Review of Tom’s of Maine orange-mango Toothpaste

Tom’s of Maine is a natural brand of toothpaste that has become “mainstream” after the company partnered with Colgate-Palmolive in 2006.   I first came across this brand when I was looking for something natural and non-minty.  This was before the era when toothpaste flavors diversified from peppermint and spearmint, so I was pleased to come across their orange-mango flavor.

When you first open the box, there is an insert about Tom’s of Maine, which I find slightly annoying.  It seems redundant to have additional information on paper that would then need to be recycled.  As you pull out the tube, you will notice that it is made of aluminum, not the typical plastic.  The company states they do this so the tubes can be recycled, and it helps retain the flavor.

The orange-mango flavored Natural Whole Care™ Toothpaste Gel is a light orange color.  The taste is a mild citrusy-fruity flavor with none of the minty feeling typically associated with toothpaste.   The taste is very pleasant, like a gentle non-sugary citrus candy, which makes it a joy to use.  It doesn’t foam as much as regular toothpaste, which is marvelous since the foaming is one of the reasons I can’t stand typical toothpastes.

A benefit of this toothpaste that you don’t often get with many natural products is that is available at many local stores.  I bought this last tube at my local health food store (on sale!), but I have also found it at the corner convenience store.  It isn’t often that I get hooked on a product I can run out and buy in the middle of the night (although I’m not sure why I would need it with that immediacy)!

One of the drawbacks of this toothpaste is the aftertaste.  After brushing with a typically minty flavor you get that clean-mouth feeling, but after Tom’s of Maine’s orange-mango gel, I occasionally have found that the taste in my mouth is a bit…sour.  It is like the flavor of an orange or fruity gum once the flavor is gone.

A second drawback to the Tom’s of Maine toothpaste is the ingredients.  While it contains fewer of the long unpronounceable ingredients found in most toothpaste, there are still enough present to cause concerns.  The ingredients are as follows:  Sodium fluoride, Sorbitol, Hydrated silica, Water, Xylitol, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Zinc citrate trihydrate, Xanthan gum, Menthol.  Tom’s of Maine provides ingredient fact sheets on their site.  They do recognize concerns about ingredients such as Sodium lauryl sulfate and fluoride and address them by both their own studies and with formulations without SLS or fluoride.

This product has been hazard rated a 4/10 in the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, with a 10 representing the greatest concern.

On the whole, I really like orange-mango flavored Tom’s of Maine Natural Whole Care™ Toothpaste Gel.  The taste and lack of foaming make it a pleasure to use and it is a good alternative to typical toothpaste.  Right now, this is my “regular” toothpaste when not trying another brand.  After looking at their website, I am hoping to try Natural Sensitive Care SLS-Free Anti-plaque Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth in Black Currant.  Not only does the SLS-free part appeal to me, but I’m excited to see what the black current actually tastes like.

Pros

• Not a mint-flavored toothpaste
• Tastes good, mild in flavor
• Little foaming
• Availability  – many large chain stores and smaller health food stores

Cons

• Aftertaste – can be unpleasant
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Fluoride (although concerns about fluoride involve ingesting the toothpaste)