Do you ever look in the mirror and wish your smile felt just a little bit cleaner? That fuzzy feeling on your teeth after a meal is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that loves to hang out on your smile. If you ignore it, plaque hardens into tartar, which causes bigger problems like cavities and gum disease. It’s a constant battle to keep that gunk at bay!
Choosing the best toothpaste to fight this daily battle can feel overwhelming. Every tube promises to be the magic bullet. You see words like “tartar control,” “whitening,” and “sensitive formula,” and suddenly, you’re unsure which one actually tackles plaque the best. You want strong protection without harsh ingredients, but figuring out which product delivers real results is tricky.
Inside this guide, we break down exactly what makes a plaque-fighting toothpaste effective. We will explore the key ingredients you should look for and compare popular options so you can confidently choose the best defense for your teeth. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and discover the toothpaste that will leave your mouth feeling professionally clean every single day. Let’s dive into the science of a plaque-free smile!
Top Plaque Removing Toothpaste Recommendations
- INCLUDES TWO 3.0 OZ TUBES: Convenient 2 pack of Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release Whitening Toothpaste, Mint flavored
- 2X LESS PLAQUE BUILDUP*: Dissolves and lifts away gum-harming plaque with twice daily brushing
- PROMOTES GUM HEALTH: Helps interfere with the effects of plaque bacteria linked to gingivitis for healthy gums
- WHITENING BENEFITS: Whitens teeth for a brighter smile
- SMART FOAM TECHNOLOGY: Toothpaste penetrates hard-to-reach places to fight plaque bacteria along the gum line
- CLINICALLY PROVEN - LIVFRESH removes plaque 250% better, improves gum health 190% more, reduces tartar, eliminates bad breath, soothes dry mouth, and gently whitens teeth better than leading toothpaste brands. Brushing with LIVFRESH can help you save thousands by improving your oral health and preventing expensive dental procedures.
- 26 RESEARCH STUDIES - Our science is verified by 26 research studies, over 40 patents, and is supported by academic grants awarded by the United States Department of Defense. Based on 10 years of Research & Development, LIVFRESH was formulated by PhDs and scientists from Stanford and Berkeley.
- HOW IT WORKS - Protected by 40+ patents, our proprietary formula breaks the bond between plaque and your teeth, removing plaque from your teeth and preventing new plaque from attaching to them. Our gel toothpaste gives you a deep, long-lasting clean in hard-to-reach areas near the gums and in-between teeth.
- TRUSTED & RECOMMENDED - Thousands of dental professionals, including the former President of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the former President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), use and recommend LIVFRESH to their patients. Clinical Professors and Lecturers from Harvard, UCLA, UC Irvine, and other top institutions actively support LIVFRESH.
- SAFE FOR ALL AGES - Proudly made in America, LIVFRESH uses 100% edible ingredients and is SLS-Free. Our gel toothpaste contains zero abrasives, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. It is also free of triclosan, gluten, and sugar.
- Receive one 2.6 oz tube of Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste
- Helps heal gums and stop bleeding
- Promotes the gum healing process from day 1* *By neutralizing plaque bacteria
- Professionally designed to give you a deep clean and healthier gums
- Formulated with clinically proven ingredientes that helps reverse gingivits
- You will receive (3) 4.5 oz tubes of Crest Gum Detoxify Plus.
- NEUTRALIZES PLAQUE BACTERIA, even around the gumline, for 24 hours when using twice daily.
- SENSITIVITY PROTECTION with the power of stannous fluoride.
- WHITENS teeth.
- HELPS HEAL GUMS AND STOP BLEEDING.
- A pack of two 4 oz TheraBreath Deep Clean Toothpaste; Fresh Mint flavor is long-lasting for epic freshness
- Kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis (1); helps fight morning breath and neutralizes the source of bad breath (1)
- Gently whitens even sensitive teeth while staying kind to enamel with no harsh abrasives; stannous fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and helps interfere with the harmful effects of plaque associated with gingivitis
- Dentist-formulated and proudly made in the USA with U.S. and internationally sourced ingredients; certified vegan, halal, gluten-free, and kosher
- From the Best-Selling Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Brand in the USA (2); Mix and match with your favorite TheraBreath Oral Rinse to power up your routine
- CLINICALLY PROVEN - LIVFRESH removes plaque 250% better, improves gum health 190% more, reduces tartar, eliminates bad breath, soothes dry mouth, and gently whitens teeth better than leading toothpaste brands. Brushing with LIVFRESH can help you save thousands by improving your oral health and preventing expensive dental procedures.
- 26 RESEARCH STUDIES - Our science is verified by 26 research studies, over 40 patents, and is supported by academic grants awarded by the United States Department of Defense. Based on 10 years of Research & Development, LIVFRESH was formulated by PhDs and scientists from Stanford and Berkeley.
- HOW IT WORKS - Protected by 40+ patents, our proprietary formula breaks the bond between plaque and your teeth, removing plaque from your teeth and preventing new plaque from attaching to them. Our gel toothpaste gives you a deep, long-lasting clean in hard-to-reach areas near the gums and in-between teeth.
- TRUSTED & RECOMMENDED - Thousands of dental professionals, including the former President of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the former President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), use and recommend LIVFRESH to their patients. Clinical Professors and Lecturers from Harvard, UCLA, UC Irvine, and other top institutions actively support LIVFRESH.
- SAFE FOR ALL AGES - Proudly made in America, LIVFRESH uses 100% edible ingredients and is SLS-Free. Our gel toothpaste contains zero abrasives, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. It is also free of triclosan, gluten, and sugar.
- INCLUDES ONE 3.0 OZ TUBE: Single pack of Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release Whitening Toothpaste, Mint flavored
- 2X LESS PLAQUE BUILDUP*: Dissolves and lifts away gum-harming plaque with twice daily brushing.
- PROMOTES GUM HEALTH: Helps interfere with the effects of plaque bacteria linked to gingivitis for healthy gums
- WHITENING BENEFITS: Whitens teeth for a brighter smile
- SMART FOAM TECHNOLOGY: Toothpaste penetrates hard-to-reach places to fight plaque bacteria along the gumline
- PLAQUE & TARTAR REMOVAL (DEEP CLEAN) – Powered by high-content Silica 17% and Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate 0.5%, this formula gently removes plaque and tartar buildup for cleaner, healthier teeth while providing an intense deep clean.
- NATURAL WHITENING WITH BAKING SODA – The dual-action formula with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) helps lift surface stains for a brighter, more radiant smile, working alongside the plaque removal action.
- GINGIVITIS PREVENTION WITH VITAMIN E – Enriched with Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate 0.20%), it helps prevent gingivitis (gum inflammation) and promotes overall oral health, ensuring the deep cleaning process remains gentle on gums.
- CAVITY PREVENTION & ENAMEL PROTECTION – Contains Sodium Fluoride 0.22% which strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities for long-term oral health and protection against acid attacks.
- PARABEN & SLS FREE FORMULA: A gentle, non-toxic daily toothpaste formulated without harsh chemicals. It effectively fights against Plaque & Tartar Build-up, delivering a professional deep clean sensation that lasts all day.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Plaque Removing Toothpaste
Plaque is that sticky film of bacteria that constantly builds up on your teeth. If you let it stay too long, it hardens into tartar, causing cavities and gum problems. Choosing the right toothpaste makes a huge difference in keeping your smile clean and healthy. This guide helps you select the best plaque-fighting formula for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for specific ingredients and claims that signal powerful plaque removal.
Active Plaque-Fighting Ingredients
- Fluoride: This is essential. Fluoride doesn’t directly remove plaque, but it strengthens your enamel, making it harder for acid from plaque to cause decay. Look for Sodium Fluoride or Stannous Fluoride.
- Tartar Control Agents: Ingredients like Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate or Zinc Citrate help prevent soft plaque from turning into hard tartar.
- Antimicrobial Agents: Some advanced formulas include ingredients like Triclosan (less common now) or essential oils to actively reduce the bacteria in the plaque film.
Sensitivity and Whitening Options
Many plaque fighters also offer extra benefits. If your gums are sensitive, choose a formula specifically marked “for sensitive teeth.” If you want a brighter smile, look for gentle whitening agents, but be careful—harsh whiteners can irritate gums.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The quality of your toothpaste depends heavily on what’s inside the tube.
Abrasives: The Cleaning Power
Toothpaste needs mild abrasives to physically scrub away surface plaque. Good abrasives include hydrated silica or calcium carbonate. These particles scrub gently. They should not be too coarse, or they damage your enamel.
Humectants and Flavoring
Humectants (like glycerin) keep the paste from drying out in the tube. Flavorings, usually mint, make brushing pleasant. These don’t fight plaque but improve the overall experience.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all plaque toothpastes perform equally. Pay attention to these factors.
What Improves Quality?
- ADA Seal of Acceptance: The American Dental Association (ADA) tests products. If you see their seal, you know the product has proven effectiveness and safety claims.
- Balanced Formula: A high-quality paste balances strong cleaning agents with protective ingredients like fluoride.
- Proper pH Level: A good toothpaste maintains a neutral pH level in your mouth, which discourages acid-loving plaque bacteria.
What Reduces Quality?
- Overly Harsh Abrasives: If a toothpaste feels too gritty, it might be stripping your enamel, making future plaque stick more easily.
- High Sugar Content: Though rare in toothpaste, avoid any product that lists sugar as a primary ingredient, as this feeds plaque.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you feel using the toothpaste and when you use it matters.
The Brushing Experience
A good plaque toothpaste should foam slightly but not excessively. It should leave your mouth feeling clean and slick, not chalky. If you dislike the taste or texture, you won’t brush long enough, which defeats the purpose!
When to Use It
For maximum plaque removal, use your specialized toothpaste twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Always brush for a full two minutes. If you use an electric toothbrush, it often enhances the plaque-removing power of the paste.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Plaque Removing Toothpaste
Q: How quickly does plaque removing toothpaste work?
A: You should feel a difference in smoothness right after the first use. Significant reduction in visible plaque buildup usually takes about two weeks of consistent brushing.
Q: Is plaque removing toothpaste safe for daily use?
A: Yes, most ADA-approved plaque toothpastes are designed for daily, twice-daily use. They are formulated to be gentle enough for long-term protection.
Q: Can plaque toothpaste remove hardened tartar?
A: No. Toothpaste can prevent new tartar from forming, but once plaque hardens into tartar, only a dental professional using scaling tools can remove it.
Q: Should I choose Stannous Fluoride or Sodium Fluoride for plaque control?
A: Stannous Fluoride is often slightly better at controlling bacteria and preventing plaque, but it can sometimes cause temporary staining. Sodium Fluoride is excellent for cavity protection.
Q: What is the difference between plaque toothpaste and tartar control toothpaste?
A: Plaque toothpaste focuses on killing the bacteria film. Tartar control toothpaste focuses on chemicals that stop that film from mineralizing into hard deposits.
Q: Does plaque toothpaste taste different?
A: Some formulas, especially those with zinc or antimicrobial agents, might have a slightly different, sometimes more medicinal, taste than standard mint pastes.
Q: Can I use this toothpaste if I have braces?
A: Yes, but you must be extra diligent. Plaque loves to hide around brackets. Use a plaque toothpaste along with specialized flossing techniques.
Q: How long should I brush with plaque toothpaste?
A: Always brush for a full two minutes, ensuring you cover all surfaces, especially near the gum line where plaque starts.
Q: Does using mouthwash after plaque toothpaste wash away the protection?
A: Yes, rinsing immediately after brushing washes away the beneficial active ingredients. Wait at least 30 minutes before using mouthwash or eating/drinking.
Q: Are expensive plaque toothpastes really better than cheap ones?
A: Not necessarily. If both carry the ADA seal and contain effective ingredients like fluoride and a tartar inhibitor, the price difference often reflects flavorings or branding, not superior cleaning power.