes it feel like you’re purchasing a good quality product and the material of the tube is easy to grip, so it won’t slide out of your hands easily. This product helped remove surface stains around the front of our tester's teeth after just a few uses, but many of the enamel rebuilding claims made by Regenerate aren’t visible unless increase how often you go to the dentist. Overall, this is a good buy for anyone happy to spend a little bit more on good-quality toothpaste. 

The Spotlight Oral Care Toothpaste For Whitening Teeth has plenty of environmental credentials, making this ocean-friendly and cruelty-free toothpaste a fantastic vegan option for those searching for whitening toothpaste. The toothpaste works to resolve stains and gradually whiten teeth at home while leaving your mouth clean and fresh. 

As this is a gradual whitening formula, it doesn’t remove tough stains instantly like other whitening products on the market. However, after using this product for two weeks, our tester saw a marked improvement in the color of her teeth. Buyers should know that the fresh mint flavor is more of a stronger spearmint-like taste. Ideal for those who love strong and minty toothpaste that leaves their breath smelling fresh. Our tester found it a little overpowering at first but got used to the taste over time.

Sensodyne is well-known for being one of the best brands to help reduce teeth sensitivity, and it's a brand Dr Borland and Dr Bhalla often recommend to their patients. What's more, the Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste has a strong minty-fresh flavor so is a must-try if you struggle with bad breath or halitosis.

Formulated for those with sensitive teeth, it helps to rebuild enamel and keep teeth healthy. With recently redesigned packaging, the well-thought-out cap on this toothpaste means it stands on your bathroom shelf without toppling over and the longer nozzle is ideal for squeezing out those last few bits of product. This toothpaste does dissolve quite a bit in your mouth, but the texture is minimal when brushing, which is pleasant. And, the formula leaves breath smelling super fresh. However, despite its gentle whitening claims, it's worth noting our tester saw minimal effects when it came to removing staining. 

Boasting a deep clean for your mouth while helping aid teeth sensitivity, Sensodyne claims to have nailed the formula for advanced cleaning. The Sensodyne Daily Care Deep Clean Gel Toothpaste comes in a thinner tube in comparison to other products from the brand and is formulated as a blue gel - which also may be more suitable for those with veneers. It's one of the brands recommended by Dr Bhalla, who advises applying this toothpaste topically to the area that is sensitive for instant relief. 

It contains potassium nitrate (which is great for helping people desensitize sensitive teeth) and lives up to expectations with its deep cleaning promises. Our tester found her teeth felt squeaky clean after use. Some more foam in this toothpaste would be nice to make you feel you’re reaching every area of your mouth, as our tester noted they had to squeeze out a bit more than usual to make it feel like they were cleaning everything properly. 

Spotlight's Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth is thinner and runnier compared to the formulas of other brands we tested. It scored well on the packaging front, with a flick top rather than a screw top, and the 100ml tube gives you more bang for your buck. Another bonus is that all Spotlight’s toothpaste tubes are 100% recyclable and ocean-friendly.

When it comes to the formula, our tester rated it for the minimal aftertaste it left in her mouth and the fact it didn't produce lots of foam. We had several testers try this paste and none of them had receding gums, but they did suffer from sensitive teeth and felt the paste reduced sensitivity within a week of using this toothpaste. While this product might be a bit pricey compared to other brands on the market offering similar sensitivity reductions, our testers thought the results were worth it. 

Gel toothpaste generally creates less foam than traditional pastes and, as noted, Dr Borland recommends gel toothpaste for people who have veneers. Of all the gel toothpaste products we tested, our favorite was the Crest Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste.

It’s easy to understand why Crest is a popular choice with many. Its deep cleaning formula leaves your teeth feeling smooth and can help counteract oral health problems such as gingivitis and bad breath. Our tester noted the smell of the gel was a slight chemical when compared to the other products. But, overall, it’s a good choice for people looking for help with their oral health issues. 

How to choose the best toothpaste

• How much fluoride does it contain? "The most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste is fluoride,” says dentist Dr Elizabeth Claire Borland at Bupa Dental Care, Malin Bridge. “It’s essential that your toothpaste contains this and the right amount of it. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It helps protect your teeth from decay and strengthens them. Adults should use a toothpaste containing between 1,300-1,500ppm of fluoride. You can check the part per million (ppm) of fluoride on the packaging." 
• What kind of teeth do you have? Those with veneers need to be a little more careful when choosing which toothpaste to use, says Dr Borland. "If you have veneers, it’s best to choose a toothpaste that doesn’t contain too many abrasive ingredients, such as baking soda. A gel, rather than a paste-based toothpaste, can also be a better choice, but ensure it still contains fluoride." 
• Consider your personal needs: "Some people may have additional needs to consider when choosing a toothpaste," says Dr Borland. “For example, if you have sensitive teeth or gums, you can get a desensitizing toothpaste that contains active ingredients which block pain signals traveling between the tooth surface and sensory nerves inside it. If you're looking for sensitive teeth treatment, it’s important to see a dentist who can examine the cause and recommend treatment.” 
• Consider what you want: While you may have sensitive teeth, you may also want a more polished look to your pearly whites. Consider this when you're choosing a toothpaste, says Dr Hanna Kinsella of Kiln Lane Dental. "Some contain calcium carbonate, which cleans and polishes teeth, while whitening toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide or optic brighteners," she explains. 

Does toothpaste expire?

If you've got a tube of toothpaste that's been hanging around in your bathroom cabinet, you might be wondering whether or not it has an expiration date. "Toothpaste can expire," says Dr Bhalla. "It doesn’t harm you, but it may decrease its ability to prevent tooth decay and cavities. So it’s best to ensure your toothpaste is in date and used within [the recommended] time frame."

Every tube of toothpaste will have an expiration date printed on the box or tube. Toothpaste normally expires around two years after it was manufactured. After the expiration date, you may notice the toothpaste's color or taste change. 

Are whitening toothpastes worth using?

A lot of people like to opt for whitening toothpaste, and while they can remove surface stains from food and drink, but they aren’t as effective as whitening treatments provided by a dentist, says Dr Borland. "Be aware of some of the claims made on the packaging. Also, check if they’re suitable for daily use and follow the instructions provided, as many whitening kinds of toothpaste are abrasive, and if overused, could gradually wear away your enamel. This not only causes you to have sensitive teeth but could cause yellow teeth in the long term." 

Dr Bolard explains, "When the enamel is thinner, there’s more show-through of dentine (the tissue that sits below the enamel), which is yellow in nature. Charcoal toothpaste has become a tooth whitening trend, but it’s a myth that it can replace your regular toothpaste. It typically doesn’t contain fluoride and is too abrasive for daily use."

If you are looking for whitening toothpaste, opt for a brand with credentials. "Always use a whitening toothpaste from a well-known brand and preferably, one that comes recommended by dentists," advises Dr Kailesh Solanki, a dentist with Dental Phobia. "Some of the most recognizable whitening toothpaste brands include Colgate, Sensodyne, and Oral B."

Does toothpaste for sensitive teeth work? 

"Sensitive toothpaste can help to protect teeth from sensitivity," explains Dr Kinsella. "These kinds of toothpaste contain fewer ingredients that may irritate exposed nerves, and instead focus on ingredients such as calcium carbonate, which can help to rebuild the tooth enamel that is damaged. This reduces the likelihood of hot and cold foods sending signals to the brain that your teeth are sensitive."

"If you suffer from sensitive teeth you should be looking for a toothpaste that contains ingredients such as potassium nitrate," says Dr Bhalla. "This key ingredient works to block the openings in your teeth, essentially protecting the nerve inside the tooth from painful foods and beverages such as ice cream, hot drinks, and really cold drinks."