In a world of toothpastes that claim to whiten, brighten, or even fill in cracks in your teeth, a stroll down the dental hygiene aisle can start to feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you know which one is suitable for your teeth?
If you are guilty of just throwing the cheapest toothpaste into your cart because you do not know which type to get, this article is for you.
The decision paralysis of the toothpaste aisle is no joke, but that should not translate into accepting the bare minimum for your teeth. It is time to dive deep into the fascinating world of toothpaste types, in order to find the one that works best for you.
Why Should I Care About the Type of Toothpaste I Use?
Basic oral hygiene is something that is taught to us at an early age. By brushing our teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and making sure to visit the dentist for a routine checkup, many of us are familiar with the basics of maintaining our oral health.
But with the advent of new toothpastes, each one promising more things than the last, how do we choose a toothpaste that can truly elevate our daily routine? From tubes promising to brighten your smile to tablets that can be used while on the go, here is what you should know when you are choosing your next toothpaste.
Examining the Ingredients in Your Toothpaste
Toothpaste formulations incorporate a wide variety of ingredients in order to achieve their intended effect.
Fluoride
For the most part, almost every toothpaste contains fluoride. It helps to strengthen your enamel, and can help to slow down the production of bacteria caused by plaque. However, it is important to avoid ingesting too much fluoride, as it can lead to discolouration of the tooth enamel.
Abrasives
Did you know that most of your toothpastes also contain abrasive particles? While they do not help to fight cavities or strengthen your enamel, they help to remove any food particles and stains from your teeth. This makes it so that you do not have to press down hard while brushing.
Detergent
Surprise! There is soap in your toothpaste. Detergent helps your toothpaste to foam up, and is most commonly found in the form of sodium lauryl sulphates. While it helps the other ingredients to coat your teeth, they can cause mouth irritation and and aggravate dryness.
How Oral7 is Changing the Way We Think About Oral Care
If you are still unsure which toothpaste to use, some newer products are designed to mimic the body’s own natural oral defence system.
Our saliva protects our mouth with its composition of various enzymes and lubricants, which helps to promote good bacteria that keeps your mouth moisturised, healthy, and fresh. With the benefits of such active enzymes in mind, Oral7 is a good option to pick when it comes to protecting our oral health.
Developed to provide daily protection against common oral issues like bad breath, mouth ulcers, and dry mouth, Oral7 works to maintain your oral biosystem without the inclusion of harsh chemicals. This means that it is free from sulphates, and focuses on ingredients like fluoride, calcium, natural enzymes and proteins, aloe vera, and xylitol.
A Week With Oral7’s 4-Step System
As someone who is guilty of buying the first toothpaste I see without reading the list of ingredients, I was intrigued by Oral7®’s promises. A product that helps to protect your mouth health by using only the most essential ingredients? Sign me up.
I tried out the Oral7 Toothpaste, Oral7 Mouthwash, and Oral7 Mouth Gel for a week to see if it could convince me to make the switch from my usual pick.
A friend of mine, Jayden, also tested the system during the same period, which offered another perspective on how the products performed in daily life.
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The First Day
The first thing that I noticed about the toothpaste was how gently flavoured it was. Unlike the strong mint taste that most toothpastes have, Oral7’s toothpaste had a softer and lighter mint profile.
The next thing I noticed was how little it foamed up, due to the absence of sodium lauryl sulphates. Interestingly, the lack of foam made it feel as though I was really getting in there while I was brushing, making for an effective and long-lasting clean.
The mouthwash had a similar gentle mint taste. Instead of the strong, astringent sensation typical of many mouthwashes, it felt milder and more comfortable to use. Jayden noticed the same thing. They described the mouthwash as feeling like it “coated the mouth rather than stripping it” with no burning sensation or dryness after rinsing.
It is alcohol-free, which likely explains the lack of that sharp sting many people associate with mouthwash. What stood out to me was how versatile it felt. Beyond rinsing, it can even be sipped in small amounts to help soothe a dry or sore throat, and is safe if accidentally swallowed – something that adds an extra layer of reassurance, especially for those with sensitive mouths.
I was overall impressed by how gentle the entire oral care system felt, which helped to ease me into the start and end of my day while brushing my teeth.
The Third Day
On the third day, I was well accustomed to the toothpaste and the mouthwash, and noticed a big difference in how hydrated my mouth felt. My breath also felt fresher, and I felt less inclined to pop in a breath mint in the middle of the day.
Even after coffee or long hours of speaking at work, Jayden’s mouth felt noticeably more comfortable than usual as well!
At this halfway point, I tried out the Mouth Gel as well, as I was curious to find out how I could incorporate it into my routine as well. I found it the most helpful after meals, especially those that were especially salty or dry. It helped to provide a much-needed boost of moisture, with the included aloe vera helping to minimise any discomfort felt.
One interesting detail we both learned was that the enzymes in Oral7 are designed to function similarly to the enzymes found in natural saliva. These enzymes help control harmful bacteria while supporting the balance of the oral microbiome.
The Fifth Day
Around day five, the difference became more subtle but more noticeable at the same time. There was less dryness, less concern about breath freshness, and fewer moments where I felt the need to drink water to relieve discomfort.
My friend described a similar realisation: their mouth simply felt “balanced” throughout the day, without the small irritations that often go unnoticed until they disappear.
This made it easier to understand why Oral7 is often recommended for people with dry mouth conditions.
The Last Day
By the seventh day, I had finished the small sample tube of the toothpaste and the mouthwash. Going back to my usual routine felt like a sharp slap to the face, and I immediately noticed a difference in freshness throughout the day. I missed the gentle taste of Oral7’s products, and could really feel a difference in how well-protected my mouth had been while using it.
Jayden who scored the full sized version of this (as opposed to my travel/sample sized version) happily continued to use his products – to my envy!
Final Thoughts
At the end of my little seven day experiment, I learned a lot about the unique benefits of toothpastes.
While Oral7 may not replace every type of toothpaste for every person, its enzyme-based approach highlights a different philosophy of oral care: supporting the mouth’s natural biological systems rather than overpowering them with harsh ingredients.
For people who experience dry mouth, sensitivity, or persistent bad breath, products designed to support the oral microbiome may offer a gentler alternative.
And even if you do not currently struggle with these issues, trying a different approach to oral care might make you rethink what your toothpaste should actually be doing for you.
This article was developed as part of an educational oral health campaign supported by Oral7.
