Tom s of Maine Toothpaste Spearmint Natural Fluoride-Free Propolis & Myrrh 5.5 OZ
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This toothpaste contains beneficial ingredients like xylitol, myrrh, and propolis extract, which support oral health through antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate, a known mucosal irritant, negatively impacts the product's safety profile. The combination of beneficial and harmful ingredients results in a mixed evaluation for this oral care product.
Key ingredients 13
XylitolVery Good
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. It is beneficial for oral health as it helps prevent tooth decay. It also provides a pleasant taste without the negative effects of sugar.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with xylitol in toothpaste.
Benefits
It reduces cavity-causing bacteria and helps prevent tooth decay.
GlycerinGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with glycerin in toothpaste.
Benefits
It helps maintain the moisture and consistency of the toothpaste.
Commiphora MyrrhaGood
Commiphora myrrha, or myrrh, is known for its antimicrobial properties and has been used traditionally for oral health. It can help reduce inflammation and support gum health. It is considered beneficial in oral care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with myrrh in toothpaste.
Benefits
It has antimicrobial properties and supports gum health.
MyrrhGood
Myrrh is a natural resin with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial for maintaining oral health by reducing bacteria and supporting gum health. It has been used traditionally in oral care for its therapeutic effects.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with myrrh in toothpaste.
Benefits
It provides antimicrobial benefits and supports gum health.
Propolis ExtractGood
Propolis extract is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce oral bacteria and support gum health. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in oral care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with propolis extract in toothpaste.
Benefits
It has antimicrobial properties and supports gum health.
Calcium CarbonateNeutral
Calcium carbonate is commonly used as a mild abrasive in toothpaste to help remove plaque and surface stains. It is generally considered safe and effective for this purpose. However, it does not provide any additional antimicrobial benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with calcium carbonate in toothpaste.
Benefits
It helps in cleaning teeth by acting as a gentle abrasive.
WaterNeutral
Water is used as a solvent in toothpaste formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides the desired consistency. It does not have any direct impact on oral health.
Risks
There are no risks associated with water in toothpaste.
Benefits
It acts as a solvent and helps in mixing other ingredients.
Hydrated SilicaNeutral
Hydrated silica is used as an abrasive to help remove plaque and stains from teeth. It is effective in cleaning but does not provide any antimicrobial benefits. Overuse can potentially lead to enamel wear.
Risks
Excessive use may lead to enamel abrasion over time.
Benefits
It helps in cleaning teeth by removing surface stains.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan gum is used as a thickening agent in toothpaste to provide a stable texture. It is generally safe and non-toxic. It does not have any direct impact on oral health.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with xanthan gum in toothpaste.
Benefits
It helps maintain the consistency and stability of the toothpaste.
Resin ExtractNeutral
Resin extract is used for its potential antimicrobial properties in oral care products. Its specific effects depend on the type of resin used. It does not have significant direct benefits for oral health.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with resin extract in toothpaste.
Benefits
It may provide some antimicrobial benefits.
Natural FlavorBad
Umbrella term that can hide dozens of undisclosed synthetic constituents.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with natural flavors in toothpaste.
Benefits
It improves the taste of the toothpaste, making it more pleasant to use.
Benzyl AlcoholBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
It may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It acts as a preservative to prevent microbial growth.
Sodium Lauryl SulfateVery Bad
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant used to create foam in toothpaste. It is known to be a harsh mucosal irritant and is linked to mouth ulcers and damage to oral epithelial tissue. Its presence in toothpaste is heavily penalized due to these adverse effects.
Risks
It can cause mouth ulcers and irritation of oral tissues.
Benefits
It helps in foaming and spreading the toothpaste, but this is outweighed by its risks.
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