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The 12 Best Fluoride-Free Toothpastes for Whiter, Brighter Teeth

Flash those pearly whites.

Side-by-side selection of fluoride-free toothpastes, including Boka, Burt’s Bees, and Bite, on a gray background

Byrdie / Marcus Millan

We’ve tried every product and procedure—from teeth-whitening kits and DIY whitening to veneers—that promises a brighter smile, but the quest begins with toothpaste. While science hails fluoride as a cavity-fighting champion, if you’ve got sensitive teeth, prefer an all-natural approach to your oral care, or have kids in their early brushing years, a fluoride-free toothpaste may be your best bet.

We set out to find the top fluoride-free toothpaste picks, evaluating dozens of options based on key ingredients, flavor, and additional smile-enhancing benefits. Ahead, find Byrdie’s list of the very best fluoride-free toothpastes for a healthy, happy mouth.

What We Like
  • Full of organic ingredients to naturally whiten and rid plaque

  • Smells good

  • Perfect travel-size

What to Consider
  • Little amount of product in the tube

Active Ingredients: Aloe vera, stevia, silica | Flavor: Peppermint | Size: 1 oz

Hello has thoughtfully formulated this natural toothpaste with well-known ingredients like soothing aloe vera, stevia, and a silica blend that works together in this toothpaste. Say goodbye to plaque and discolored teeth, as this natural formulation works to fight against dental troubles. In addition to being fluoride-free, the paste is free of artificial flavors, dyes, microbeads, parabens, and gluten. Even better? It's vegan and never tested on animals.

What We Like
  • Whitens teeth

  • Contains no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, or flavors

  • Fights tartar

What to Consider
  • Can leave a slight aftertaste

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, silica | Flavor: Peppermint | Size: 5.5 oz

This plaque-fighting toothpaste from Tom's combines naturally derived ingredients such as glycerin, peppermint oil, and zinc citrate. The flavor is not overpowering but still allows for minty, fresh breath. Say goodbye to surface stains, as this toothpaste naturally whitens while simultaneously cleaning the teeth and gums. You can expect a whiter and brighter smile that's cleansed of any buildup.

What We Like
  • Great taste

  • Big tube lasts a long time

  • Leaves mouth feeling fresh

What to Consider
  • Not super minty

Active Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, and E | Flavor: Mint | Size: 3.8 oz

Imported from Florence, Italy, this toothpaste will make you feel ultra-fancy every time you brush. It's designed to clean and whiten while protecting against tooth decay, tartar, and plaque. Not to mention the chic packaging you can proudly display on your bathroom counter. A great-tasting toothpaste, this is an excellent option for those who can’t stand artificial-tasting mint. It also comes in various flavors, like cinnamon, ginger, and jasmine, to spice up your brushing routine while keeping your breath fresh. 

What We Like
  • Made with 70% organic ingredients

  • Whitens teeth

  • Reduces plaque

What to Consider
  • Not much taste

Active Ingredients: Baking soda, silica | Flavor: Peppermint | Size: 5 oz

Brushing with this toothpaste might feel different because it doesn't contain synthetic foaming agents like most traditional toothpaste. Instead, it's made with 70% organic ingredients like coconut oil and stevia. The vegan, cruelty-free formula leaves your mouth, teeth, and gums fresh and clean. Reviewers enjoy the organic formula and the brand's fair-trade and cruelty-free status.

What We Like
  • Made with botanicals for fresh breath

  • Fights plaque and tooth decay

  • Affordable

What to Consider
  • Taste might be poor to some

Active Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, glycerin, tea tree oil | Flavor: Cinnamon | Size: 6 oz

Tea tree oil is the star ingredient of this fluoride-free option. This formula works to keep the mouth clean and protect against plaque and tooth decay. Beyond keeping your teeth and gums healthy, the formula contains clove and cinnamon oils to keep your breath fresh. It’s worth noting the flavor takes some getting used to, as it is not as minty as you might expect.

What We Like
  • Great taste

  • Made with plant-based ingredients

  • Vegan and non-GMO formula

What to Consider
  • Taste isn't long-lasting

Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil | Flavor: Peppermint | Size: 6.25 oz

Desert Essence promises this formula will leave you with that coveted "clean-mouth feeling." The formula discourages the growth of bad-breath-causing bacteria as it cleans the teeth. Reviewers also love the flavor of its peppermint essential oil.

What We Like
  • Sustainable packaging

  • Whitens teeth

  • Strengthens teeth with minerals while freshening breath

What to Consider
  • Could make some teeth sensitive

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, baking soda, silica | Flavor: Peppermint | Size: 5.25 oz

This whitening formula contains high-quality natural ingredients that fight plaque and freshen your breath. Thanks to the included tube key, you can say goodbye to wasted toothpaste, allowing you to get every last bit of product out. Most notably, the packaging is fully recyclable and manufactured with wind energy, so sustainability comes first with this product.

What We Like
  • Soothes the gums

  • Tastes good

  • Combats teeth ailments

What to Consider
  • Has a slight aftertaste

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, silica, aloe leaf extract | Flavor: Cool Mint | Size: 4.5 oz

In this case, triple-action refers to removing plaque, whitening, and preventing tartar buildup—three essential benefits. It's made with tea tree oil, aloe vera, olive leaf extract, and peppermint, and delivers a cool mint flavor. And a bonus? It's free from triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate, two chemical ingredients that are often found in other toothpastes. 

What We Like
  • Tablets are travel-friendly

  • Perfectly portioned

  • Strengthens teeth

What to Consider
  • Texture can be hard to get used to

Active Ingredients: Nano-hydroxyapatite (NHAP), menthol | Flavors: Mint, mint charcoal, berry twist | Size: 4 oz

Instead of dealing with pesky TSA regulations or worrying about a tube of toothpaste spilling on your other toiletries, these tablets ensure a hassle-free travel experience. Just pop one in your mouth, chew to release the powder, and brush with a wet toothbrush to activate the foam, and you’ll be all set for a refreshing and cleansing brushing experience. Formulated with remineralizing ingredients, this toothpaste strengthens and restores teeth. Just be warned, however, that the powder’s texture can take some getting used to.

What We Like
  • Made with responsibly sourced charcoal

  • Removes surface stains for a whiter smile

  • Tastes great

What to Consider
  • Packaging can be flimsy

Active Ingredients: Charcoal, silica | Flavor: Zen peppermint | Size: 4.7 oz

Charcoal toothpaste can be excellent for teeth-whitening, and this Burt’s Bees option is no exception. Formulated with responsibly sourced charcoal, this toothpaste removes surface stains and whitens teeth. Peppermint oil flavors this toothpaste, so it has a minty taste without being too powerful, and reviewers love the way it freshens their breath.

What We Like
  • Unique flavors

  • Non-burning for a gentle clean

  • Great for enamel health

What to Consider
  • Does not foam as much as other toothpastes

Active Ingredients: Charcoal, silica, peppermint oil | Flavors: Mint, lemon lavender, coco ginger, orange cream, cinnamon mint, and more | Size: 4 oz

With unique flavors like lemon lavender, coco ginger, orange cream, and cinnamon mint (and classic mint, too), they sound more like candy than they do toothpaste—but these avant-garde flavors will freshen the breath the same way traditional toothpastes do. Reviewers enjoy the taste because each flavor is subtle, and they are gentle on the gums. Besides the great flavor, Boka claims this toothpaste can close holes in the enamel while fortifying teeth, making them stronger with each brushing.

What We Like
  • Clean formula makes it kid-friendly

  • Remineralizes and strengthens teeth

  • Does not strip enamel

What to Consider
  • Not widely available at retailers

Active Ingredients: Hydroxyapatite | Flavors: Wild mint, cake batter | Size: 4 oz

RiseWell claims its toothpaste is safe enough to eat, so it's a great choice for families with young children who are learning how to brush since there is no risk in accidentally swallowing it. They also make a kid-friendly version flavored to taste like cake batter, which is a great first introduction to toothpaste. This mineral toothpaste uses hydroxyapatite, the same mineral in teeth and bones, to remineralize teeth naturally. Its natural ingredients also scrub the teeth to remove gunk and cavity-causing bacteria without stripping the enamel.

What to Look for in a Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

  • Remineralizing Ingredients: The main purpose of toothpaste is to prevent tooth decay. Without fluoride, it’s not so simple. To eliminate cavities and strengthen teeth, fluoride-free toothpastes often contain remineralizing ingredients, like hydroxyapatite, which can reverse demineralization (aka the first stage of tooth decay) and prevent cavities from fully forming.
  • Taste: If you’re switching from traditional toothpaste to fluoride-free toothpaste, the taste can be quite a shock. Since fluoride-free toothpastes are typically made with natural ingredients and flavors, the taste is typically not as strong as you’re used to. It is important to find a toothpaste that is pleasing to your taste buds to make your brushing routine enjoyable and to foster consistency.
  • Value: Since fluoride-free toothpaste can be on the pricier side, it is important to find a tube that contains a decent amount of product. Since you use toothpaste on a daily basis, a tube with a good product-to-price ratio is essential to avoid overspending on an everyday essential.
FAQ
  • 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 nonnatural 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

Kayla Friedman is a beauty and style intern at Byrdie. She crafts informative content across multiple categories, including skincare, haircare, hair tools, and makeup. She scoured product reviews to contribute the best fluoride-free toothpastes to this list.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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  2. Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006;19(1):50-62.

  3. Akkaoui S, Ennibi O keltoum. Use of traditional plants in management of halitosis in a Moroccan population. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol. 2017;6(3):267-273.

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