Charcoal, in some higher strength formulations, can also be too abrasive, which could wear down tooth enamel over time. Furthermore some charcoal toothpastes are also fluoride-free, which our experts would not recommend. Hydrated silica, mica and calcium carbonate Get your teeth looking squeaky clean with our range of toothpaste. Maintaining good dental health is essential and we’ve got everything from fluoride-free toothpaste to mouthwash, dental floss and more to keep your teeth in top shape. Warning: beware teeth whitening products from online marketplaces - our investigation uncovered potentially unsafe products for sale Dantas AAR, et al. (2015). Can a bleaching toothpaste containing blue covarine demonstrate the same bleaching as conventional techniques? An in vitro, randomized and blinded study. All will help with remineralisation and therefore, can be said to repair enamel. But manufacturers of enamel repair pastes are likely to base their claims around the particular formulation of their paste assisting with optimal uptake and absorption of the fluoride. Calcium silicate and sodium phosphate

Whitening toothpastes are on shakier ground when it comes to whether they live up to their claims or not. Extrinsic staining surface stains typically caused by smoking, or drinking tea, coffee or red wine. These respond well to brushing with whitening toothpaste, which contains ingredients to help remove stains, but won’t change the underlying colour of your teeth.Another method for whitening is the use of a film that coats the teeth to provide an optic whitening effect. Blue covarine is a typical optic brightening ingredient, though more recently the trend has turned towards purple toothpastes. Unilever’s Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced toothpaste claims to regenerate enamel through the action of calcium silicate and sodium phosphate interacting with hydroxyapatite (what tooth enamel is made of). Sodium bicarbonate is an effective stain remover with mild abrasive action. It also has some anti-bacterial properties. It’s a favourite for ‘natural’ toothpastes, for example Arm & Hammer uses it across its range. Charcoal If you suffer from enamel erosion, talk to your dentist too. They may suggest alternatives, such as changing your diet or brushing technique, using fluoride mouthwashes separately to brushing, or professional application of fluoride varnish.

There are now a significant number of products that market themselves on their eco, vegan or sustainable credentials. Think about your needs. Many people – especially those who brush well – don’t need extra active ingredients apart from fluoride. If you have specific concerns around things such as whitening, sensitivity or enamel wear, see our ingredients guide (below) to understand the claims made about a particular toothpaste, and whether the evidence supports them. You can also buy vegan toothpastes which means they don't contain animal products, but are also cruelty free (have not been tested on animals). Some toothpastes advertise their natural ingredients such as coconut oil or charcoal, or the absence of palm oil. What to watch out for There are three types of fluoride: sodium fluoride, sodium monoflurophosphate and stannous fluoride.Vaz VTP, et al. (2019). Whitening toothpaste containing activated charcoal, blue covarine, hydrogen peroxide or microbeads: Which one is the most effective? A common concern is that consuming fluoridated tap water and using fluoride toothpaste could lead to excessive fluoride consumption, but the NHS says dental fluorosis, a condition that causes pitting or discolouration of children’s teeth caused by excessive fluoride, is uncommon in the UK, as fluoride in the water supply, where it is added, is carefully regulated. Zinc - a replacement for triclosan which, although not banned in the UK, has now been removed from most toothpastes over concerns about its safety. Zinc has antibacterial properties and is a common ingredient in toothpaste, but experts agree that the most important factor in removing bacteria is brushing effectively. Toothpaste tablets that you chew aim to cut down on the plastic waste generated by toothpaste tubes. While it wasn't always the case, many toothpaste tubes are now recyclable, as they're manufactured from plastic alone, as opposed to a mix of plastic and metal.