Braces are no joke! All the poking, prodding, cranking and wire-tightening can leave your teeth feeling sensitive… But fret not! We hear you – quite literally. That’s why we’re here to give you a rundown of the best toothpaste for braces; in other words, what magical concoction will make sure all that hard work put into your orthodontic journey pays off.
The best toothpaste for braces is Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste, because it can be found almost anywhere, has a good minty flavor, and fluoride for extra cleaning power.
When looking for the right toothpaste, be sure to also keep an eye on a few important things before making your purchase: Does it have fluoride? ADA-approval? What does it taste like?
Many of us have had braces at one point or another. And sensitive gums are a common issue even without them. If this is you, check out the top pick for sensitive teeth. Dive in and see the best options for a squeaky clean while you await your new smile!
Our Top Picks for the Best Toothpastes for Braces
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Our Pick |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Healthy Gums |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Sensitive Teeth and Mouths |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review | |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
The Best Toothpaste for Braces
1. Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste – Our Pick!
Our number one pick for the best toothpaste for braces is the Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste! A fluoride-formulated toothpaste, this promises to help fight and protect your teeth against cavities for an overall healthier teeth. On top of protecting your teeth against destructive cavities, this is sure to leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean with its minty taste and flavor. With this in your hands when it’s time to brush your teeth, you are sure to get your teeth thoroughly and deeply cleaned without much hassle.
On top of having your teeth thoroughly cleaned while fighting away cavities, this is also clinically-proven to help strengthen teeth enamel for teeth that don’t only look healthy but ones that also feel healthy. With the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval, you can rest assured that you are only using reliable, safe, and high-quality toothpaste for your and your teeth’s peace of mind. The toothpaste has also been formulated gluten-free, so if that is something of major importance to you, make sure to check this one out.
Formulated without any whitening additives, this is sure to work great when used on teeth with braces. If you’re ever worried that your braces might leave dark spots or uneven colors once taken off, you won’t have to worry about that with this one. This Colgate toothpaste protects your teeth from cavities and strengthens them but won’t whiten them. And many people with braces would agree that whitening toothpastes are better avoided to prevent unattractive discoloration when they are taken off.
Packed with a simple flavor that leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean, this isn’t flavored too strongly or aggressively, just enough minty for that fresh feeling. Many would agree that this is a great simple, ‘old school’ toothpaste that will take you back in time. This purchase offers you great value for your money but with great value and results as well.
Because this is a fairly simple flavored toothpaste without any tricks, some found it to be too simple and lacking in flavor. If that’s what you’re after in a toothpaste, you might want to read on for the rest of our current favorites.
Pros:
- Fluoride-infused to fight and protect teeth against cavities
- Clinically-proven to strengthen teeth enamel
- Leaves mouth feeling fresh and clean
- Thoroughly and deeply cleans teeth
- Gluten-free formula
- ADA-approved and trusted by dentists for over 45 years
- No whitening additives that can lead to discoloration after braces removal
- Not aggressively-flavored, just enough minty taste and feeling
- Simple, ‘old school’ toothpaste
Cons:
- Some may find it lacking in flavor
2. Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste – Best for Healthy Gums!
Our next favorite toothpaste for braces and our pick as the best for healthy gums is the Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste from dental care and hygiene brand Crest! If what you’re currently on the lookout for is a toothpaste that does not only clean your teeth but one that also promotes oral health, be sure to check this one out. You can trust this to neutralize plaque bacteria buildup not only around your teeth but also around your gum line to help you fight against gingivitis.
With activated foam, this Crest toothpaste reaches plaque bacteria in even usually hard to reach areas of your mouth. This has also been clinically-proven to provide you with healthier gums to protect your teeth. On top of removing and cutting down on plaque bacteria, this also provides a deep clean even on teeth wearing braces. It also provides assistance in getting rid of mouth odor, if ever it’s one of your concerns as well.
If you’re ever one to suffer from bleeding gums, this works in helping them heal and feel healthier overtime so they don’t feel as tender as they used to. This one also doesn’t sting your sensitive gums, so there’s no need to worry about that. This has been formulated to foam a lot more than other toothpastes. Because of this, it actively seeks out plaque bacteria on your teeth and along your gum line for healthier gums and cleaner teeth. This also provides your mouth and gums with a cooling sensation for a fresh and cool feeling while and after brushing.
With the ADA seal of approval, you can rest assured that this is safe, high-quality, and reliable with the trust of professional dentists. The only downside some users have shared regarding this toothpaste is that it lacks a stronger flavor, which would be preferred by some. This is also on the more expensive side of toothpastes so do keep that in mind.
Pros:
- Ideal for healthy gums
- Neutralizes plaque bacteria on tooth and around gums
- Helps fight against gingivitis
- Activated foam reaches hard to reach areas
- Healthier gums overtime to protect teeth
- Fluoride formula deeply cleans teeth, even with braces
- Helps heal bleeding and tender gums
- Cooling sensation while and after brushing
- ADA-approved formula
Cons:
- Stronger flavor would be preferred by some
- Can be expensive
3. CloSYS Fluoride Toothpaste – Best for Sensitive Teeth and Mouths!
The next item on our list of the best toothpastes for braces and our top choice for sensitive teeth and mouths is the CloSYS Fluoride Toothpaste! If you have sensitive teeth and mouth and would like to get your hands on a non-irritating toothpaste, make sure to read on about this one. A naturally-activated and pH-balanced toothpaste,this is sure to be gentle on sensitive teeth, gums, and mouths. This promises you that there are no stinging or burning sensations whenever you’re brushing your teeth as you would normally experience with others.
Formulated with fluoride, this is sure to provide users with superior enamel and cavity protection for healthy teeth and mouth. This also doesn’t contain any abrasive and toxic ingredients like SLS so you can be rest assured that you are able to get results without sacrificing irritating your mouth. Good news as well for those who prefer no fluoride in their toothpaste as the brand offers a non-fluoride version of this very product. If that is something that interests you, better check this one out.
Flavored with gentle mint, this provides you with fresher and cooler breath on top of a cleaner and brighter set of teeth. Though there is a mint flavor to this toothpaste, it is much less intense than others in the market, perfect for those who don’t like too much flavor. It also doesn’t foam too much so it wouldn’t get in the way of your seeing where you’re brushing and where you need to pay more attention to.
CloSYS assures that their toothpaste is safe for all dental works, including braces. This will help thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth while being gentle and not causing any abrasions. This one also has the ADA seal of approval so you can be sure you’re only using a quality, reliable, and safe toothpaste for your sensitive mouth.
The only downside multiple users have shared regarding the use of this toothpaste is that the packaging uses a screw top instead of flip top that sometimes makes it a hassle in getting toothpaste out on your toothbrush. This can also be on the expensive side of toothpastes, but if you’re ready to spend on something for your sensitive teeth and mouth, go on right ahead with this one.
Pros:
- Ideal for sensitive teeth and mouths
- Non-irritating toothpaste without burning or stinging the mouth
- Naturally-activated and pH-balanced toothpaste
- Gentle and mild on sensitive teeth, gums, and mouths
- Fluoride-infused for enamel and cavity protection
- No abrasive ingredients like SLS
- Available in non-fluoride version
- Gentle min flavor that isn’t too intense
- Doesn’t foam way too much
- Safe for all dental works, including braces
- ADA-approved
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- Screw top instead of flip top
4. Rembrandt Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste
Our next favorite toothpaste for braces is the Rembrandt Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste! An intense whitening toothpaste, this helps remove stains on teeth so they appear much brighter and whiter overtime. Also infused with active ingredient fluoride, this helps restore tooth enamel, strengthen teeth, and prevent cavities from building up. You can trust this toothpaste to fight against tough stains like red wine, coffee, berries, and tobacco so they don’t stay looking unpleasant on your teeth.
The micropolishers in its blend of formula helps to effectively remove tough stains, therefore whitening your teeth all over. You can trust this Rembrandt toothpaste to remove stains without causing any sensitivities to your teeth as well. Many users would agree that this offers visible results within days of use. On top of its effective stain-removing formula, this helps strengthen your teeth thanks to the fluoride in its pool of ingredients.
Though many people with braces would rather stay away from toothpastes with any whitening ingredients, this is an especially good option for those wearing clear braces. With clear braces, you wouldn’t want any staining on the clear brackets. This toothpaste helps you in that department and helps clear braces stay clear and free from food stains. Aside from removing tough stains, this also prevents new food stains from sticking to your teeth so they wouldn’t be a problem anymore.
There is a mint flavor to this Rembrandt whitening toothpaste that helps provide users with a fresh and cool breath while and after brushing. Keep in mind though that the minty flavor may be too much for some users as they may find this a bit too strong for their liking.
Pros:
- Intense whitening toothpaste for brighter and whiter teeth
- Formulated with fluoride to help fight cavities
- Helps strengthen teeth and restore enamel
- Actively removed tough food stains from teeth
- Doesn’t cause any teeth sensitivities
- Visible results within days of use
- Works great for keeping clear braces clear
- Mint-flavored for fresher and cooler breath
Cons:
- Mint flavor may be too strong for some
5. Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste
The last item to have made it into our list of the best toothpastes for braces is the Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste! Especially formulated to re-harden and strengthen teeth, this delivers minerals into the enamel to protect them from erosion caused by everyday acids. You can also trust this one to offer effective cavity protection from overall stronger and healthier teeth. This also doesn’t abrasively work to clean and protect your teeth so they are not further weakened.
A mint-flavored toothpaste, this provides you fresher and cooler breath while and after brushing your teeth. You can also trust this Sensodyne toothpaste to provide your sensitive teeth instant and lasting sensitivity relief so your teeth feel much better and at the same time cleaner. Formulated with fluoride, this actively works to boost the delivery of calcium to your teeth so they are stronger and protected from further damage that can weaken them. This has been approved by the ADA so you can be sure you are only using reliable toothpaste.
Though mint-flavored toothpaste is common among toothpastes and often preferred by the general user population, some still found the flavor of this to be too strong for their liking, so just keep that in mind. Many users have also experienced the tube to easily split while there is still toothpaste inside, so keep that factor in consideration as well.
Pros:
- Re-hardens and strengthens teeth
- Protects teeth from cavities
- Stronger and healthier teeth overtime
- Works gently on teeth to prevent further damage
- Great for relieving sensitive teeth
- Fluoride-infused for stronger and healthier teeth
- Mint-flavored toothpaste for fresher and cooler breath
- ADA-approved
Cons:
- Tube can split
- Mint flavor may be too strong for some
Importance of Fluoride in Toothpaste
If you still haven’t noticed, most toothpastes contain fluoride. Sure, there may be options for fluoride-free toothpastes but ones with fluoride are more common than those without. Why, you ask? Simply because fluoride is a very important component for our teeth’s overall health.
Our teeth are exposed to different food everyday, some of them are more acidic than others. Because of this, this can cause enamel erosion, leaving our teeth unprotected and more prone to damage and tooth decay. Everyone needs fluoride in their toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and minimize the possibility of tooth decay and damage. Fluoride helps in strengthening your teeth and everyone needs them, especially for children who are in the developing stage.
People with braces also need fluoride for overall teeth strength and health. Because your teeth have to accommodate the wires of your braces, you need your teeth and enamel to be strong for that job. Fluoride also helps keep your teeth clean and free from plaque due to dirt buildup. When you have braces, you don’t want anything left in your mouth and in between teeth as this can cause serious issues and problems for you, and a fluoride toothpaste can help you with that.
Braces Need the Extra Care
People with braces are more prone to teeth and gum diseases. When left uncared for, they are also more prone to cavities, plaques, and other more serious issues. When you have braces, you would want to take extra time in caring for your teeth.
Use the right toothpaste and toothbrush
When you have braces, you would want to make sure you are using the right toothpaste and toothbrush. For toothpaste, you might want to get one that has superb deep cleaning capabilities that can also help protect and strengthen your teeth. If you haven’t found one yet that fits your needs, go on right ahead and choose from our favorites above.
As much as toothpastes are important in keeping your teeth and braces clean, it’s also important that you are using the right toothbrush for your needs. Make sure to get one that can easily reach hard to reach areas of your mouth, including the back. Get one that can get into the nooks and crannies of your teeth, the brackets, and the wires to make sure that every part gets cleaned from any food particles.
Brush after every meal or at least twice a day
Whenever you eat, it is inevitable that you get food stuck in between your teeth and the wires. Leaving the stuck food for too long can cause buildup and cavities on your teeth. This can eventually cause damage and serious issues for your teeth and gums. To avoid and prevent this, make it a habit to brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day to ensure that your teeth are clean.
Spend more time brushing
When you have braces, it is expected for you to brush your teeth longer than a person who doesn’t wear braces. This will ensure that you are able to remove all food particles stuck between your teeth and your braces.
How to Choose the Best Toothpaste for Braces
With so many toothpaste options that claim to do this or do that, it’s important to keep a watchful eye to determine which ones will benefit you. We have below some very important factors to keep in mind to make sure you get your hands on the very best.
Fluoride
As we’ve discussed in length above, fluoride plays a very important role in keeping your teeth strong. When you’re wearing braces, you would want to make sure your teeth and enamel are strong enough for the brackets and wires. Fluoride toothpastes also protect your teeth from tooth decay and damage caused by certain acidic foods. When looking for your next go-to toothpaste, it is important to get one that has fluoride in its ingredients.
ADA-approved
The American Dental Association (ADA) is the professional association of dentists who strive to serve the public and the dentistry profession. When looking for your next toothpaste, make sure to look for the ADA approval seal. This will ensure that you are using only high quality, reliable, and safe toothpaste for your needs. This also means that the toothpaste has been trusted by professional dentists. This will put your mind at ease that you are using only quality toothpastes.
Flavor
Toothpastes can often come in different flavors. Though mint-flavored ones are more common than others, you can find many varieties offered. Make sure to read through what flavor the toothpaste is because you don’t want to be using one whose flavor you cannot stand. It might seem like a minor detail but using a toothpaste with a preferred flavor can make the job of brushing your teeth more enjoyable.
What your teeth need
The last thing you should be considering in your new toothpaste for braces is what your teeth need. Do you need one that can deep clean and keep your gums healthy? Do you prioritize tartar and plaque control and anti-cavity components? Do you have sensitive teeth and gums, and therefore would need a gentle and mild formula toothpaste? Consider what your needs are and make sure to get a toothpaste that can respond to your specific needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right toothpaste is an important step in making sure your teeth and braces are kept clean and healthy.
Our number one pick for the best toothpaste for braces is the Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste thanks to its simple fluoride formula that helps strengthen teeth for healthier overall results! This also helps to thoroughly and deeply clean teeth, something very important for those wearing braces.
The CloSYS Fluoride Toothpaste is our top pick for sensitive teeth and mouths! This is a naturally-activated and pH-balanced toothpaste that gently and mildly works on sensitive mouths for cleaning and cavity protection.
We hope our list and guide above have led you to your new favorite toothpaste for braces. Happy and healthy brushing!