Mint has been the dominant toothpaste flavour for nearly a century, and for good reason. The menthol in mint creates that cool, tingly sensation most people associate with a clean mouth. But mint is not the only option on the shelf. Some toothpaste manufacturers have taken flavour experimentation to genuinely surprising extremes.
At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we believe that the flavour of your toothpaste matters far less than the fluoride content and your brushing technique. That said, we could not resist putting together this list of some of the strangest toothpaste flavours that have actually made it to market.
Chocolate is one of the foods dentists most commonly advise patients to limit, because its sugar content contributes directly to tooth decay and cavities. That makes chocolate-flavoured toothpaste a genuinely contradictory concept. Several brands have produced it, and while it does not contain actual sugar, the experience of brushing your teeth with a cocoa-flavoured paste is reportedly polarising. Some people enjoy the novelty. Most return to mint.
Liquorice is usually associated with sweets, Sambuca and nostalgic confectionery like Black Jacks. Italian toothpaste brand Marvis produces a liquorice-flavoured option that has developed a small but dedicated following. Liquorice root does have some antibacterial properties, which gives this flavour at least a loosely scientific basis, even if the primary appeal is novelty.
Mr Bacon’s Bacon Toothpaste exists, and its tagline is “Makes your breath bacon fresh.” The product is marketed more as a novelty gift than a serious oral hygiene product, and it is fair to say that bacon-scented breath is not something most dental professionals would endorse. It is not harmful, but it is also not a substitute for a fluoride toothpaste with proven cavity-prevention credentials.
The irony of a Coca-Cola-flavoured toothpaste is difficult to overstate. Sugary fizzy drinks are among the leading contributors to tooth decay and enamel erosion, particularly in children. Yet you can purchase not only Coca-Cola toothpaste but also branded floss and mouthwash. The products do not contain sugar, but the branding raises questions about mixed messaging when it comes to oral health.
Curry-flavoured toothpaste is one of the more unexpected entries on this list. Unlike bacon, which at least has a breakfast-adjacent logic, curry is not a flavour most people associate with morning routines. It exists nonetheless, presumably aimed at dedicated curry enthusiasts who want to extend their appreciation to every part of the day.
For those who consider themselves connoisseurs, champagne-flavoured toothpaste allows you to bring a touch of celebration to your twice-daily brushing routine. It is arguably the most sophisticated entry on this list, though whether fizzy-wine flavour translates well to a foaming paste is a matter of personal taste.
The honest answer is: not much, provided you are using a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
| What Matters | What Does Not |
|---|---|
| **Fluoride content** (1350-1500 ppm for adults) | Flavour preference |
| **Brushing for two minutes, twice daily** | Brand name |
| **Covering all tooth surfaces and the gum line** | Paste colour or texture |
| **Using the right amount** (pea-sized for adults) | Novelty packaging |
Fluoride is the active ingredient that strengthens enamel, prevents cavities and protects against learn more plaque and tartar buildup. As long as your toothpaste contains the recommended concentration, the flavour is entirely a matter of personal preference.
That said, flavour does play a practical role for some patients. Children who refuse to brush because they dislike mint may be more cooperative with a strawberry or bubblegum-flavoured toothpaste. Adults who find mint overwhelming may prefer a milder flavour. The best toothpaste is the one you will actually use consistently.
At Pure Smiles, we advise our patients to look for three things when choosing a toothpaste:
1. Fluoride content of at least 1350 ppm for adults and children over six
2. A lower fluoride option (1000 ppm) for children aged three to six
3. A flavour you find pleasant enough to brush with for a full two minutes
If you are unsure which toothpaste is right for you or your family, our hygienists are happy to recommend options during your next learn more hygiene appointment.
Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS University of Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) and our team at Pure Smiles have been providing dental care in Fulham since 2009. Visit us at:
Call us on 020 7736 6276 or learn more contact us online to book an appointment.
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No. The cleaning effectiveness of toothpaste depends on its fluoride content and abrasive properties, not its flavour. Mint, chocolate, bacon or any other flavour will perform identically if the active ingredients are the same. Choose a flavour that encourages you to brush for the full two minutes.
Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride are specifically formulated for sensitivity. These ingredients help block the tiny tubules in your dentine that transmit pain signals. If you experience persistent sensitivity, book an appointment at Pure Smiles so we can identify the underlying cause.
Charcoal toothpaste has become popular in recent years, but most dental professionals advise caution. Many charcoal toothpastes do not contain fluoride, and the abrasive nature of charcoal particles can wear down enamel over time. If you want a whiter smile, speak to your dentist about safe and proven learn more whitening options instead.
