Choosing toothpaste for plaque and tartar starts with knowing what a tube can—and cannot—do. Toothpaste and regular brushing can help control soft plaque and slow new tartar from forming, but hardened tartar generally needs to be removed by a dental professional. The options below include plaque-focused formulas, tartar-control products, and an enamel-strengthening toothpaste. Compare their stated features with your needs, and check the package for ingredients and directions before buying.
Quick Comparison
| Toothpaste | Main focus | Format or pack | Worth considering if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release Toothpaste | Plaque along the gumline | Fresh mint, 3 oz tube | You want a familiar daily toothpaste focused on gumline plaque |
| LIVFRESH Toothpaste Gel | Plaque removal and tartar control | Gel toothpaste | You want a non-SLS formula and are interested in its plaque-removal claims |
| IZKUT Plaque & Tartar Remover Toothpaste | Plaque and tartar buildup control | Mint toothpaste | You want a product marketed for plaque, tartar, and fresh breath |
| Colgate Total Enamel Strength Remineralizing Toothpaste | Enamel support and plaque bacteria | Three 3 oz tubes, peppermint | You want fluoride toothpaste with enamel and sensitivity support claims |
| Periogen Tartar Control Toothpaste | Tartar control and gentle cleaning | Low-abrasive gel, one pack | You prefer a gel formula marketed as low abrasive |
Our Picks: Best Toothpaste For Plaque And Tartar Removal reviews
Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release: Best for Gumline Plaque Care
This mint toothpaste is designed to help loosen plaque around the gumline during daily brushing. Colgate describes its “Smart Foam Technology” as reaching hard-to-reach areas and says the formula provides antibacterial protection when used twice daily. That makes the product a straightforward option if plaque near your gums is a main concern.
The listing also claims two times less plaque buildup, but the comparison details are not included in the supplied product information. Treat that figure as a manufacturer claim rather than a result every user should expect. Toothpaste can help manage plaque, but it will not remove hardened tartar that has already formed.
At 3 oz, the tube is a practical size to try before settling on a regular toothpaste. The supplied description does not list the active ingredients, so check the package if you need to confirm fluoride or another ingredient. Compared with the other picks, this one has the clearest emphasis on gumline plaque rather than enamel strengthening or a low-abrasive gel texture.
Pros:
- Specifically focused on plaque along the gumline
- Mint flavor and a familiar toothpaste format
- Listing describes daily use and twice-daily antibacterial protection
Cons:
- The supplied product details do not identify its active ingredients
- Claims about plaque reduction do not mean it can remove hardened tartar
Verdict: Choose Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release if you want a daily toothpaste centered on gumline plaque, but confirm its ingredients on the package if fluoride content matters to you.
LIVFRESH Toothpaste Gel: Best for a Plaque-Focused Gel Formula
LIVFRESH is a gel toothpaste that the product description says is designed to break the bond between plaque and teeth. It also claims to help reduce tartar buildup and freshen breath. The brand cites research studies and patents in support of its formula, but the supplied details do not provide enough information to independently assess the research or compare its results with other products.
The listing says the gel is free of SLS, abrasives, phthalates, parabens, triclosan, gluten, and sugar. That ingredient profile may appeal to shoppers seeking an SLS-free option or a product described as having no abrasives. However, the description does not identify fluoride, so check the package and ask your dentist if you are unsure whether it meets your cavity-prevention needs.
Its plaque-removal claim is notably strong: the brand says it removes plaque 250% better than an ADA-approved toothpaste brand. That is a manufacturer comparison, not a guarantee of an individual result. Compared with Colgate Plaque Pro Release, LIVFRESH places more emphasis on its gel formula and proprietary plaque-bond approach; it may be a less familiar choice for shoppers who prefer a mainstream fluoride toothpaste.
Pros:
- Gel format and a formula described as SLS-free
- Product description says it targets plaque and tartar buildup
- Listing provides information about the brand’s research and formula claims
Cons:
- The supplied description does not state whether it contains fluoride
- Its comparative plaque-removal claim should be treated as a brand claim, not a promised outcome
Verdict: Consider LIVFRESH if you are specifically looking for an SLS-free plaque-focused gel, but verify the ingredients and discuss fluoride needs with your dental professional.
IZKUT Plaque & Tartar Remover: Best for Broad Plaque-Control Claims
IZKUT markets this mint toothpaste for plaque control, tartar buildup, fresh breath, and gum care. Its description says it is intended to reach along the gumline and between teeth, but toothpaste still cannot replace flossing or other cleaning between teeth. Brushing technique and regular dental care remain important parts of plaque control.
The product description also makes claims about reducing irritation, swelling, and occasional bleeding, and says the formula is suitable for adults and children. Those are broad claims, and the supplied information does not list ingredients or provide details that let you assess them. If you have bleeding gums, persistent irritation, or are choosing toothpaste for a child, check the label and seek guidance from a dental professional rather than relying on marketing language alone.
Compared with the other products here, IZKUT makes the widest range of claims but offers fewer specific ingredient details in the supplied data. It may suit shoppers who want a toothpaste marketed for several concerns at once, but it is harder to compare on formula specifics. Do not expect it to scrape away tartar that has already hardened on your teeth.
Pros:
- Marketed for plaque, tartar buildup, and fresh breath
- Mint flavor and a daily-use positioning
- Product description also addresses gum comfort
Cons:
- The supplied details do not list active ingredients or fluoride content
- Its broad gum and family-use claims need to be checked against the package and your needs
Verdict: IZKUT may appeal if you want a product marketed for several oral-care concerns, but compare its label carefully and choose a fluoride toothpaste if that is part of your dental-care plan.
Colgate Total Enamel Strength: Best for Fluoride and Enamel Support
This three-pack of Colgate Total toothpaste is described as a fluoride formula that helps strengthen and remineralize weak enamel. The listing also says it helps reduce sensitivity and fights bacteria associated with common oral-care problems, including plaque-related concerns. Its main distinction from the other picks is the stronger focus on enamel support rather than a specialized plaque-removal mechanism.
The three 3 oz tubes can be convenient if you already know you like the formula and want to keep extra toothpaste on hand. The product description lists peppermint flavor and says the toothpaste helps protect enamel from everyday dietary acids. Those are the product’s stated benefits; results can vary, and toothpaste cannot reverse every kind of enamel damage.
If your top concern is gumline plaque, Colgate Plaque Pro Release is more directly targeted in its description. If you want fluoride and enamel support alongside plaque-bacteria claims, this option is the more relevant fit. Be sure to compare the package label with any guidance from your dentist, especially if you have ongoing sensitivity.
Pros:
- Product description identifies it as a fluoride toothpaste
- Focused on enamel strengthening and remineralization
- Three tubes may suit shoppers who want to stock up
- Listing also mentions sensitivity and plaque-bacteria support
Cons:
- Less specifically focused on tartar control than some other picks
- The three-pack may be more than you need if you have not tried the formula
Verdict: Pick Colgate Total Enamel Strength if fluoride and enamel support are priorities, rather than choosing it solely for tartar removal.
Periogen Tartar Control: Best for a Low-Abrasive Gel
Periogen is a tartar-control toothpaste in a gel format. Its product description calls it a gentle, low-abrasive formula and says it whitens teeth while providing a bold mint flavor for fresh breath. Those features may appeal if you prefer gel toothpaste or are looking for a product that emphasizes a gentler cleaning feel.
The supplied product details are brief. They do not specify active ingredients or fluoride content, and they do not explain how the product’s tartar-control claims compare with other toothpastes. Check the packaging before buying if you need a fluoride toothpaste or have been advised to avoid particular ingredients.
Compared with LIVFRESH, Periogen also comes in a gel format, but its supplied description focuses more on low abrasiveness, tartar control, and whitening than on a particular plaque-removal mechanism. As with any toothpaste, it can be part of a routine to help control new plaque; it should not be treated as a way to remove established hardened tartar.
Pros:
- Gel formula described as low abrasive
- Mint flavor and whitening claim
- Product is specifically marketed for tartar control
Cons:
- The supplied description does not identify active ingredients or fluoride content
- Limited product details make it harder to compare its tartar-control approach
Verdict: Periogen is worth considering if a low-abrasive gel is your priority, but verify its ingredients and fluoride status before making it your everyday toothpaste.
How to Choose Toothpaste for Plaque and Tartar Control
Know the difference between plaque and tartar
Plaque is a soft film that regular brushing and cleaning between teeth can help manage. If plaque remains on teeth, it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, toothpaste is not a substitute for professional removal. If you can feel a hard deposit or notice buildup near your gums, ask a dentist or hygienist to assess it.
Look for the ingredients you need
Product names and marketing claims do not tell the whole story. Check the package for active ingredients, including fluoride if cavity protection is part of your routine. The supplied details identify fluoride in the Colgate Enamel Strength product, but do not specify it for every toothpaste in this list. If you have a dental condition or use a prescribed toothpaste, follow your dentist’s advice.
Match the formula to your main concern
Some formulas focus on plaque near the gumline, while others emphasize enamel support, tartar control, or a low-abrasive gel texture. Choose based on the concern you are trying to address rather than the number of benefits listed on the package. A product with broad claims is not automatically the best fit for your mouth.
Consider comfort and routine
Flavor, texture, and ingredients can affect whether you like using a toothpaste every day. If you avoid SLS or prefer a gel, check that the exact product label matches your preference. For sensitivity, irritation, or gum bleeding, ask a dental professional for guidance instead of switching between products without addressing the cause.
Use brushing and cleaning between teeth consistently
Toothpaste works as part of a daily routine, not on its own. Brush carefully along the gumline and clean between your teeth as recommended by your dental professional. Regular dental visits can help catch tartar and gum problems that home brushing cannot resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can toothpaste remove tartar that has already hardened?
No toothpaste should be relied on to remove hardened tartar. Toothpaste and brushing can help control plaque and may help slow new buildup, but a dental professional generally needs to remove existing tartar.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a soft film that forms on teeth. When it remains on teeth and hardens, it becomes tartar, which is more difficult to remove with a toothbrush.
Which toothpaste in this list has fluoride?
The supplied product description identifies Colgate Total Enamel Strength as a fluoride toothpaste. The supplied descriptions for the other products do not specify fluoride, so check their packaging if you want to confirm whether they contain it.
Is a tartar-control toothpaste enough to prevent gum problems?
No single toothpaste can guarantee that you will avoid gum problems. Consistent brushing, cleaning between teeth, and routine dental care all matter. If your gums bleed, feel swollen, or stay irritated, consult a dental professional.
Can I use plaque-control toothpaste with sensitive teeth?
It depends on your teeth and the product’s ingredients. The Colgate Enamel Strength description says it helps reduce sensitivity, but persistent or severe sensitivity deserves advice from a dentist. Check the label and ask a professional if you are unsure.
How often should I brush to control plaque?
Follow the instructions on your toothpaste and the guidance of your dentist. Colgate Plaque Pro Release’s supplied description specifies use twice daily for its stated protection. Brushing carefully and cleaning between teeth are also important.
Which option is the best overall pick?
For a product directly focused on gumline plaque, Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release is the clearest match in this group. If fluoride and enamel support matter more, Colgate Total Enamel Strength is the better fit based on the supplied product details.
Final Recommendation
For everyday gumline plaque care, Colgate Total Plaque Pro Release is the most direct match among these options. Choose Colgate Total Enamel Strength if you want a fluoride toothpaste with enamel-support claims, or consider one of the gel formulas if its texture or stated ingredient profile better suits you. Whichever you choose, remember that toothpaste helps with daily plaque control—it does not replace professional tartar removal or regular dental care.