Prevention

What is the best toothpaste?

Reviewed by Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist). Last reviewed November 3, 2026.

Status: Approved

Short answer: There's no single best brand. The ADA recommends a fluoride toothpaste, and says every toothpaste with a cavity-protection claim that earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance contains fluoride. Beyond that, choose for your needs: desensitizing for sensitive teeth, formulas for tartar or gingivitis, or whitening for surface stains. Your dentist or hygienist can help you choose.

Start with fluoride

The ADA says to always use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. Not every toothpaste has it, so check the label.

Look for the ADA Seal

All ADA Seal-accepted toothpastes with a cavity-protection claim must contain fluoride.

Options for specific needs

The ADA says some toothpastes also contain ingredients to:

How much for children

The ADA recommends a smear the size of a grain of rice from the first tooth until age 3, then a pea-sized amount from ages 3 to 6. The ADA says children's brushing should be supervised so they use the right amount.

At Indy Smile Group

Ask your dental team at your next cleaning which type fits your teeth. See our teeth cleaning pages for Fishers, Carmel and North Indy.

Next step

Ready to talk it through with a dentist? Book online or call the office closest to you.

Frequently asked questions

Is fluoride-free toothpaste OK?
The ADA recommends always using a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Is whitening toothpaste safe to use every day?
See Is whitening toothpaste safe every day? for what the ADA says.

How much toothpaste should my child use?
The ADA recommends a rice-grain smear from the first tooth until age 3, then a pea-sized amount from ages 3 to 6.

Sources

  1. ADA MouthHealthy – Toothpaste
  2. ADA – Oral Health Topics: Toothpastes

Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist)

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