If you or your child has braces, you know that maintaining oral hygiene is more important than ever. Braces work wonders to align teeth—but they also create new nooks for food, bacteria, and plaque to hide, raising the stakes for cavities, white spots, and gum problems. The best toothpaste for braces is designed to protect enamel, fight bacteria, and soothe sensitive gums while working gently around brackets and wires. With the right formula, you not only safeguard orthodontic investment but also ensure a bright, healthy smile when the braces come off.
Through years covering oral health innovations and speaking to top orthodontists, I’ve learned that braces call for more than everyday toothpaste. You need enhanced fluoride protection, gentle but effective cleaning power, and sometimes even formulas that specifically target sensitivity or early gum redness. Amazon’s current selections offer everything from anti-cavity heroes and gum protectors to whitening agents that are safe for use with orthodontic appliances. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share the 10 best toothpastes for braces, all proven to keep your orthodontic journey on track for optimal results.
How to Choose the Best Toothpaste for Braces
Choosing the best toothpaste for braces means prioritizing products tailored to orthodontic needs. Here’s my expert approach:
- Boosted Fluoride: Braces increase the risk of demineralization and white spots, so look for toothpastes with extra fluoride to reinforce and remineralize enamel.
- Low Abrasivity: Avoid gritty whiteners or abrasive formulas, which can scratch brackets or cause enamel wear.
- Plaque and Tartar Control: Select toothpaste with powerful antibacterial agents or pyrophosphates to prevent plaque buildup around hard-to-brush surfaces.
- Gentle Sensitivity Support: If gums are inflamed or teeth are newly adjusted, mild formulas containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride can soothe discomfort.
- Avoid Whitening Agents: Many “whitening” toothpastes use abrasive particles. Instead, seek gentle brightening with chemical whiteners or low-abrasion formulas, or postpone whitening until after braces are removed.
- Non-Irritating: Choose SLS-free and dye-free brands if you’re prone to mouth sores, since braces can increase soft tissue irritation.
With these criteria, you’ll set yourself up for strong enamel and healthy gums throughout orthodontic treatment.
10 Best Toothpaste for Braces
01. Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening is a favorite among orthodontists for those with braces who want to gently brighten their smile. It’s low-abrasion and formulated to protect enamel against acid erosion—a key risk with brackets that trap food particles. The gentle whitening formula won’t scratch enamel or orthodontic devices, while the mild flavor is soothing, even with sore gums or sensitive teeth during adjustments.
02. Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste
For classic, cavity-fighting power, Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste is a trusted staple. Its high fluoride content reinforces enamel around brackets and wires, dramatically reducing white spots and decalcification. The smooth texture helps clean every surface without abrasive agents, making it a safe, budget-friendly daily staple through all stages of orthodontic care.
03. Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste
Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean is engineered to target gum health—a frequent concern for braces wearers. Its unique stannous fluoride formula penetrates below the gumline, neutralizing harmful bacteria and reducing the irritation that sometimes accompanies new wire adjustments. The foaming action ensures toothpaste gets into tight spots, maximizing coverage and supporting optimal oral health.
04. Tom’s of Maine Fluoride Toothpaste for Children
Dental professionals recommend Tom’s of Maine Fluoride Toothpaste for Children for younger braces wearers or those preferring natural options. It’s SLS-free, containing no artificial colors or preservatives, with a gentle fluoride content that effectively prevents cavities. The mild taste and gentle formula help foster good brushing habits, making it a family-friendly option during early orthodontic journeys.
05. Colgate Total Clean Mint Toothpaste
Colgate Total Clean Mint sets the bar for all-around protection. It provides up to 12 hours of antibacterial defense, fighting plaque build-up and protecting gums even under bands and wires. Stannous fluoride helps control early gum sensitivity, making this pick one of the best for a full-spectrum approach to braces care.
06. Biotène Fresh Mint Toothpaste for Dry Mouth
Wearing braces can sometimes lead to dry mouth, making Biotène Fresh Mint Toothpaste a lifeline. Its unique enzymes and ultra-mild SLS-free formula offer cavity protection while soothing mouth irritation. It’s ideal for braces patients who find standard pastes too strong or drying, and helps maintain gum comfort and hydration.
07. Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Protection Toothpaste
For older teens and adults, Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Protection provides robust plaque control with stannous fluoride, proven to bolster gums and reduce bleeding. The smooth formulation avoids harsh particles, giving excellent results even for those wearing ceramic or self-ligating braces. The freshness and enamel support are added bonuses for long-term care.
08. Parodontax Clean Mint Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums
Parodontax Clean Mint Toothpaste is a specialist’s go-to if your gums bleed or swell with braces. Developed for gum care, it targets bacteria at the gumline with stannous fluoride and a sodium bicarbonate base. The gentle formulation supports healing, and users often report less irritation after switching—making it ideal during early orthodontic adjustments.
09. Arm & Hammer Dental Care Toothpaste
Arm & Hammer Dental Care Toothpaste uses baking soda for naturally low-abrasion cleaning, neutralizing acid and deodorizing the mouth. The mild formulation gently cleans around brackets and wires, and regular users see less plaque and reduced stain buildup, especially valuable for wearers of clear or ceramic braces. Its unique formulation is great for balancing whitening and protection.
10. SprinJene Natural Fluoride Toothpaste
If you want a synergistic blend of gentle, natural cleansers and full fluoride protection, SprinJene Natural Fluoride Toothpaste delivers. SLS-free, vegan, and gluten-free, it features patented black seed oil and zinc for antibacterial protection. Its smooth texture is gentle on sensitive mouths while providing true cavity control—a rare natural toothpaste suited for those with braces.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best toothpaste for braces means balancing powerful protection, gum health, and comfort without compromising the gear that’s working to straighten your smile. With these Amazon-proven picks, your path to perfect teeth stays as healthy as possible—setting you up for stunning results the day those brackets come off.
