Gel vs Paste Toothpaste
A lot of our customers ask us about the difference between our toothpaste gel vs paste. Others don’t even realize there is a debate about which is better between gel vs paste toothpaste. So, we’ve put together this comparison between traditional paste vs gel toothpaste.
Our gel toothpaste uses a thixotropic formula that slips into tight spots where pastes tend to skate over the surface. Our patented ingredient Activated Edathamil is where the real magic happens, though. It breaks the bond that keeps plaque stuck to teeth and helps you get a smoother, cleaner finish with the same two-minute routine.
Traditional pastes rely on abrasives and detergents, which can scrub but often leave buildup behind - especially around braces, bridges, or tight contacts. So, is gel or paste toothpaste better? We think the choice is clear.
LIVFRESH removes plaque up to 250% better while improving gum health by 190% more. It’s the smart upgrade for anyone who cares not just about how clean their teeth are, but how healthy their oral microbiome is. Experience the difference firsthand today!
“I've been using LIVFRESH for about a month. I love the way it keeps my teeth feeling clean and smooth. I also love how the taste is not overpowering in my mouth.” - Roosevelt
“I absolutely fell in love with this toothpaste. Finally, the coffee stains are gone without effort and my teeth feel clean, crisp and free from residue!” - Lilit
“This toothpaste definitely leaves me with a cleaner feeling mouth compared to other toothpaste.” - Valerie
Toothpaste Gel vs Paste (Comparison Chart)
|
Feature |
LIVFRESH Gel Toothpaste |
Traditional Paste Toothpaste |
|
Plaque Removal |
Up to 250% better plaque reduction in clinical studies. |
Surface scrubbing; often leaves biofilm behind. |
|
Gum Health |
Up to 190% better gum-health improvement in 4 weeks. |
Helps somewhat, but results vary brand to brand. |
|
Active Technology |
Activated Edathamil breaks the bond between plaque and teeth. |
Relies mostly on abrasives, detergents, and basic fluoride or hydroxyapatite. |
|
Formula Type |
Thixotropic gel flows into tight, hard-to-reach areas. |
Thicker paste that tends to ride along tooth surfaces. |
|
Abrasiveness |
Non-abrasive; safe for enamel and dental work. |
Often uses abrasives that can wear enamel over time. |
|
Ingredients |
No SLS, parabens, or antimicrobials; 100% edible ingredients. |
Commonly includes SLS, harsh foaming agents, and fillers. |
|
Dental Work Compatibility |
Ideal for braces, implants, veneers, and bridges. |
Can miss buildup around brackets and under wires. |
|
Mouthfeel & Finish |
Ultra-smooth, “glass-like” tooth feel after rinsing. |
Clean feeling, but “fuzzy” film often returns quickly. |
|
Evidence & Research |
Backed by 10+ years of research, 26+ studies, 40+ patents. |
Limited or generic data; varies widely by brand. |
How Traditional Toothpaste Works
Traditional toothpaste has been built around the same core idea for decades: use abrasives and detergents to scrub away buildup. Most rely on mild gritty particles paired with foaming agents like SLS to lift debris while giving the feeling of a “full” clean.
Here’s the thing, though. That foaming action doesn’t really do anything to handle plaque at the molecular level. It’s mostly sensory, to make you think you’re getting cleaner teeth than you actually are. It’s what most people grew up with, too, so it feels familiar.
The real cleaning work in a standard paste comes from the friction you create as you brush. The grit helps sweep away surface stains, leftover food, and some soft plaque sitting on top of the enamel.
Of course, there’s also fluoride in most toothpastes - although you can choose between fluoride vs fluoride-free toothpaste these days since brands have started using hydroxyapatite as a fluoride alternative. There are also stabilizers to keep the paste firm and flavor oils for a more pleasant brushing experience.
Texture is central to our comparison of gel vs paste toothpaste. In this case, the paste holds its shape even as you brush. That makes it easier to control the paste on the bristles of your toothbrush, but it also prevents the ingredients from working their way deep into crevices.
This is why you can brush for a full two minutes, twice a day, and still end up with cavities or gum health issues. Fortunately, there’s a better solution - which is where the other half of our gel vs paste toothpaste comparison comes into play.
What is Dental Gel?
This is a totally different approach to oral care. Gels flow easier and adapt to the shape of your teeth, which lets the plaque-fighting ingredients work into tight areas where a thicker paste can struggle: narrow contacts, gumline pockets, and around braces, aligners, or implants.
Gel formulas can vary widely depending on the brand, but the best versions rely on chemistry rather than abrasion for their cleaning effect. That’s where our plaque removal toothpaste stands out.
The gel can coat the enamel in a thinner, more consistent layer, which helps the active ingredients stay in contact with the tooth while you brush. This format is also easier on enamel and dental work because it skips the gritty particles found in many pastes.
But like we said from the get-go in our gel vs paste toothpaste comparison, our proprietary activated edathamil ingredient separates LIVFRESH from the rest - even compared to other gel formulas. It’s backed by 40 patents and endorsed by thousands of dental professionals.
Activated edathamil breaks the molecular bond that holds plaque to the tooth surface, and the gel lets that ingredient reach the places where plaque hides. This is how it works under the gumline and between teeth to kill plaque you can’t even see.
LIVFRESH is the #1 alternative to fluoride toothpaste, or any type of toothpaste for that matter. But let’s take a closer look at paste vs gel toothpaste below to show you exactly where the differences lie.
Gel vs Paste Toothpaste: Key Differences in Performance, Mouthfeel, and More
While you’d think these are two similar means to the exact same ends, there are important distinctions between gel vs paste toothpaste. So, is gel or paste toothpaste better? Let’s start with plaque reduction performance.
How Well Each Formula Removes Plaque
Plaque is the root of all evil from a dental health perspective. But traditional toothpaste does little to remove it where it likes to hide the most, let alone prevent it from coming back.
A traditional paste relies on friction from brushing plus mild abrasives. That’s all fine and good for the top layer of plaque buildup, but the trouble is what happens in areas with tight contacts or deeper pockets. Surface scrubbing leaves lingering residue. That’s why you might still feel “fuzzy” after brushing.
On the other hand, LIVFRESH’s activated edathamil is backed by plenty of research studies showing how well it loosens the bond between plaque and the enamel itself. Plaque cannot physically cling to your tooth the same way. It’s easily removed through brushing and rinsing.
To put some numbers behind this, studies have shown LIVFRESH dental gel can remove plaque up to 250% better than other solutions. That’s performance you can feel (and your dentist can see!).
Abrasiveness and Impact on Enamel
The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good with your oral hygiene regimen. But that’s exactly what some traditional pastes do.
Those fine abrasive particles may help scrub away debris, but they can take a toll on enamel over time - especially if your toothbrush has medium or firm bristles. People with veneers, implants, or enamel already worn from grinding can feel the difference almost immediately.
In contrast, our gel formula has zero grit. There’s no need for abrasives with an ingredient that works as well as activated edathamil. It’s the definition of working smarter, not harder.
Texture and Mouthfeel While Brushing
Paste has a thick, stiff texture that stays where you put it. Some people like that density because it feels familiar. The foaming agents add that “full mouth” feeling, which you’ve probably come to associate with good brushing.
Some of our customers have their hesitations at first, because our dental gel feels so different. It’s almost slick. You might question if you used enough because you don’t feel as much foaming or thickness on your teeth.
It does take some getting used to, but rest assured you’re getting a better clean. Remember, that foaming action from traditional toothpaste is mostly marketing with little actual performance behind it. Brushing with dental gel feels cleaner and more controlled.
Ability to Reach Tight or Hard-to-Clean Areas
You already know how quickly plaque settles in areas the brush can’t fully reach if you have crowding, close contacts, or orthodontic hardware. Unfortunately, thicker pastes tend to skim the outer surface.
In contrast, gel toothpaste can reach narrower spots since it’s a thinner formula. LIVFRESH’s gel in particular slips into those spaces and delivers the active ingredient directly to the buildup. That’s why users with braces or aligners often see faster improvements when they switch.
Ingredients and What They Actually Do
Paste formulas usually stick to a predictable mix: abrasives, detergents like SLS, fluoride, humectants, thickeners, and flavoring oils. They do what they’re designed to do - remove surface gunk, freshen your breath, and (to some extent) prevent cavities.
The formula we’ve come up with here at LIVFRESH centers on one ingredient protected by 40 patents: activated edathamil. It’s clinically shown to attach to plaque’s binding sites and break that link, which not only removes what’s there but prevents it from reattaching after brushing.
Not only does this remove plaque better, but it can also improve gum health by up to 190% more. Studies have also shown LIVFRESH may support tooth remineralization. It’s a versatile ingredient that improves oral health from every angle.
Freshness and Clean-Teeth Feel After Rinsing
How your mouth feels post-brushing is another important distinction between gel vs paste toothpaste. Many pastes leave a lingering film, especially those with heavier detergents. The mint flavor might be strong, but the teeth don’t always feel fully smooth once the foam clears.
A gel tends to rinse cleaner. LIVFRESH customers tell us their teeth feel slick and polished since the formula lifts more plaque off the enamel. That smooth finish lasts longer through the day, which makes the mouth feel fresher even after the initial flavor fades.
Performance for Braces, Implants, and Dental Work
We’ve mentioned this already, but the difference between paste vs gel toothpaste is especially profound for those who have dental hardware. Orthodontic patients have these tiny corners, edges, and shadows where plaque settles fast. As you now know, pastes can’t always get into those hidden spots where buildup accumulates.
This isn’t a concern with LIVFRESH, though. It moves into those gaps and loosens plaque in spots a paste can't fully reach. People with implants or veneers also tend to prefer gel because it’s non-abrasive against restorations and keeps the gumline cleaner with less effort.
So, is Gel or Paste Toothpaste Better?
All that being said, is gel or paste toothpaste better? The answer should be clear by this point in our gel vs paste toothpaste comparison.
Oral care is not one-size-fits-all, but most people find that gel performs better and is more enjoyable to use - especially those dealing with recurring plaque, gum irritation, orthodontics, or tight spacing.
But why not experience the difference firsthand with LIVFRESH? Try our gel toothpaste risk-free for 30 days and you’ll be amazed at how much cleaner your mouth looks and feels!
Bringing Our Paste vs Gel Toothpaste Comparison to a Close
That does it for our comparison of gel vs paste toothpaste! There are dramatic differences when you take a closer look at how each formula works on your teeth - and the effects they can have on your gum health and the rest of your oral cavity.
Our blog has more resources on topics like hydroxyapatite vs fluoride toothpaste if you want to keep weighing your options. But whether you’re looking for a Sensodyne alternative or Parodontax alternative, your search ends here at LIVFRESH.
Upgrade your oral care with LIVFRESH and put a true high-performance gel to work. Pick up a tube today and experience the clean your old toothpaste has never delivered.
