The New York Times - A “nearly perfect” toothpaste

Two photos of Davids toothpaste insisde an illustrated compact mirror border.

Illustration: Dana Davis; Photo: Davids

Editor Katie Okamoto is particular about her toothpaste: It must be paste, not gel. The paste must be smooth and plump, not gritty or loose, and the flavors must be fresh and herbal. And, of course, the toothpaste must fight cavities and be gentle on gums.

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“It’s an impossible list,” she concedes. “One that Sally Albright might recite at that diner, if Nora Ephron had been a dental hygienist.”

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This toothpaste is the only one she’s ever tested that comes close to her platonic ideal. It uses a fluoride alternative to protect against cavities, and it’s free of irritating ingredients. Plus, it comes in a handsome, recyclable aluminum tube that makes it easy to squeeze out every last bit.

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A just-right toothpaste→

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As seen at the bathroom sink

Our picks for electric toothbrushes, the Oral-B Pro 1000 and the Philips Sonicare 4100, shown alongside floss and a glass of water.

The best electric toothbrush

Our top pick has no frills, just the basics you need: a two-minute timer, a pressure sensor, and a long-lasting battery.

A plush floss that comes in fun flavors

It scrubs teeth and dislodges stubborn greens with ease.

The Waterpik Cordless Express water flosser with a purple background

And if you hate flossing …

This water flosser shoots a stream strong enough to effectively clear gunk from between teeth.

Teeth whitening strips that actually work

A pack of Crest 3D Whitestrips displayed in an illustrated frame.

Illustration: Dana Davis, Photo: Crest

There’s a lot our staffers love about these teeth whitening strips: They’re easy to use, they’re not particularly messy or gooey, and they don’t cause too much tooth sensitivity.

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And perhaps most importantly: They work. Editor Hannah Morrill starts to see results after a single hour-long treatment. “If I get on a kick—say three or four days—my teeth are pleasingly bright. I notice it particularly around friends. If you start looking, you’ll see too: People’s teeth are yellow. And mine, well, are not.”

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“Max results, reasonable time commitment, and nonexistent pain”→

Say cheese.

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The New York Times - A “nearly perfect” toothpaste

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