We may have decades of at-home teeth cleaning under our belts, but the number of products promising to clean, whiten or repair our smiles continues to grow, and it can be hard to keep up with which innovations are worth the money. If you find yourself asking questions like: “Should I finally switch to an electric toothbrush?” “Do whitening strips really work?” “Is my floss good enough?” or “Is mouthwash an unnecessary step?” you’re in the right place.
When we want to replenish our smile products, the first place we check is Amazon, and, unsurprisingly, Amazon’s teeth, gum and tongue products are plentiful. To sift through which at-home smile products are the real deal, we asked two cosmetic dentists to scour Amazon with us for the ones they recommend to take better care of your smile.
Featured Experts
- Husam Almunajed, DDS is a board-certified cosmetic dentist in New York
- Salvator J. La Mastra, DMD is a board-certified cosmetic dentist in Dallas
Favorite Floss
No need to overthink this (crucial) smile step: Dallas cosmetic dentist Salvator J. La Mastra, DMD, recommends “regular glide floss or any type of string floss, because it wraps around your tooth better for a cleaner smile.”
The best floss is one you’ll actually use; that’s why New York cosmetic dentist Husam Almunajed, DDS, specifically recommends Cocofloss ($10). Not only does it support healthier teeth and gums, Dr. Almunajed explains, but it “also leaves a refreshing, soothing feeling that makes patients actually look forward to flossing.” Plus, it boasts a “smooth, gentle texture [that] glides comfortably” and “natural coconut fibers help remove buildup without the harsher plastics found in many conventional flosses.”
Top-Tier Toothpastes
When it comes to the best toothpastes, both Dr. La Mastra and Dr. Almunajed specifically cited options with low-abrasive formulas, keeping your enamel intact without sacrificing clean. ” I love LIVFresh ($25),” raves Dr. La Mastra. “[It’s] all natural and whitens your teeth and has no abrasive material that can scratch away your natural enamel or scratch dental bonding or veneers.”
The toothpaste Dr. Almunajed “confidently recommends to all [his] patients for healthier, stronger smiles” is 3M Clinpro Tooth Crème 0.21% ($33 for two tubes), which he calls “one of the best toothpastes available today.” “Beyond cavity protection, it has the unique ability to help repair and even reverse the earliest stages of tooth decay—supporting both prevention and restoration,” Dr. Almunajed further explains.
Terrific Toothbrush
This was an easy choice for both Dr. Almunajed and Dr. La Mastra: Philips Sonicare ($50). “Not all power toothbrushes are created equal,” says Dr. Almunajed, but Philips Sonicare is “one of the best choices for long-term oral health” because “its gentle settings allow for effective cleaning without causing gum recession or enamel wear.” Dr. La Mastra emphatically agrees: “I have used [Philips Sonicare] my whole life and they do such an amazing job cleaning teeth while keeping the gums healthy.”
Wow-Worthy Whiteners
Dr. La Mastra recommends an in-office Zoom whitening treatment for the fastest results, but if that isn’t in the cards due to time or budget, he recommends investing in a “simple whitening toothpaste” to fade stains and brighten your smile over time.
“Opalescence Go ($84 for 15 trays) is one of my favorite whitening products to recommend,” says Dr. Almunajed. (He uses them himself to keep his smile fresh.) “The pre-filled trays are gentle, easy to use and fit comfortably—making them far more convenient than traditional whitening strips. They work beautifully as a standalone treatment or as a way to maintain brightness after an in-office whitening.”
Elite Extras
If you would have told me chewing gum would be included in this article, I would have laughed, but Dr. Almunajed recommends ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum ($4) to his patients. According to Dr. Almunajed, this “guilt-free gum” can help “protect teeth and support a cavity-free smile” and it “soothes the mouth, gums and oral tissues.” He adds: “It’s a simple, effective way to care for your oral health throughout the day.”
Finally, if you wear any dental device, like a night guard or retainers, and/or use any dental tools, Dr. La Mastra loves “any kind of product that vibrates to clean.” (There are several ultrasonic cleaners available on Amazon—personally, I have this one because it also works to clean glasses and jewelry.)
