What if the toothpaste sitting on your counter isn’t helping your teeth — or worse, is actually harming them? According to dentist Dr. Lawnin, not all toothpastes are created equal, and some of the most popular brands may be more marketing than medicine.

In a refreshingly candid review, Dr. Lawnin rates today’s best-selling toothpastes — from drugstore staples like Crest to trendy “natural” options — to uncover which ones are truly worth your money. His verdicts are bold, research-backed, and often surprising: hydroxyapatite matches fluoride in cavity prevention, some fluoride toothpastes are too abrasive for healthy gums, and many fluoride-free options simply don’t work.

If you’ve ever stood in the dental care aisle wondering which label to trust, this guide will cut through the noise. You’ll learn which ingredients actually matter, why certain products can cause irritation, and what your toothpaste can — and can’t — do for your oral health.

Let’s dive into Dr. Lawnin’s no-nonsense ratings to find out which toothpaste truly deserves a spot on your sink.

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

If you think fluoride is the only ingredient that can fight cavities, think again. Dr. Lawnin gives Boka Toothpaste with Hydroxyapatite a perfect 10 out of 10, calling it “an incredible toothpaste.”

Hydroxyapatite — a naturally occurring mineral that makes up most of your enamel — has been scientifically shown to remineralize teeth just as effectively as fluoride.

Unlike fluoride, hydroxyapatite doesn’t rely on chemical reactions; it literally restores what your enamel is made of. That makes it ideal for people with sensitive teeth, dry mouth, or those who prefer fluoride-free options.

The Downside of Abrasive Fluoride Toothpastes

Fluoride has been dentistry’s gold standard for decades — but not all fluoride toothpastes deserve your trust.

Take Crest Pro Health Advanced Deep Clean, which earns a -2 out of 10 from Dr. Lawnin. Despite its cavity-fighting benefits, it’s “very abrasive on gums” and can cause tissue sloughing — that peeling sensation inside your mouth after brushing.

Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean fares only slightly better, earning a 3 out of 10. “It’s not as abrasive as Pro Health,” Dr. Lawnin says, “but it still has SLS.” Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent linked to irritation and mouth ulcers in sensitive users.

Pro Tip: If your gums often feel sore or raw after brushing, switch to a lower-abrasion toothpaste or one labeled “SLS-free.” Your dentist can also recommend products made for sensitive mouths.

The Misleading Allure of “Natural” Toothpastes

Many consumers are turning to “natural” or fluoride-free toothpastes — but according to Dr. Lawnin, that can be a mistake.

He gives Burt’s Bees Fluoride-Free Toothpaste an eye-popping -30, bluntly saying, “You might as well just brush with water or baking soda.” Without fluoride or hydroxyapatite, these toothpastes lack any remineralizing power. You’re cleaning your teeth, but not protecting them.

Native Fluoride-Free Toothpaste doesn’t fare much better, earning a flat 0. Dr. Lawnin’s advice: “Buy baking soda and use that.” While it might sound old-fashioned, baking soda’s mild abrasiveness and neutralizing properties make it a surprisingly effective option — as long as you’re gentle and consistent.

On a more positive note, Therabreath Fresh Breath Toothpaste scores a modest 4. It contains fluoride and organic ingredients, making it a decent middle-ground choice for those seeking something cleaner but still effective.

Key Takeaway: “Natural” doesn’t always mean “better.” Without proven active ingredients, these toothpastes can leave your enamel vulnerable — no matter how eco-friendly the packaging looks.

Marketing vs. Dentistry: The Paradontax Problem

Few brands frustrate Dr. Lawnin more than Paradontax Active Gum Repair. Despite marketing itself as a cure for bleeding gums, it earns a jaw-dropping -2,000,000 from him.

“If you have bleeding gums,” he explains, “that’s not a toothpaste problem — it’s a gum disease issue. See your dentist.”

Toothpaste can support gum health by reducing plaque, but it can’t treat infection or inflammation. Relying on “gum-repairing” formulas can actually delay professional care — and that delay can lead to worsening gum disease, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

What You Should Do: If your gums bleed regularly, don’t buy another toothpaste — book a dental appointment. Proper diagnosis and treatment are the only real solutions for gum health.

Dr. Lawnin’s Final Recommendations

After reviewing everything from boutique brands to drugstore staples, Dr. Lawnin’s advice is refreshingly simple:

• Choose a toothpaste with proven active ingredients (fluoride or hydroxyapatite).
• Avoid abrasive or SLS-heavy formulas that can irritate your gums.
• Don’t fall for marketing buzzwords like “gum repair” or “natural.”
• Remember: no toothpaste can replace professional dental care — cleanings and checkups matter most.

If you want an easy place to start, Dr. Lawnin’s top pick is Boka Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste — a balanced, science-backed formula that strengthens enamel and protects sensitive gums. Pair it with gentle brushing and regular dental visits, and you’ve got the foundation for lifelong oral health.

Conclusion

The toothpaste aisle doesn’t have to feel like a chemistry test — or a marketing trap. As Dr. Lawnin makes clear, healthy teeth come down to science, not slogans.

The winners are easy to spot once you know what to look for: toothpastes with proven ingredients like hydroxyapatite or fluoride, formulas that skip harsh abrasives and SLS, and brands that don’t overpromise miracle gum cures.

If you take one thing away from Dr. Lawnin’s ratings, let it be this: choose your toothpaste like you choose your food — based on ingredients, not marketing. Look for hydroxyapatite or fluoride, skip the SLS, and make brushing a science-backed habit — not a marketing choice. The right toothpaste won’t just clean your smile — it’ll protect it.