Best toothpaste overall.
Experts recommend Colgate Total more often than any other toothpaste. According to both the Food and Drug Administration and the American Dental Association, this was the first toothpaste on the market to include the antibacterial ingredient Triclosan, which has been proven effective for fighting gum disease (gingivitis). Total contains another ingredient -- Gantrez -- that allows Triclosan to remain active between brushings, even after you eat or drink. Colgate Total is not recommended for kids under six years old, since its antibacterial properties have not been tested for young children.
• Ultra Brite Advanced Whitening
Best stain removal.
In a major comparative roundup, this toothpaste beat out 40 other brands for overall cleaning ability, but Ultra Brite is more abrasive than Colgate. Some dentists warn that with aggressive brushing, highly abrasive toothpastes can wear down tooth enamel. This toothpaste does not contain Triclosan, the ingredient in Colgate Total that has been proven to fight gingivitis, but it cleans well and is inexpensive compared to other toothpastes. It also contains tetrasodium pyrophosphate for tartar control. This formula is approved for kids older than two years of age.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Colgate Sensitive is more expensive than other toothpastes, but it's a good choice for those with sensitive teeth due to receding gums. Colgate Sensitive contains potassium nitrate, which over time helps to reduce tooth sensitivity, according to experts. Colgate Sensitive should be used only by those over 12, but it's unlikely kids younger than that will need it. Colgate Sensitive compares well in tests to Sensodyne a more expensive sensitive toothpaste.