Aquafresh Alternative: Is Aquafresh a Good Toothpaste?

Not all toothpaste is created equal. The product you brush your teeth with shouldn’t be an afterthought, as it can make or break your oral health. While you may have used Aquafresh for years, it’s time to make the upgrade to a better toothpaste.

We’ve seen a growing trend of users reporting issues like mouth sores, dry lips, and consistency shortcomings as the manufacturer looks to be changing their production processes on the fly. But even if these problems didn’t exist, the simple fact of the matter is Aquafresh toothpaste does little to protect your gum health, which is what a high-quality toothpaste should do.

The good news is there’s a better Aquafresh alternative worth adding to your daily ritual. We’ll help you weigh your options below, from classics like Colgate and Oral-B to emerging brands like David’s. The #1 alternative, though, is our gel toothpaste here at LIVFRESH.

It’s clinically proven to remove plaque 250% better and improve gum health by 190% compared to leading brands. We use only 100% edible ingredients, too, so you won’t have to stress about any of the sketchy stuff you’d find in Aquafresh.

Hundreds of thousands of customers have already made the switch, and we’re proud to see our plaque removal toothpaste being recommended by countless dental professionals as well. Once you make the switch, you’ll see what keeps people coming back for more!

What is Aquafresh Toothpaste?

Aquafresh has been a toothpaste titan for decades, initially launched in the 1970s with its signature triple-colored stripes: white, blue, and red, each representing a specific benefit. The trifecta was cavity protection, fresh breath, and clean teeth.

You could find this toothpaste in drugstores everywhere, and it came to be known as a go-to choice for an affordable, all-in-one solution for daily brushing. 

The brand’s formulation consists of fluoride for cavity prevention, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) for foaming, and hydrated silica for mild abrasive cleaning. Most varieties also have artificial colorants like Blue 1 and Red 33 (mainly just for appearance), along with synthetic sweeteners such as sodium saccharin for taste. That’s part of the problem - a whole lot of filler ingredients.

Aquafresh is available in a few variants, such as Extreme Clean, Whitening, and Kids' versions, each designed to target different oral hygiene goals. While the core promise remains freshness and general protection, some versions add stain removal or gentle enamel support.

For a long time now Aquafresh has appealed to families looking for something straightforward that “does it all.” But while it covers the basics, it hasn’t kept pace with newer brands that prioritize gum health, plaque disruption, or clean-label formulations.

Is Aquafresh a Good Toothpaste? Why More and More Users are Looking for an Alternative

So is Aquafresh a good toothpaste? Maybe it once was. But today, the tide is turning as people become more aware of what they’re really putting into their mouth multiple times a day, and the toll those ingredients can take.

Plus, people just expect more from toothpaste today. Clean teeth alone don’t cut it. It needs to go above and beyond to enhance oral hygiene from 360 degrees, and Aquafresh falls short here. 

We’ve dug into real customer reviews and found a few specific reasons people are looking for an Aquafresh alternative. Maybe they’re the same issues you have with the solution!

Ingredient Concerns

The biggest red flag is found right on the label: SLS. This ingredient is used for its foaming action, but it’s notorious for irritating sensitive gums and triggering canker sores. You’ll see this is a common theme in negative Aquafresh reviews.

The toothpaste also has artificial colorants (like Blue 1 and Red 33) and synthetic sweeteners (like sodium saccharin), which are problematic in their own rights. Anyone trying to clean up their personal care routine will be immediately turned off by these additives.

Decades ago people didn’t blink an eye when they grabbed a toothpaste off the shelf. Today, though, we’re a bit pickier as a society - and that’s a good thing!

Not Designed for Gum Health or Sensitivity Relief

Aquafresh is as general as a toothpaste gets: claiming it prevents cavities and leaves your mouth feeling fresh. But that’s what any toothpaste should do. It’s the absolute bare minimum. What else does Aquafresh bring to your daily brushing? Not a whole lot.

The formulation fails to target plaque biofilm, support gum regeneration, or offer any meaningful help with tooth sensitivity. Aquafresh just doesn’t meet your needs if you’re dealing with bleeding gums, receding gumlines, or tartar buildup.

Flavor and Texture Don’t Work for Everyone

The strong mint flavor and foamy texture that once made Aquafresh feel “extra clean” can be overwhelming for people struggling with dry mouth or oral sensitivity. And if you don’t enjoy how your toothpaste feels or tastes, you’re less likely to stick with it consistently.

What Customers Themselves Are Saying

We took a closer look at some of the specific Aquafresh reviews available online to get a better sense of what was prompting customers to switch, and it wasn’t at all what we expected. With a 2.6 star rating on TrustPilot, it’s clear Aquafresh falls short:

“I read many of the posts on this site and was quite skeptical of the problems described. However, I too had mouth sores (fever blisters or whatever you call it) for years when using an Aquafresh pump toothpaste. I switched and lo and behold I have not had any mouth sores for the past 6 months. I told my dentist and dental hygienist about this and they said some people are allergic to a certain chemical used in Aquafresh.” - Gary

“I’ve been using this toothpaste for months! My mouth always felt so clean after brushing. However, my lips are dry, cracked and peeling. Nothing has helped. I bought a $30 lip balm claiming “24 hr moisture” and it didn’t even work. I stopped using Aquafresh 2 days ago and I can already tell a difference. No more peeling! I have never had such dry lips in my life. I can’t believe it took me this long to figure out the culprit.” - Tashanda

“Used for about 8 months started getting cystic acne around my mouth and chin. Doctor said Aquafresh did the same to others. Stopped it, acne went away after a while. Problem is it left scarring on my upper and lower lip region that looks horrendous.” - Basil

The good news, though, is you won’t have to look far for a better Aquafresh alternative. We’ve brought together the top 5 choices to help you upgrade your oral care ritual.

What’s the #1 Aquafresh Alternative?

There are countless toothpastes you can upgrade to if you’re ready to stop settling for Aquafresh - but all the options at your disposal can definitely make things a bit overwhelming. 

We’re here to help you cut through the noise and feel confident making the switch to something better. Your search for the best Aquafresh toothpaste alternative ends here at LIVFRESH.

LIVFRESH Gel Toothpaste

Better ingredients, deeper cleaning, or real gum health support - that’s what you get when you switch to LIVFRESH. It’s the best toothpaste for plaque removal, bar none, all thanks to a patented ingredient known as Activated Edathamil.

It works on a molecular level to break the bond between plaque and enamel, actively dissolving it and preventing it from reattaching. In contrast, Aquafresh relies on mild abrasives and flavor to simply “freshen” your mouth. It uses fluoride for tooth remineralization - but our ingredient Activated Edathamil can also help remineralize teeth in its own right!

In peer-reviewed clinical studies, LIVFRESH removed 250% more plaque and improved gum health by 190% compared to a leading ADA-accepted toothpaste. Your dentist is going to be more and more impressed in every subsequent visit once you incorporate LIVFRESH into your routine!

The formula is also 100% edible, free from SLS, parabens, triclosan, and harsh abrasives. That means it’s safe and gentle enough for daily use no matter how sensitive your gums are, or how prone you are to mouth ulcers. The light wintergreen flavor and mild foaming action is familiar without being overpowering.

LIVFRESH is backed by 26 clinical studies, protected by 40+ patents, and trusted by leading dental professionals, including many past ADA chairs and periodontists. Real users love it, too - more than 250,000 customers have already started using LIVFRESH, and aren’t looking back.

“LIVFRESH is the best. Use 1 tube, take your time. Let LIVFRESH do its job. 30 seconds top, bottom, inside and outside. Trust me. You will buy more again and again.”

I must admit I'm a tooth junkie, taking care of my teeth has always been a priority. At first I was skeptical due to the price. Now there is no turning back!  After just one brushing...WOW! My teeth have never felt cleaner.  I have also noticed I wake up with fresher breath. Def recommend 10/10.”

“I have been a faithful user of LIVFRESH for more than 6 years. This toothpaste is phenomenal. The result is a cleaner, whiter teeth!”

It’s the best toothpaste for gum disease or simply for cleaner teeth without compromise. Don’t just take our word for it. Your order is backed by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can see and feel the difference firsthand!

David's Nano-Hydroxyapatite Natural Toothpaste

David’s Toothpaste has built a loyal following for good reason. It’s fluoride-free, SLS-free, and uses nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) as a modern alternative for remineralizing enamel. 

nHA is scientifically recognized for helping reduce sensitivity and rebuild weakened enamel, making this a great pick for those who want a clean label without sacrificing performance.

The formula includes natural peppermint oil for flavor, baking soda for mild whitening, and coconut oil and seaweed-derived ingredients for consistency. It all comes together in a recyclable metal tube so this is an Aquafresh alternative you can feel good about.

The problem is, David’s focus is primarily on enamel support and whitening - not gum health or plaque breakdown. This is because it doesn’t have any active ingredients that work to disrupt plaque, such as Activated Edathamil or stannous fluoride.

We get it, these things aren’t as sexy as having blindingly white teeth. But they’re far more important. Plus, there’s an Aquafresh toothpaste alternative that whitens AND protects, so why compromise? 

If your goal is gentleness and remineralization, David’s delivers. But for actual plaque removal and gum health improvement, LIVFRESH goes significantly further.

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste

When you think of toothpaste, a brand like Colgate may be among the first to come to mind. Colgate’s Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste in particular is one of the most common alternatives to Aquafresh.

It’s built around Pro-Argin™ Technology, which blocks the nerve pathways responsible for tooth pain. It also includes fluoride for cavity prevention and some antimicrobial action to reduce plaque buildup over time.

What it does well: sensitivity relief. The toothpaste is clinically shown to reduce pain from cold or hot triggers and helps protect exposed dentin. It can also be applied directly to your most sensitive areas for even faster relief. The added zinc helps support gum health, too - even though it’s more of an afterthought than a main feature.

However, its plaque and gum benefits are supportive rather than transformative. The results tend to be marginal, if noticeable at all. Colgate simply cannot break down plaque chemically or create a barrier against new buildup like LIVFRESH does.

What’s worse, we see a few red flags on the ingredient label - some of which may have prompted you to switch from Aquafresh in the first place: SLS, PEG compounds, and artificial flavoring. Don’t settle for anything less than the best Aquafresh toothpaste alternative. 

Oral-B Pro-Expert Clinic Line Gum Protection Toothpaste

Oral-B’s Pro-Expert Gum Protection is another mainstream option you’ll have easy access to both online or at your local drugstore. It’s formulated with stannous fluoride to fight plaque bacteria head-on while reducing inflammation near the gumline. 

Its promise is clear: healthier gums in four weeks when used twice daily. Sounds great in theory, but does it deliver? That’s something we can’t find a whole lot of evidence on. Brands that actually achieve these results scream them from the rooftops, like we do.

The Oral-B Pro-Expert toothpaste may help reduce tartar, but this is another formulation that seems a bit broader in its oral care efforts. It’s great for someone who hasn’t yet realized just how much toothpaste can do when you have the right formulation. But once you discover options like LIVFRESH, it’s hard to settle for anything less. 

Oral-B’s formulation also has some questionable ingredients, like SLS, synthetic flavorings, and doesn’t offer the same clean-label appeal or biofilm-disrupting innovation you’ve come to expect.

The key takeaway is it’s designed to reduce symptoms, not necessarily reverse existing gum issues or prevent plaque reattachment. It’s a respectable upgrade from Aquafresh if you're looking for a bigger brand with better gum claims, but the best? Not quite.

Sensodyne Complete Protection Sensitive Toothpaste

Sensodyne is best known for helping people manage sensitivity, and the Complete Protection line goes a step further by including stannous fluoride for antibacterial protection. 

It also helps with plaque and tartar control, supporting enamel and helping to re-mineralize early damage. This makes it a solid candidate for people dealing with both sensitivity and general gum health concerns.

You get whole-mouth benefits: cavity protection, fresher breath, reduced sensitivity, and some plaque prevention. But like many drugstore formulas, it contains SLS, PEGs, titanium dioxide, and artificial sweeteners - all things that are best left off the label.

While it helps maintain gum health, there’s no data showing that it improves gum metrics over time. It’s more about protecting what you have than fixing what’s already going wrong.

As it turns out, the #1 Aquafresh alternative also happens to be the best Sensodyne alternative: LIVFRESH. It’s the toothpaste you choose when you want more than just clean teeth - you want comprehensive oral care that saves you money and stress when you visit the dentist!

Final Words on the Best Aquafresh Alternative

You want more than just a fresh taste and striped branding. A toothpaste should actively restore your oral health and prevent future problems down the road. 

While options like David’s, Colgate, Oral-B, and Sensodyne each have their strengths, most still rely on outdated ingredients or offer limited support for gum health and plaque removal. LIVFRESH is different.

Whether you’re looking for the best Aquafresh alternative or the best Parodontax alternative, look no further than LIVFRESH. Our patented formula breaks down plaque at the source, improves gum health, and uses only clean, edible ingredients: no SLS, artificial flavoring, or compromises. Get the oral care science is finally catching up to today!

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