Tom's of Maine Whole Care Adult Toothpaste - 4oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This toothpaste contains beneficial ingredients like xylitol, which helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria, and sodium bicarbonate, a gentle abrasive that aids in cleaning teeth. However, the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate, a known mucosal irritant, and sodium monofluorophosphate, a fluoride compound that requires careful use, lowers its overall safety profile. The product is processed, which further impacts its rating.
Key ingredients 13
XylitolVery Good
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. It is beneficial for oral health as it can decrease the risk of tooth decay. Xylitol is well-regarded for its positive impact on dental health.
Risks
Excessive consumption can cause digestive upset in some individuals.
Benefits
Xylitol reduces the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, promoting oral health.
GlycerinGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with glycerin in toothpaste.
Benefits
Glycerin helps maintain the consistency and moisture of the toothpaste.
WaterNeutral
Water is used as a solvent in toothpaste to dissolve other ingredients and provide the desired consistency. It is an inert ingredient with no direct impact on oral health. Its presence is essential for the formulation but does not offer specific benefits.
Risks
There are no risks associated with water in toothpaste.
Benefits
Water helps dissolve and mix other ingredients, ensuring proper texture.
Calcium CarbonateNeutral
Calcium carbonate acts as a mild abrasive to help remove plaque and surface stains from teeth. It is generally safe and effective for cleaning purposes. However, it does not provide additional oral health benefits beyond its abrasive action.
Risks
Excessive use of abrasives can potentially wear down enamel over time.
Benefits
Calcium carbonate aids in cleaning teeth by removing plaque and stains.
Hydrated SilicaNeutral
Hydrated silica is used as an abrasive to help clean teeth and remove stains. It is effective in polishing teeth but does not contribute to remineralization or other oral health benefits. Its safety profile is generally considered acceptable for oral care products.
Risks
Overuse of abrasive agents can lead to enamel erosion.
Benefits
Hydrated silica helps in polishing teeth and removing surface stains.
Zinc CitrateNeutral
Zinc citrate is used for its antimicrobial properties and can help reduce plaque formation. It is generally safe and can contribute to oral health by inhibiting bacterial growth. However, its benefits are not as pronounced as some other active ingredients.
Risks
Excessive zinc intake can lead to health issues, but this is unlikely from toothpaste use.
Benefits
Zinc citrate helps reduce plaque and has antimicrobial properties.
Sodium BicarbonateNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium bicarbonate in toothpaste.
Benefits
Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes acids and gently cleans teeth.
Spearmint OilBad
Part of Natural Flavor. Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Allergic reactions are possible but rare.
Benefits
Natural mint oils provide fresh breath and have antimicrobial properties.
Other Natural FlavorBad
Part of Natural Flavor. Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Allergic reactions are possible but rare.
Benefits
Natural mint oils provide fresh breath and have antimicrobial properties.
CarrageenanBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Some concerns exist about carrageenan's inflammatory potential, but these are more relevant to dietary intake.
Benefits
Carrageenan helps maintain the desired consistency of the toothpaste.
Sodium MonofluorophosphateBad
Sodium monofluorophosphate is a fluoride compound used to prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. While effective in reducing tooth decay, excessive fluoride exposure can lead to fluorosis. Its use is beneficial but must be carefully controlled.
Risks
Excessive fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, especially in children.
Benefits
Sodium monofluorophosphate helps prevent cavities by strengthening enamel.
Benzyl AlcoholBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
High concentrations can be irritating, but this is unlikely in toothpaste.
Benefits
Benzyl alcohol helps preserve the product and has mild antimicrobial effects.
Sodium Lauryl SulfateVery Bad
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant used to create foam, but it is a known mucosal irritant. It has been linked to mouth ulcers and can damage oral epithelial tissue. Its presence in oral care products is controversial due to these potential side effects.
Risks
SLS can cause mouth ulcers and irritation of oral tissues.
Benefits
SLS helps in foaming, which can enhance the cleaning experience.
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