The 8 Best Fluoride-Free Toothpastes for Whiter, Brighter Teeth

Is fluoride-free toothpaste safe and effective?

Fluoride-free toothpaste is generally considered safe for use, but it’s not as effective at preventing tooth decay. In fact, the American Dental Association only grants its ADA Seal of Approval to toothpastes with fluoride-containing compounds like sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride. Fluoride-free toothpastes use naturally-derived anticaries agents, including xylitol, miswak, hydrated silica, or calcium carbonate. While these alternatives offer some cavity-fighting benefits, that have not been shown to be as effective as fluoride.

Can fluoride-free toothpaste whiten teeth?

While fluoride isn’t directly responsible for whitening teeth, it does strengthen tooth enamel, which makes your teeth appear whiter. Fluoride-free toothpastes with mild abrasives like hydrated silica and calcium carbonate can gently buff away minor surface stains, but fluoride-containing toothpastes and professional whitening treatments will give you the most noticeable results.

What ingredients should you look for in a fluoride-free toothpaste?

When choosing a fluoride-free toothpaste, consider the key ingredients that can benefit your oral health:

Natural antibacterial agents: Both xylitol, a natural sweetener found in many fruits and vegetables, and miswak, an extract from the twigs of the Salvadora persica tree, have mild antibacterial properties that can help prevent plaque buildup and cavity formation.

Polishing agents: Hydrated silica and calcium carbonate are gentle abrasives that help remove surface stains and give you that freshly brushed feeling.

Soothing ingredients: If you have sensitive teeth, look for aloe vera and chamomile, which can soothe inflammation and provide relief for sensitive gums. 

What ingredients should you avoid in a fluoride-free toothpaste?

While they rely on naturally-derived ingredients to clean and brighten, many fluoride-free toothpastes still contain non-natural additives you might want to avoid:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS is a common foaming agent that can irritate gums and even cause mouth sores if you have a sensitivity or are allergic to it.

Harsh abrasives: Many toothpastes contain mild abrasives for stain removal and cleaning, but agents like aluminum oxide and pumice can actually damage tooth enamel. 

Artificial sweeteners (other than xylitol), colors, or dyes: Some fluoride-free toothpastes might use artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose to enhance flavor, and colors or dyes for visual appeal. None of these ingredients improve the cleaning or protective benefits of the toothpaste and dyes can actually cause irritation or staining.

Is fluoride toxic?

Fluoride can be toxic in high doses, but the amount in toothpaste is considered safe for adults and children to swallow in small amounts. It's also the only ingredient recommended by dentists and the American Dental Association for strengthening teeth and preventing cavities.

Why Trust Byrdie

Kara Cuzzone is a Byrdie contributor who covers beauty and wellness. She has bylines at Cosmopolitan and Forbes, with over five years of writing and editing experience. For this story, she read through hundreds of customer reviews to create a list of the best fluoride-free toothpastes on the market.