Extra whitening, enamel-protecting, cavity-fighting, sensitivity-reducing … with so many toothpastes to choose from, how do you find the right one for your mouth?

Look at the active ingredients. Will the substances in your toothpaste actually make your mouth cleaner and healthier? Fluoride fights plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Peroxide—usually in the form of hydrogen peroxide—can help whiten teeth, especially when the toothpaste also contains baking soda. Hydrogen peroxide also kills the bacteria that cause bad breath, an added bonus.

For sensitive teeth that “light up” when you eat something cold, look for toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate as well as fluoride. These ingredients work together to harden enamel, reducing those sensitive episodes. Finally, choose a toothpaste with a flavor that you like, so you will be happy to use it at least twice every day.