People Are Reading Now

Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste Alternative

Author

Michael Hansford

Published

October 15, 2025

You don’t have to settle for basic drugstore toothpastes anymore. There are gentler, more natural alternatives these days - like Tom’s of Maine toothpaste.

This brand has a really popular fluoride-free, antiplaque & whitening toothpaste that’s entirely free of SLS, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and dyes. It works well for removing surface stains and can help gently whiten teeth.

But there’s a reason you’re here looking for a Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste alternative. Maybe it’s because the toothpaste doesn’t actively fight cavities all that well. Or, because it doesn’t do anything to improve gum health. At any rate, the best Tom’s of Maine alternative is a click away.

We’ve put together this chart comparing options you can turn to instead of Tom’s of Maine:

Brand	Primary Active	How It Works	Key Benefits	Abrasives?	Ingredient Profile	Clinical Backing Noted
LIVFRESH Toothpaste	Activated Edathamil (patented)	Targets plaque at the molecular level—loosens buildup and makes reattachment harder.	Removes plaque 250% better, improves gum health 190% more, can help remineralize teeth.	No (smooth gel)	Edible-grade ingredients; fluoride-free, SLS-free, paraben-free, vegan-friendly.	Yes (26 studies; 40 patents)
Tom’s of Maine (Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening)	Zinc citrate + hydrated silica; xylitol (varies by SKU)	Zinc citrate helps limit plaque nutrients while silica polishes away surface stains.	Removes surface stains and gently whitens; good for those avoiding fluoride.	Yes (hydrated silica)	Marketed as natural; free from SLS, dyes, artificial flavors, and sweeteners.	Limited plaque-specific research mentioned.
Hello Toothpaste (Fluoride-Free Antiplaque)	Hydrated silica + xylitol + botanical oils	Uses plant-based polishing agents and xylitol to support a balanced oral environment.	Vegan, cruelty-free, accessible; pleasant taste and texture for sensitive users.	Yes (hydrated silica)	Natural-leaning; SLS-free, dye-free, gluten-free, and vegan-certified.	Light brand-level support; limited clinical studies.
Boka Toothpaste	Nano-Hydroxyapatite (n-HAp)	Mineral-based formula that rebuilds microcracks in enamel and smooths tooth surfaces.	Helps reduce sensitivity and promote enamel health; fluoride-free alternative.	Low-abrasive	Clean, minimalist ingredients; free from fluoride, parabens, and SLS.	Moderate; growing evidence for enamel support, limited plaque-adhesion data.
Bite Toothpaste Bits	Nano-Hydroxyapatite (n-HAp); tablet format	Chewable tablet releases powder that supports enamel while gently polishing teeth.	Eco-friendly, zero waste, travel-ready; convenient and naturally flavored.	Low (depends on formula)	Vegan, plastic-free, palm oil-free; packaged sustainably.	Limited plaque-control research; sustainability focus over clinical data.
David’s Toothpaste	Calcium carbonate + hydrated silica; some HAp variants	Natural minerals gently polish and help remove surface stains.	Whitening-focused; fresh flavor, recyclable metal tube, clean label.	Yes (silica + calcium carbonate)	Natural; fluoride-free, SLS-free, glycerin-based, EWG-verified.	Ingredient transparency emphasized; minimal plaque-focused research.

The best alternative to Tom’s of Maine toothpaste - if you’re serious about your oral health - is our plaque removal toothpaste here at LIVFRESH.

The main ingredient, activated edathamil, is backed by 40 patents along with 26 clinical studies showing it can remove plaque up to 250% better and improve gum health up to 190% more. It’s endorsed by thousands of dental professionals and has 4,000+ 5-star reviews.

Place your order risk-free today and discover the difference our gel toothpaste can make!

“I’ve only been brushing with Livfresh for about 3 weeks. So far I love it!” - Richard

“My teeth are a brighter shade of white. Thank you, LIVFRESH.” - Adzowa

“I have been using this toothpaste for 2 years now, and I would not change. My teeth love it 😊” - Kathleen

Overview of Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste

Tom’s of Maine has earned a strong reputation for creating natural, environmentally conscious oral care products. It’s not hard to see why the toothpaste formulations are so popular.

The brand was born in 1970 as one of the first to introduce toothpaste made with recognizable, plant-based ingredients and recyclable packaging. More than 50 years later, Tom’s of Maine still makes gentle, “natural” toothpastes for adults and kids alike.

When we refer to the brand’s toothpaste, we’re actually referring to a broad range of products. Tom’s of Maine has quite a few different variations, ranging from fluoride vs non-fluoride toothpaste formulas. Popular options include:

Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste
Whiten + Deep Clean
Whole Care Peppermint with Fluoride
Whiten + Coconut Oil
Kids’ Natural Toothpaste

This is part of the appeal. You can choose the formula that aligns with your oral health goals and personal preferences. But of all these options, the Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening formula is probably the most popular.

It uses zinc citrate to help reduce plaque nutrients and hydrated silica to gently polish away surface stains, ultimately creating a cleaner, brighter appearance. It’s also free of SLS, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and dyes - a major selling point for those seeking a gentler daily paste.

However, the effects are largely surface-level: it focuses on stain removal rather than addressing the chemical bond that allows plaque to stick and rebuild over time. This begs the question: do dentists endorse Tom’s of Maine?

Do Dentists Recommend Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste?

Dentists don’t generally discourage Tom’s of Maine, but most see it as a neutral choice. Fine for gentle, everyday cleaning, yet limited when it comes to advanced oral care.

Tom’s fluoride or zinc-based pastes can fit well within a basic routine aren’t a horrible choice for people with healthy teeth and light plaque buildup. Ingredients are mild/gentle, and there are no harsh foaming agents - a big benefit for people with sensitivity challenges.

But the thing is, dentists tend to look for two things when they evaluate toothpaste performance: evidence of plaque reduction and support for gum health. Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste doesn’t really check either of these boxes.

The brand’s formulas rely heavily on polishing agents like silica to remove surface debris but there is no proven mechanism to prevent new plaque from forming or strengthening gum tissue.

Some dentists note the fluoride-free versions may lack cavity defense for those at higher risk. Others say that although Tom’s clean labels and pleasant flavors are nice, the absence of university-led clinical studies showing measurable improvement in oral health makes it hard to “endorse” any of these formulas.

Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for less than the best plaque removal toothpaste or gum support formula. There are better alternatives to Tom’s of Maine toothpaste.

Are There Any Alternatives to Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste?

Short answer, yes. In fact, the Tom’s of Maine toothpaste alternative options are growing pretty quickly. So many brands offer non-fluoride, natural, or science-driven options that go beyond polishing to actively reduce plaque buildup or support enamel strength.

Some of these focus on remineralizing enamel with calcium-based ingredients, while others use new technology to change how plaque adheres to teeth altogether. That’s the beauty - you have more options than ever before.

The Best Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste Alternative

The best Tom’s of Maine toothpaste alternative isn’t just another plant-flavored paste. You want something that does more for your oral health. That’s why LIVFRESH is the #1 choice.

LIVFRESH Toothpaste

LIVFRESH is the product of over a decade of research and development alongside leading dental scientists at reputable US universities. We created a one-of-a-kind ingredient called activated edathamil, which today is backed by 40 patents. What makes it so special, though?

Simple - it does something no other toothpaste ingredient can do. It breaks the chemical bond that lets plaque form in the first place. So not only does it dissolve existing plaque that your toothpaste can’t reach (below the gumline, for instance). It prevents new plaque from sticking.

You brush the same way you always do, but the results feel entirely different: smoother teeth after one use and a cleaner mouth that lasts all day. In fact, LIVFRESH has been shown to remove plaque up to 250% better.

It’s also the best toothpaste for gum disease according to dentists and real users, improving gum health by up to 190% more - and stopping bleeding gums in as little as 4 weeks. All the while, it can even support tooth remineralization.

That means cleaner checkups, less buildup between visits, and a visible difference in how your teeth look and feel. The best part? It’s just as clean-label as Tom’s of Maine. No SLS, parabens, fluoride, triclosan, or artificial sweeteners. You get edible-grade, non-abrasive ingredients.

So while Tom’s of Maine brings natural simplicity to your daily brushing, LIVFRESH combines clean ingredients with breakthrough science to actually improve your oral health, one brush at a time. It’s the only toothpaste clinically proven to fight plaque where it starts.

Don’t just take our word for it. Learn more about the research today, and see for yourself why thousands of dentists and users alike trust LIVFRESH as the #1 Tom’s of Maine toothpaste alternative!

Hello Toothpaste

Hello Toothpaste has become one of the most recognizable “friendly” natural brands in oral care, so it’s a natural choice for people looking beyond Tom’s of Maine.

The company leans into clean design, accessible pricing, and ingredient transparency.

You can choose between fluoride and fluoride-free options, but most people are drawn to the fluoride-free formula. It uses hydrated silica to polish stains and xylitol to help keep the mouth’s pH balanced. The result is a paste that feels smooth, fresh, and gentle.

Hello Toothpaste checks a lot of important boxes for modern consumers. It’s mild and relatively “natural.” However, it has very similar flaws to Tom’s of Maine toothpaste - you’re just getting polishing and surface-level cleaning for the most part.

None of the formulas at Hello actually change how plaque attaches or rebuilds enamel at a microscopic level. It’s pleasant and easy to use, but not a clinical performer.

We actually have a separate side-by-side comparison of Tom’s vs Hello toothpaste (and Hello vs Native toothpaste, for that matter) if you want to learn more. Just know LIVFRESH is the smarter choice if you want a Tom’s of Maine alternative that you know makes a difference.

Boka Toothpaste

Boka built its following around one star ingredient - nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp).

This calcium-based mineral is widely considered the most popular alternative to fluoride in toothpaste because it mimics the natural structure of tooth enamel, essentially “filling in” microscopic cracks and smoothing rough spots.

In this sense, Boka toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity and create a shinier surface - so it’s not just a popular Tom’s of Maine toothpaste alternative, but a really common Sensodyne alternative as well. The texture is creamy and low-foam, and users say their teeth feel “glassy” after brushing.

However, n-HAp doesn’t actively target plaque at the chemical level. It’s a protective ingredient, not a plaque-fighting one. You’ll get smoother enamel, but that fuzzy film near your gum line can still return.

So while Boka could be seen as a better alternative to Tom’s of Maine toothpaste, LIVFRESH is a better Boka toothpaste alternative. So why settle for less than the best in your oral care habit?

Bite Toothpaste

Perhaps the most unique Tom’s of Maine alternative worth considering is Bite toothpaste. It completely rethinks what toothpaste can be with chewable toothpaste “bits.”

This zero-waste alternative replaces traditional paste with compact tablets. You bite, brush, and watch the tablet foam up like a standard toothpaste.

Its fluoride-free options feature nano-hydroxyapatite, giving it similar enamel-smoothing benefits to Boka. So from an oral health perspective, the benefits will be more or less the same.

The real draw for Boka toothpaste is sustainability. Everything from its refillable glass jars to its carbon-neutral shipping appeals to eco-conscious consumers. It’s convenient for travel and leaves no mess or waste behind.

The texture feels clean and surprisingly refreshing once you get used to the format. At least, for most people. Others say it’s uncomfortably gritty, and they never fully adapt to how “weird” brushing with tablets feels.

The real trade-off in our minds, though, is that it doesn’t meaningfully disrupt plaque bonds - which is the case with most n-HAp pastes. Long-term gum and plaque results can be lackluster to say the least.

David’s Toothpaste

David’s Toothpaste has become a favorite among shoppers who value clean ingredients and American craftsmanship - which aligns with the same values that could draw you towards Tom’s!

This toothpaste comes in a recyclable aluminum tube, which in itself is a benefit. The formula features a blend of calcium carbonate and hydrated silica to gently polish stains while maintaining a mild mint flavor. It’s fluoride-free and made with naturally derived ingredients.

David’s does a great job of freshening and polishing, lifting surface stains and keeping enamel smooth without harsh abrasives. But its strength lies more in sustainability and transparency than innovation.

The formula doesn’t feature any breakthrough actives or plaque-disrupting technologies, meaning it mainly supports routine maintenance rather than measurable oral health improvement.

You can learn more about David’s vs Boka toothpaste in our blog if you’d like. Otherwise, it’s time you got the best Tom’s of Maine toothpaste alternative shipped to your door. Shop at LIVFRESH now and see what keeps customers coming back for more!

Parting Thoughts on Our Tom’s of Maine Alternative

Don’t get us wrong. Tom’s of Maine is a solid upgrade from the mainstream brands you’ll find lining drugstore shelves. But it falls short in terms of actual oral health improvement. Fortunately, there’s a better Tom’s of Maine toothpaste alternative waiting for you at LIVFRESH.

Its patented Activated Edathamil formula helps loosen and repel plaque, supports gum health, and keeps teeth smoother for longer - without harsh abrasives or fluoride. Backed by 26 research studies, you can rest assured this is the smarter way to brush.

But why take our word for it when you could feel the difference firsthand? Experience the clean you can actually feel with LIVFRESH today and you’ll never look back!