Tom s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste Spearmint 5.5 oz.

Common questions

Is Tom s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste Spearmint 5.5 oz. healthy?

Tom s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste Spearmint 5.5 oz. scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This toothpaste contains beneficial ingredients like xylitol, myrrh resin extract, propolis extract, and spearmint oil, which support oral health through antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Which ingredients drive Tom s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste Spearmint 5.5 oz.'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Xylitol, Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) resin extract count in its favor; Natural flavor, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Benzyl alcohol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Tom s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste Spearmint 5.5 oz.

Tom's of Maine
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$12.98 · 5.5 oz · $2.36 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Colgate-Palmolive
Category Toothcare
Summary

This toothpaste contains beneficial ingredients like xylitol, myrrh resin extract, propolis extract, and spearmint oil, which support oral health through antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate, a known mucosal irritant, is a concern and affects the overall safety profile of the product. The formula is relatively clean but the inclusion of SLS prevents it from achieving a higher rating.

Key ingredients 13

Xylitol
Very Good

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. It is considered very beneficial for oral health. It also helps in maintaining a pleasant taste without the use of artificial sweeteners.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with xylitol, though it can cause digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.

Benefits

It reduces the growth of cavity-causing bacteria and helps in maintaining oral health.

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Glycerin
Good

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 in maintaining the consistency and moisture of the toothpaste.

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Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) resin extract
Good

Myrrh resin extract is known for its antimicrobial properties and has been used traditionally for oral health. It can help in reducing inflammation and promoting gum health. It is considered beneficial for maintaining oral hygiene.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Benefits

It has antimicrobial properties and can help in promoting gum health.

Propolis extract
Good

Propolis extract is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help in reducing plaque formation and promoting oral health. It is considered beneficial for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Benefits

It has antimicrobial properties and can help in reducing plaque and promoting oral health.

See more about Propolis extract →
Spearmint oil
Good

Spearmint oil is a natural mint oil that provides a fresh flavor and has antimicrobial properties. It helps in freshening breath and can contribute to oral hygiene. It is considered beneficial for its natural antimicrobial effects.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Benefits

It freshens breath and has antimicrobial properties that contribute to oral hygiene.

See more about Spearmint oil →
Calcium carbonate
Neutral

Calcium carbonate is a common abrasive used 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, though excessive use could potentially lead to enamel wear.

Benefits

It helps in mechanically cleaning the teeth by removing plaque and surface stains.

See more about Calcium carbonate →
Water
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent in toothpaste formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and maintain 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 effectively.

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Hydrated silica
Neutral

Hydrated silica is used as an abrasive to help remove plaque and stains from teeth. It is generally considered safe for use in toothpaste. However, it does not provide any antimicrobial benefits.

Risks

Excessive abrasiveness could potentially lead to enamel wear over time.

Benefits

It aids in cleaning teeth by removing plaque and surface stains.

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Xanthan gum
Neutral

Xanthan gum is used as a thickening agent in toothpaste to maintain its consistency. It is generally considered 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 in maintaining the desired consistency of the toothpaste.

See more about Xanthan gum →
Other natural flavor
Neutral

Other natural flavors are used to enhance the taste of toothpaste. They are generally considered safe but do not contribute to oral health benefits. The specific components of these flavors are not always disclosed.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may have sensitivities to certain natural flavors.

Benefits

It improves the taste of the toothpaste, making it more pleasant to use.

Natural flavor
Bad

Umbrella term that can hide dozens of undisclosed synthetic constituents.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may have sensitivities to certain natural flavors.

Benefits

It improves the taste of the toothpaste, making it more pleasant to use.

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Benzyl alcohol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in preserving the toothpaste by preventing microbial growth.

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Sodium lauryl sulfate
Very Bad

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant used to create foam in toothpaste. It is known to be a harsh mucosal irritant and has been linked to mouth ulcers. Its use in oral care products is controversial due to these potential side effects.

Risks

It can cause irritation to the oral mucosa and is associated with the development of mouth ulcers.

Benefits

It helps in creating foam, which can aid in the distribution of toothpaste during brushing.

See more about Sodium lauryl sulfate →

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