Luster Now Toothpaste

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $9.49 for three travel-size tubes

THE SKINNY: I will warn you before you open a tube of Luster Now Toothpaste toothpaste. It is the color of the tube -- very bright blue.

The color scared me a bit at first. But the toothpaste, which is designed to help whiten and remove stains, actually works well. I could not tell a difference after one brushing -- as the package claims -- but did notice some subtle changes after a week.

The flavor is minty and easy to deal with, making this a good option for a deeper brushing cycle every few months.

The one downside? It's is pretty pricey for toothpaste. With three tubes, I am using one all the way through and will use another in a few months. (I plan to get a year of whitening out of this package.)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: I found this product at Walgreens, but other retailers such as Amazon carry it as well.

-- Tested by Carrie

Go Smile PM Toothpaste

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $30 for AM and PM package

THE SKINNY: Do you really need a special toothpaste before bed? That was the thought that went through my head when I opened a sample bag and found the tube of Go Smile PM Toothpaste.

And I think my instincts were right.

While the toothpaste is fine -- although a little grittier than when I am used to -- I am not sure why I need a special tube for PM. And I really could not tell any difference in the look or feel of my teeth after using it for a week.

Plus, this is one pricey paste compared to a couple bucks for Crest at the grocery or drug store.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep but I won't go looking for more.

CHECK IT OUT: Go Smile is available at Ulta and also has an AM formula.

-- Tested by Carrie

Everyday Glo Teeth Whitening Maintenance

-->

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $25

THE SKINNY: I have been searching for an alternative to whitestrips for years. The feel of those super-sticky, gooey strips on my teeth is just not appealing.

So when Sephora tossed in a free Everyday Glo Teeth Whitening Maintenance stick, I was excited.

This is a pretty good product. It claims to help remove everyday stains from teeth and is pretty mess-free. It lives up to both claims. With just a use or two I could see that some of those coffee stains were disappearing.

I just did not like the applicator so much. I loved that it was big and easy to hold and that it did not leak (like some others I have tried), but the product comes out on an oddly-large plastic applicator. I felt like I had to dispense too much of the product to get it on my teeth.

The taste was minty and fresh and the company says you don't have to brush before using, making it an option for your desk drawer. I'll opt to use this at home -- don't want to take any chances with having goo on my teeth at a meeting.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep but I am not sure if I would pay $25 for it. But then again ... if it is on sale, I just might.

CHECK IT OUT: The Everyday Glo line is full of teeth-whitening products. You can find them at Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $2.99 for 7.6 ounces

THE SKINNY: I don't get the 3D craze. Everything in real life is 3D, right?

But once I got past the silly name, I actually liked Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste. It made my teeth feel super clean – even without the assistance of my electric toothbrush. (I tried this sample while traveling.) The taste was not too harsh; this seems to be a complaint with some other Crest products.

It had an foaming quality that made my reflection reminiscent of a rabid dog as I brushed. I did not like it at first but after several uses it stopped bothering me.

I am not sure though, I want to use it every day. Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste claims to remove up to 80 percent of surface stains in 14 days – does that make it a little too abrasive for daily use?

KEEP OR TOSS: I am really torn on this one. I like the concept, but am concerned about the “polishing” concept and tooth enamel abrasion.

CHECK IT OUT: Crest has tools that tell you where to find its products and even compares prices. The site has product information and reviews as well.

-- Tested by Carrie

Crest Pro-Health For Me Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars
 

COST: $4.79 for 7.8 ounces

THE SKINNY: You are so going to laugh at this one.

I don’t like something about the Crest Pro-Health toothpaste. It’s either the taste or that slightly gritty texture.

My dental hygienist loves Crest Pro-Health toothpaste. She swears by it. (The Crest website says the line is the “only leading toothpaste to protect all these areas dentists check most: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar, whitening and fresh breath and it has a clinically proven active ingredient.")

So during my last visit, said hygienist convinced me to try the For Me line. It’s for kids, she explained with a laugh, but it tastes different than the adult version.

It does. It tastes better, more mellow that Crest’s standard mint flavor. And I think I really like it.

This fluoride toothpaste is made just for kids 8 to 12, according to the website, which also touts its “great, kid-friendly flavor.”

Is it a bad thing that I happen to think it tastes better than the adult version?

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. It’s yummy and good for you, two things that are sometimes hard to find together.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about the options available for Crest Pro-Health toothpaste.

-- Tested by Shay