We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Oral & Dental Products The 10 Best Natural Toothpastes for a Healthy Smile Fluoride toothpaste is still the gold standard, but dentists also recommend some alternative active ingredients. By Lacey Muinos Lacey Muinos Lacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet. Her work has been featured on various well-known sites. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also host of Guide to Vegan, a blog focused on a plant-based lifestyle. health's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2024 Medically reviewed by Brian T. Luong, DMD Medically reviewed by Brian T. Luong, DMD Brian T. Luong, DMD, is an orthodontist at Anaheim Hills Orthodontics and Santa Ana Orthodontics and Chief Dental Officer at Become Aligners. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Health.com. He is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience, he has held several leadership roles at major publications. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews More to Consider Our Testing and Review Process Our Experts What to Know Who We Are Health Many people strive for pearly whites, but oral hygiene isn’t just about cosmetics. Oral health also contributes to your overall well-being by preventing cavities and gum disease. Brushing your teeth twice per day with fluoridated toothpaste remains at the core of the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations for preventing cavities and gingivitis. The presence of fluoride is non-negotiable in order to earn the ADA’s stamp of approval, leaving many wondering whether a natural toothpaste can be as effective as conventional toothpaste. After speaking with dentists, we learned that natural and fluoride-free toothpastes aren’t synonymous. Just like with natural skincare, the definition of natural toothpaste is up to interpretation. Generally, natural toothpastes avoid synthetic ingredients and potential irritants. Fluoride doesn’t fall into either of these categories, so some natural toothpastes contain fluoride. To find the best natural toothpastes and better understand how they work, we spoke to dentists and orthodontists. Then, we tested six natural toothpastes on our own teeth, rating them based on attributes like effectiveness, comfort, and taste. After speaking with dental experts, we also included options that meet their recommendations on what to look for in a natural toothpaste. Finally, a dentist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. The Editor's Take I’m an Editor at Health, and as someone who's used natural toothpaste in the past, it’s exciting to see how natural products are evolving, offering fluoride-free options and innovative ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite, known for its cavity-prevention benefits. Our recent testing of the best natural toothpaste has been eye-opening and even inspired me to try a new product—Hello’s naturally whitening toothpaste. Fluoride is known as the gold standard for cavity prevention, but I understand why some people avoid it. Checking the ingredients is crucial if you're steering clear of fluoride. Natural toothpastes can be effective regardless of fluoride content, depending on their active ingredients. This exploration of natural oral care has broadened my perspective, and I'm curious to see how Hello’s toothpaste fits into my routine. - Lauren Paige Richeson, Editor Our Top Picks Best Overall: Made by Dentists Total Care Toothpaste at Madebydentists.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Tom's of Maine Antiplaque Whitening Toothpaste at Amazon $13 Jump to Review Best Whitening: hello Naturally Whitening Toothpaste at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Vegan: SALE Davids Sensitive Whitening nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste at Amazon $15 $12 Jump to Review Best for Kids: Tom's of Maine Natural Children's Fluoride Toothpaste at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Teeth: Twice Oral Wellness Toothpaste with Fluoride at Amazon $22 Jump to Review Best Fluoride-Free: RiseWell Natural Toothpaste at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Tablets: Simplut Chewable Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best for Cavity Protection: Tidalove Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best for Gum Health: TheraNeem Neem Toothpaste at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Made by Dentists Total Care Toothpaste PHOTO: Amazon View on Madebydentists.com Why We Like It Spotlight’s Toothpaste for Total Care is a prime example of a natural toothpaste that contains fluoride. The main active ingredient, sodium fluoride, is clinically proven to protect teeth from cavities and reduce sensitivity, Dr. Conn says. “Of all the natural toothpastes I've tried, I like the flavor of this one the best,” she adds. After trying it out ourselves, we have to say we agree. The minty flavor was just right—it doesn’t sting but rather leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean. We also liked the consistency. Some natural toothpastes feel gritty and don’t foam up, but this one is easy to apply and has a nice mouthfeel. Our editor with sensitive teeth also found that it lived up to the promise of desensitizing teeth, and it didn’t increase sensitivity or cause any tingling. By the end of the testing period, our editor dubbed this the best toothpaste she had ever used. It’s Worth Noting The 3.5-ounce tube is smaller than most you’ll find at the drugstore, but the price is higher than average. Product Details Key Ingredients: Sodium fluorideFluoride: YesSize: 3.5 ouncesFlavor: Mint Health Best Budget Tom's of Maine Antiplaque Whitening Toothpaste PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon $6 at Target $8 at CVS Why We Like It Tom's of Maine has been a mainstay in the oral care aisle for decades now, and for good reason: Many dentists over the years have given it their stamp of approval. It’s also a more affordable and accessible option. While most dentists still recommend fluoride as the gold standard for cavity prevention, it may make sense for some people to choose fluoride-free toothpastes, such as infants, people with kidney disease, and people who are allergic to fluoride, Dr. Conn says. Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque and Whitening Natural Toothpaste is an effective option that uses other ingredients to support oral health. The toothpaste contains calcium carbonate, an ingredient suggested by Dr. Conn to remove plaque and surface stains as well as protect tooth enamel. It’s known as an abrasive ingredient, which means it encourages clean teeth by buffing away food particles and surface stains. This toothpaste also contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol that has been shown to effectively prevent dental caries (aka cavities), adds Sara Larbi, DDS, a holistic dentist in Santa Monica, California. It’s Worth Noting Many natural toothpastes are free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which gives toothpaste its foamy consistency, but this one isn’t. Some research suggests that SLS in toothpaste can cause irritation, especially in those prone to mouth ulcers, but the evidence is limited. Product Details Key Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, xylitol Fluoride: NoSize: 5.5 ouncesFlavor: Peppermint Best Whitening hello Naturally Whitening Toothpaste PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $5 at Target $10 at Walmart Why We Like It Jenny Gandhi, DDS, owner of Pearl Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, says Hello's naturally whitening toothpaste, which contains fluoride, is a favorite among dentists. Dr. Marashi also recommends Hello’s natural toothpastes because they’re SLS-free. If you're picky about the texture or feeling of your toothpaste, this could be an ideal option for you. Although it doesn't contain SLS, it still has a foamy consistency. The natural whitening benefits of its calcium mineral blend are a major draw, too. Additional ingredients like coconut oil and tea tree oil help to gently cleanse the mouth, so fresh breath is pretty much guaranteed. It’s Worth Noting Whitening toothpastes, in general, can be abrasive on teeth, especially for those prone to sensitivity. They can also only lighten teeth one or two shades, so set realistic expectations for whitening toothpastes. Product Details Key Ingredients: Sodium Monofluorophosphate (0.14% W/V Fluoride Ion) 0.76%Fluoride: YesSize: 4.7 ouncesFlavor: Peppermint PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Vegan Davids Sensitive Whitening nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste PHOTO: Amazon $15 $12 at Amazon View on The Detox Market View on Grove.co Why We Like It Toothpaste doesn’t seem like it would contain any animal-derived ingredients, but check the label before assuming your toothpaste is vegan-friendly. For example, it could contain glycerin made from animal fat. One of the perks of natural toothpaste is that they’re usually made with plant-based ingredients and free from animal testing, making them suitable for vegans. Davids Sensitive Whitening Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste, for one, is 100% vegan and made with glycerin derived from vegetables. It’s also powered by nano-hydroxyapatite, making it a fluoride-free option. Though it works differently, nano-hydroxyapatite has similar anti-cavity benefits to fluoride, and it’s been shown to remineralize small cavities in children just as effectively. This toothpaste also contains calcium carbonate to break up plaque and xylitol for added cavity protection. We also like that it’s SLS-free, comes in a recycled aluminum tube, and is packed with a metal tube key to squeeze out every last drop. It’s Worth Noting While it’s not the most expensive toothpaste we’ve seen, a tube will run you far more than the traditional toothpaste you might be used to. Product Details Key Ingredients: Nano-hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, xylitolFluoride: NoSize: 5.25 ouncesFlavor: Peppermint Best for Kids Tom's of Maine Natural Children's Fluoride Toothpaste PHOTO: Amazon $15 $13 at Amazon $5 at Target $5 at Walmart Why We Like It If you’re looking for a natural toothpaste for your kids,Tom’s of Maine Children’s Toothpaste is a great choice, says Dr. Conn. She likes that it’s a fluoridated option, which is the general recommendation for kids ages two and older. Parents can use a tiny smear of fluoridated toothpaste on infants as soon as a tooth erupts. Admittedly, we didn’t test this kid-friendly toothpaste on ourselves, but our editor used it to brush her infant daughter’s teeth. Though brushing a wiggling child’s teeth can be a difficult task, this toothpaste made it much easier. It goes on easily and suds up nicely. The best part is the taste. Kids tend to find fruity toothpastes more palatable than minty ones, which may taste spicy to children, and this strawberry-flavored toothpaste was a hit with our editor’s daughter. It’s Worth Noting This toothpaste has a simpler and shorter ingredient list than the adult versions, but it’s not SLS-free. It’s also slightly grainy and has an off-putting gray color, though some prefer this to artificial dyes. Product Details Key Ingredients: Sodium monofluorophosphate 0.76% (0.13% fluoride ion), calcium carbonateFluoride: YesSize: 5.1 ouncesFlavor: Strawberry Best for Sensitive Teeth Twice Oral Wellness Toothpaste with Fluoride PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon $7 at Walmart Why We Like It Potassium nitrate toothpaste has been shown to significantly reduce tooth sensitivity when used at a concentration of 5%. Fortunately, that’s the amount found in this toothpaste from Twice. Our editor with tooth sensitivity confirmed that it was just as effective as Sensodyne but even more effective at leaving her mouth feeling clean. Potassium isn’t the only ingredient you’ll find in this formula. It’s packed with beneficial ingredients like fluoride to prevent cavities, aloe vera to soothe irritated gums, and vitamins to promote gum health. The performance of this toothpaste was noticeable. We found it cleaned our teeth better than many others we tested, and it tasted great. It’s also SLS-free and vegan-friendly. It’s Worth Noting The consistency starts out thick but quickly becomes runny when combined with water, which was our least favorite thing about it since it made it difficult to brush for the recommended two minutes without needing to spit it out. Product Details Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, potassium nitrateFluoride: YesSize: 3.4 ouncesFlavor: Wintergreen peppermint Best Fluoride-Free RiseWell Natural Toothpaste PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon View on Credo Beauty Why We Like It If you struggle to brush your teeth without accidentally swallowing some toothpaste while you're at it, Gandhi recommends Risewell's fluoride-free toothpaste, which features hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel. It helps remineralize teeth, so if you have small cavities, this toothpaste may help reverse them. Other ingredients in this natural option include cavity-fighting xylitol and breath-freshening peppermint and tea tree oils. It also contains abrasives (the good kind) to get your teeth squeaky clean. This is Dr. Larbi’s go-to recommendation for those looking for hydroxyapatite toothpastes. She calls out its clean, gentle ingredients, which support the oral microbiome. We like that the ingredients are vegan-friendly and SLS-free. Risewell also earns bonus points for its transparency—all of the ingredients are clearly named and not hidden behind ambiguous labeling like “natural flavors.” It’s Worth Noting RiseWell is a pricier brand, and it’s not typically found in stores, so it can be harder to find. It’s also packed with essential oils, which can be beneficial but may also cause allergic contact dermatitis in those sensitive to them. Product Details Key Ingredients: Hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, xylitolFluoride: NoSize: 4 ouncesFlavor: Mint Best Tablets Simplut Chewable Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride PHOTO: Health / Tatiana Kennedy $15 at Amazon Why We Like It Natural and sustainable product categories don’t always overlap, but in the case of Simplut Chewable Toothpaste Tablets, they do. Toothpaste tablets tend to have a lighter carbon footprint because they’re water-free, and these ones by Simplut are also free from plastic packaging. In fact, the tin packaging is zero-waste and reusable. But we focused more on what’s in the package when we tested this toothpaste. The tablets smell great and closely resemble breath mints. They left our mouth feeling clean and refreshed. These small but mighty tablets also contain fluoride, so they can fend off cavities and promote healthy enamel. The reusable tin also makes the tablets ideal for travel or to bring to work or school. It’s Worth Noting The texture is a bit grainy, and there’s a learning curve to getting the tablet to fully break down. We also noticed how quickly the tablets run out—a pack of 60 only lasts for a month. Product Details Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, xylitolFluoride: YesSize: 60 tabletsFlavor: Peppermint Health Best for Cavity Protection Tidalove Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $22 at Walmart View on Tidalove.com Why We Like It Earning a perfect score across the board, Tidalove Smile More Toothpaste Tablets were a close second for our Best Overall pick when we tested them out. All it took was one use, and we were immediately impressed. Our editor even compared using these tablets to that “just left the dentist” clean—the one where you can feel each tooth individually because of how smooth they are. This toothpaste checked all of our boxes. It was super sudsy and easy to swish around, unlike some natural toothpastes that never fully foam up. We also enjoyed the yuzu flavor, which was a nice departure from the typical mint or cinnamon. The toothpaste never caused any burning or tingling—just an overall clean feeling with fresh breath to boot. The main active ingredient in these tablets is fluoride, but they’re also packed with other cavity-fighting ingredients, including hydroxyapatite and xylitol. Something tells us our dentist is going to be pleased at our next checkup. It’s Worth Noting Like most toothpaste tablets, the texture starts out on the chalkier side, but the consistency gets better quickly as you chew them up. Product Details Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, hydroxyapatite, xylitolFluoride: YesSize: 62 tabletsFlavor: Minty yuzu Best for Gum Health TheraNeem Neem Toothpaste PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon $6 at Walmart View on Theraneem.com Why We Like It TheraNeem Neem and Sea Buckthorn Toothpaste comes recommended by Kevin Kremer, DDS, a dentist in Chico, California. Although it doesn’t contain fluoride, it has other ingredients that support healthy gums and reduce tooth decay, Dr. Kremer says. Specifically, he calls out neem and xylitol, which reduce plaque and prevent cavities. Neem, a common ingredient in Indian Ayurvedic practices, has been shown to reduce plaque and help prevent tooth decay when it's incorporated into toothpaste, and mouthwashes that include the ingredient also can also improve gum problems. Xylitol is known for its cavity prevention properties—especially in chewing gum—but it can also support healthy gums. Some research suggests that xylitol can help reduce the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, which is one of the most common oral diseases. It’s Worth Noting This toothpaste isn’t widely available and is only sold at select online retailers. Product Details Key Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, xylitol, neemFluoride: NoSize: 4.23 ouncesFlavor: Peppermint More Natural Toothpastes to Consider With many options to choose from, there’s a natural toothpaste for everyone. These products didn’t meet our needs, but they may work for you. Unpaste Tooth Tablets Mint with Fluoride: The idea of eco-friendly toothpaste tablets is easy to get behind. We had high hopes for these tablets, but the gritty texture was a deal breaker for us. Sensodyne Natural White Toothpaste: The go-to brand for sensitive teeth, Sensodyne is generally loved by dentists. The brand offers this natural formula, which contains potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity. However, it also contains charcoal, which can damage enamel and increase sensitivity.Dr. Sheffield’s Certified Natural Toothpaste: Sealed in a recycled aluminum tube, this natural toothpaste has been around for over a century. It comes in a variety of flavors, but the taste can be hit or miss, and it doesn’t foam up at all. Our Testing and Review Process To select the remaining natural toothpastes on our list, we relied heavily on research, expert input, and real user reviews. We started by interviewing dentists and oral health experts who recommended their personal favorites and told us what to look for in a natural toothpaste. With their criteria in mind, we were able to complete our final list of recommendations. To test each product, we applied a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to our toothbrushes and brushed for the recommended two minutes. While brushing, we focused equally on the four quadrants of the teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tongue. We used each toothpaste twice a day for the duration of the test. After the testing period, we collected insights and rated each product based on the following attributes: Effectiveness: Many people want to know whether natural toothpaste is as effective as regular toothpaste, so we set out to get answers. After testing the toothpastes, we noted how our teeth felt and whether any claims lived up to the hype. Comfort: Some natural toothpastes don’t foam up like regular toothpaste, or they can feel grainy. We rated each product on its consistency and mouthfeel as well as its ease of use.Taste: Natural or not, most toothpastes are flavored with mint to encourage fresh breath, though some have alternative flavors. We described the taste of each toothpaste and whether it was pleasant or overwhelming. Our Experts Before any testing or researching takes place, we always start by interviewing experts. To better understand how natural toothpaste differs from conventional ones, we spoke to the following dentists: Karen Conn, DMD, a board-certified orthodontist in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania Jenny Gandhi, DDS, owner of Pearl Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry Kevin Kremer, DDS, a dentist in Chico, California Sara Larbi, DDS, a holistic dentist in Santa Monica, California Jon Marashi, DDS, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic dentist Lena Varone, DMD, a New York City-based dentist What to Know About Natural Toothpaste Ingredients to Look For: A toothpaste's list of ingredients differentiates natural toothpastes from traditional ones. Dentists recommend active ingredients like fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. Our top pick, the Spotlight Oral Care Toothpaste for Total Care, contains fluoride. Some natural toothpastes use nano-hydroxyapatite to protect against tooth decay. Other recommended ingredients include abrasives like baking soda, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate; coconut oil to soothe the gums; and xylitol for additional cavity prevention.Ingredients to Avoid: Natural toothpastes typically avoid synthetic ingredients like artificial colors, dyes, chemicals, preservatives, and detergents, according to Dr. Conn. Many also don't contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that can cause irritation in some people. While some avoid fluoride, it's generally unnecessary unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Fluoride can be dangerous in high amounts, but it’s safe when used properly.Abrasiveness: Most toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients, and natural toothpaste is no exception. Look for toothpaste with calcium carbonate or hydrated silica to remove plaque and surface stains, as well as get rid of food particles. Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque and Whitening Natural Toothpaste contains both abrasives, making it a good choice for brightening your smile.Effectiveness: Not all toothpastes are equally effective, and the best one depends on the ingredients. Fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite, and xylitol are effective for oral health. The Twice Oral Wellness Toothpaste with Fluoride contains fluoride, xylitol, and potassium nitrate, making it a good choice for overall oral health. Who We Are Lacey Muinos writes about health and wellness for Health. She covers topics ranging from nutrition to oral hygiene, and she’s reported on dental products like electric toothbrushes, tongue scrapers, and toothpaste. As someone with sensitive teeth herself, Lacey looks for toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate to alleviate sensitivity. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 13 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Dental Association. Home oral care. Petersson LG. The role of fluoride in the preventive management of dentin hypersensitivity and root caries. Clin Oral Invest. 2013;17(S1):63-71. doi:10.1007/s00784-012-0916-9 ALHumaid J, Bamashmous M. Meta-analysis on the effectiveness of xylitol in caries prevention. J Int Soc Prevent Communit Dent. 2022;12(2):133. doi:10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_164_21 Alli BY, Erinoso OA, Olawuyi AB. Effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A systematic review. J Oral Pathol Med. 2019;48(5):358-364. doi:10.1111/jop.12845 American Dental Association. Whitening. Amaechi BT, AbdulAzees PA, Alshareif DO, et al. Comparative efficacy of a hydroxyapatite and a fluoride toothpaste for prevention and remineralization of dental caries in children. BDJ Open. 2019;5:18. doi:10.1038/s41405-019-0026-8 Thornton-Evans G, Junger ML, Lin M, Wei L, Espinoza L, Beltran-Aguilar E. Use of toothpaste and toothbrushing patterns among children and adolescents - United States, 2013-2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68(4):87-90. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6804a3 American Dental Association. Toothpastes. Sharma S, Shetty NJ, Uppoor A. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of potassium nitrate desensitizing mouthwash and a toothpaste in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. J Clin Exp Dent. 2012;4(1):e28-e33. doi:10.4317/jced.50665 Lakshmi T, Krishnan V, Rajendran R, Madhusudhanan N. Azadirachta indica: a herbal panacea in dentistry - an update. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015;9(17):41-44. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.156337 Wu YF, Salamanca E, Chen IW, et al. Xylitol-containing chewing gum reduces cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria in dental plaque—microbiome investigation. Front Nutr. 2022;9:882636. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.882636 Cleveland Clinic. How to choose the best toothpaste for you. Cleveland Clinic. Fluoride.