Tom's Of Maine Wicked Cool Fluoride Free Mild Mint Kid's Toothpaste, 4.2 oz
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 peppermint oil, which freshens breath. However, the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate, a known mucosal irritant, is a significant concern. The formula is a mix of good and problematic ingredients, impacting its overall safety for oral use.
Key ingredients 10
XylitolVery Good
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. It helps maintain oral health by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Xylitol is well-regarded for its positive impact on dental health.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with xylitol in toothpaste.
Benefits
Xylitol reduces the risk of cavities by inhibiting harmful bacteria.
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 texture and consistency of the toothpaste.
Mentha piperita (peppermint) oilGood
Peppermint oil is a natural antimicrobial agent that helps freshen breath and reduce oral bacteria. It is beneficial for maintaining oral hygiene and providing a pleasant flavor. Its natural properties make it a positive addition to toothpaste formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with peppermint oil in toothpaste.
Benefits
Peppermint oil provides antimicrobial benefits and freshens breath.
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 primary role is to facilitate the mixing and application of the toothpaste.
Risks
There are no risks associated with water in toothpaste.
Benefits
Water helps in the formulation and application of toothpaste.
Calcium carbonateNeutral
Calcium carbonate acts as a mild abrasive in toothpaste, helping to remove plaque and surface stains. It is generally safe and effective for daily use. However, it does not provide any 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 surface stains.
Hydrated silicaNeutral
Hydrated silica is used as an abrasive to help clean teeth and remove stains. It is considered safe for use in toothpaste. However, it does not provide any additional oral health benefits beyond its cleaning action.
Risks
Overuse of abrasive agents can lead to enamel erosion.
Benefits
Hydrated silica helps in cleaning teeth and removing surface stains.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) root extractNeutral
Licorice root extract is sometimes used for its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, its effectiveness in toothpaste is not well-documented. It is generally safe but does not provide significant oral health benefits in this context.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with licorice root extract in toothpaste.
Benefits
Licorice root extract may offer mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
CarrageenanBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with carrageenan in toothpaste.
Benefits
Carrageenan helps maintain the texture and consistency of the toothpaste.
Natural flavorsBad
Umbrella term that can hide dozens of undisclosed synthetic constituents.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with natural flavors in toothpaste.
Benefits
Natural flavors enhance the taste of the toothpaste.
Sodium lauryl sulfateVery Bad
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant used to create foam in toothpaste, but it is a known mucosal irritant. It has been linked to mouth ulcers and can damage oral epithelial tissue. Its presence in toothpaste is heavily penalized due to these concerns.
Risks
SLS can cause mouth ulcers and irritation of oral tissues.
Benefits
SLS helps in foaming, which can aid in the distribution of toothpaste.
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