Toothpaste chart

This article was originally published in August 2012

Below is a chart comparing the ingredients and characteristics of toothpastes at PCC. Look for staff picks marked in the Health and Body Care departments of our stores.

Brand Product Flavor Sweetener Abrasive Comments Deter-
gent
Anti-
cavity
Sensi-
tivity
Tartar Whit-
ening
Anti-
plaque
* Selection varies from store to store.
Auromere Ayurvedic
paste
botanical extracts none fine chalk, silica essential oils; SLS
Auromere Ayurvedic (foam-free)
paste
botanical extracts none fine chalk, silica essential oils
Burt’s Bees Multicare Natural
paste or gel
peppermint stevia, maltodextrin silicates titanium dioxide (paste); sodium monofluoro-phosphate
(fluoride)

cranberry extract
Coral White Tea Tree
paste
botanical extracts stevia, xylitol, sorbitol chalk silicates peroxide
(whitening)
Desert Essence Tea Tree & Neem
paste
wintergreen none chalk, baking soda, sea salt tea tree oil
Eco-Dent Daily Care
powder
mint none baking soda, silica dicalcium phosphate to remineralize
Heritage Store Ipsab
powder
cinnamon xylitol baking soda, salt prickly ash bark (stimulates saliva) “caution not to swallow”
Himalaya Drug Neem Pomegranate
paste
botanical extracts stevia chalk, silica, sea salt ayurvedic
Jason Powersmile
gel
peppermint xylitol chalk, silicates, baking soda CoQ10; sodium monofluoro-phosphate
(fluoride)
Jason Oral Comfort
gel
“berry mint” stevia, xylitol chalk, silicates, baking soda CoQ10
Jason Nutrismile
paste
orange, mint, cinnamon stevia chalk, silicates, baking soda Vitamin C
Jason Sea Fresh
paste
spearmint stevia chalk, silica, baking soda bamboo powder (tartar)
Kiss My Face Triple Action with Aloe Vera peppermint stevia, sorbitol, xylitol silica tea tree oil; CoQ10
Kiss My Face Sensitive with Aloe Vera
paste
“orange mint” stevia, sorbitol, xylitol silica tea tree oil
potassium nitrate
Nature’s Gate Natural
paste
anise none chalk, silica, baking soda, salt glycerin, mint-free
Phytoshield Herbal Botanical
paste
botanical extracts thaumatin, xylitol, sorbitol chalk, silica, zinc oxide essential oils
Phytoshield Propolis
paste
botanical extracts thaumatin, xylitol, sorbitol chalk, silica, zinc oxide propolis (allergy warning); titanium dioxide
Tom’s of Maine Simply White
paste
mint xylitol, sorbitol silica titanium dioxide; lye (to reduce acidity); sodium fluoride; SLS
Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque & Whitening
paste
spearmint xylitol chalk, silica, baking soda zinc citrate (may inhibit plaque); SLS
Tom’s of Maine Whole Care
gel
peppermint xylitol, sorbitol silica sodium fluoride; SLS
Weleda Salt
paste
botanical extracts none baking soda, silica, salt alcohol
Weleda Calendula
paste
botanical extracts (peppermint oil-free) none baking soda; silicates (magnesium aluminum) alcohol; Weleda claims aluminum molecules too large to absorb
Xclear Spry
paste
peppermint stevia, xylitol, sorbitol silica glycerin (see article); sodium benzoate (a preservative); titanium dioxide

Also in this issue

Choosing toothpaste

The many ingredients in toothpastes can be confusing. Here's a look at what they do for teeth, and why it's important to buy natural brands.

Letters to the editor, August 2012

Toothpaste labels, Fair trade labeling, Ethical eating, and more

PCC Farmland Trust saves 10th farm

Jubilee Farm in Carnation is something of a local landmark, bordered on its sides by woods, marsh and rings of mountains in the distance.