Zendium gave us evidence from clinical studies that support the combination of antibacterial enzymes in this toothpaste (amyloglucosidase, lysozyme, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin) for plaque control and to reduce gum inflammation and bleeding. We asked a panel of dental experts to examine the evidence behind claims on six premium toothpastes and give their verdict on when it's worth spending more. Glucose oxidase and zinc are antibacterial agents that help with mild to moderate gum disease, stannous fluoride and stannous chloride can reduce toxins that cause inflammation. Hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching agent) is commonly used in whitening toothpastes, but it's a bit of a red herring as the legal limit for over-the-counter toothpastes is too low to actually affect the colour of your teeth.

Based on the evidence given by LA Pacific, stain removal using this toothpaste would be better than basic fluoride toothpaste, but the claim it can ‘brighten’ teeth with ‘natural bleach’ might be overstating things.Boosts good bacteria and reduces bad bacteria to help fight the causes of cavities and gum problems

For serious whitening (aka a celebrity-level 'Hollywood smile'), you need to get professional bleaching treatment. Beware of attempting to DIY it and buying whitening products online - in an investigation earlier in 2022 we found some that contained dangerous levels of hydrogen peroxide. Gum health Our experts doubted the concentration of bleaching enzymes possible in an over-the-counter toothpaste could offer a clinical effect - this is the same for any whitening toothpaste. Arginine, stannous fluoride, potassium nitrate, and Sensodyne's Novamin all have proven sensitivity-reduction properties. Where to buy cheap toothpaste

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Hydrated silica and calcium carbonate are mild abrasives that work to remove surface stains on teeth, while pyrophosphates can reduce calculus and tartar formation. It doesn’t contain SLS (sodium lauryth sulfate , a surfactant), which Zendium claims makes it more suitable for ‘vulnerable’ mouths. Evidence for this is mixed; SLS may irritate some, but is mostly well tolerated. How to choose the right toothpaste - which ingredients really work, and what to consider before you buy Zendium's marketing based on oral bacteria and enzymes instead of minerals is unique, but again, while it will be better than conventional toothpastes at reducing gingivitis, cavity protection should be similar. Colgate told us its studies on Elixir White are confidential so it was unable to provide us with any specific evidence to show it's better than other whitening toothpastes.