The drugstore is rife with shelves upon shelves of toothpaste options, but instead of choosing whatever’s on sale or will look cutest on your countertops, it helps to take cues from the pros on what you should really be looking for to optimize your smile. Recent HuffPost coverage surveyed dentists to ask for their input on the most effective toothpastes, and they revealed the crucial guidelines of what (and what not) to look for on the list of ingredients.Chief among them are these guiding principles: “I recommend... making sure that the toothpaste that you’re choosing has that ADA (American Dental Association) seal and at least those two bullet points for ‘helps prevent tooth decay’ and ‘reducing gingivitis,’” said Dr. Mia L. Geisinger, a professor and the chair of the department of periodontology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Dentistry.She explained that in order for any given toothpaste to boast the ADA seal, it needs to contain a form of fluoride, a mineral used in dentistry to strengthen the protective enamel layer, thereby helping to reduce tooth decay and cavity risk. Dental experts in our previous reporting confirmed that fluoride is still the most important ingredient to look for in when making a selection in the toothpaste aisle. We did the dirty work for you and rounded up the best fluoride toothpastes that fit this criteria so your next dentist appointment can go off without a hitch.CrestA fluoride toothpaste for bright white teeth and healthy gumsFor a fluoride-based toothpaste, look to the ADA-approved Crest brand often lauded for its safe and effective formulas. It works to neutralize bacteria that causes plaque, reduce your risk of cavities, prevent gingivitis and whiten teeth — all in an activated-foam formula that's kind on sensitive teeth. Promising review: “I really like this toothpaste. It leaves my mouth feeling clean and fresh without being harsh, and it’s been gentle on my gums. I also appreciate that it helps with sensitivity while still giving a deep clean. The whitening is subtle but noticeable with regular use, and the multi-pack is convenient and a great value. This has become my go-to toothpaste for daily use.” — Love, Light & Living CoAquafreshAn affordable fluoride toothpaste that gets the job doneThis affordable fluoride-based toothpaste hits every high note: it keeps gums healthy, strengthens teeth and freshens breath. What’s more is that it offers enamel and cavity protection against sugar acids so you can enjoy your favorite foods worry-free. Promising review: “Aquafresh toothpaste has been a solid everyday choice for me because it leaves my mouth feeling really clean and fresh without being too strong or overpowering. The texture is smooth, and it foams up just enough while brushing, which makes it feel like it’s really doing a good job cleaning. I also like the classic mint flavor — it’s refreshing but not overly intense like some toothpastes can be. After brushing, my teeth feel smooth and my breath stays fresh for a long time. It’s a reliable toothpaste that does exactly what you want it to do: clean well, taste good, and leave your mouth feeling fresh.” — TracyAmazonA “clean” fluoride option from Made By DentistsFounded in 2016 by sisters (and dentists) Lisa and Vanessa Creaven, Made by Dentists offers a variety of ADA-approved fluoride toothpastes for adults and kids, including this whitening formula that reviewers say works "right away!!!!" The brand is known for its “clean” formulation that are free of unnecessary additives like sulfates and artificial dyes and flavors. “This is a product you’re going to use twice a day for your whole life,” Lisa Creaven told the Beauty Independent in 2023. “We all know how that long-term impact can really build up.”Promising review: "So I rarely do reviews but I’ve tried every “whitening” toothpaste out there and this is the first one that I can tell right away actually works! I’ve only used it 3 times and my teeth are already so much better! I don’t use an electric toothbrush just one of those extremely soft manual ones idk if that makes a difference but I’m definitely sticking with this product from now on." — AmyAmazonAn option to combat gingivitisIf gingivitis is a concern for you, know that Parodontax's fluoride toothpaste is formulated to reduce swelling and bleeding in the gums. Promising review: “Love this toothpaste. It's a bit more expensive, but it worked to help nearly eliminate my early gingivitis. Gums improved remarkably. It also helped with my sensitivity to cold. I highly recommend this product. It is definitely worth the extra money to save some at the dentist.” — CHelloA workhorse of a fluoride toothpaste that addresses several oral issuesThis 8-in-1 toothpaste works hard so you don’t have to (well, it does require twice-a-day brushing on your end, but that's no surprise). Loaded with cavity-fighting fluoride, this Hello toothpaste fights cavities, gingivitis, tartar buildup, plaque, sensitivity, bad breath, enamel decay and teeth yellowing, all without any dyes, synthetic flavors or sodium lauryl sulfate. Teeth that look and feel better with every use? We’ll take it. Promising review: “LOVE this. Way better than toothpaste with nasty chemicals. Toothpaste is refreshing and not as disturbing to use. It’s actually pleasant to use. I love it. It tastes great too, and it makes my mouth feel fresh for a lot longer.” — LdubSensodyneA fluoride toothpaste to stop sensitive teeth in their tracksThose with sensitive teeth are familiar with the nagging twinge of a sip of iced coffee, a bite too hard on a chip or even the summer breeze hitting your teeth the wrong way. Here to the rescue is this mega-popular fluoride toothpaste that addresses both cavities and sensitivity. It leverages fluoride to remineralize eroding enamel and potassium nitrate to ward off sensitivity, allowing you to return to your favorite foods and live your best life again. Promising review: “I don’t usually write reviews, but I was compelled this time because I am truly amazed. For the last few weeks, I had been experiencing extreme sensitivity in one of my front teeth. Whenever I would try to enjoy anything slightly cold, it was resulting in excruciating pain. Even if a cool wind blew on my teeth, it was causing horrible pain. After only about 2 weeks of switching to this toothpaste, the sensitivity is nearly gone. It feels so much better now. It feels so good to not be in as much pain anymore, and I’m sure the pain will be completely gone soon. So happy that I purchased this product. I can drink cold water happily again.” — Savannah OutlawAmazonA flavorful fluoride option for kidsIf you're looking for a safe fluoride toothpaste for kids, Colgate makes a flavorful "Bubble Fruit" option that with packaging that promises to bring a smile to your little one's face. Depending on your child's interest, you can get this with "Harry Potter"- and "Minecraft"-themed packaging, too.Promising review: “Bluey is ever-popular with my granddaughters and my daughter was trying to figure out a good fluoride toothpaste for them. This hit the spot! Mild flavor, fluoride, grandkids’ favorite character. I can’t buy this at my local Target and Walmart so it was Amazon for the win!” — Amazon CustomerCrestA dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste loaded with the good stuffSimple is best. Instead of opting for the latest flashy viral brand, go back to what you used in the ‘90s. This dentist-approved pick is a great place to start. "Look for a toothpaste that has an active ingredient like fluoride or nano hydroxyapatite, otherwise you might as well just brush with good old water," Dr. Bronwyn Hagan, a cosmetic dentist at New the York-based practice Fitzsimons & Hagan Dentistry, told us in previous reporting. She recommends this specific variety from Crest for its anti-cavity properties when paired with regular brushing. Promising review: “This toothpaste is THE BEST. How do I know this for fact? Well, I had used this all my life and always had exceptional CREST checkups with my dentist. The hygienist always told me how boring my cleanings were because I never had tartar or plaque, no problems with my gums, nothing. BO-ring! We always laughed about it.” — GusmomClose Trending In ShoppingMore In Shopping