ADA-accepted. This means the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that clinical evidence submitted by the manufacturer supports the product’s safety and efficacy as well as any claims on the label.

Baking soda. This purported cleaning ingredient may also help neutralize odors.

Fluoride. This fights cavities by blocking bacterial production of tooth-eroding acids and by helping to remineralize teeth.

Gingivitis. Early gum disease, marked by inflammation and bleeding.

Peroxide. A bleaching ingredient in some toothpastes. However, products containing peroxide removed stains in our tests no better overall than the other toothpastes did.

Plaque. A soft, sticky, readily removable substance composed of bacteria and their byproducts that accumulates on the teeth. Regular careful brushing and flossing can minimize this harmful buildup.

Potassium nitrate. This may reduce pain in sensitive teeth by temporarily decreasing the nerve signals.

Tartar. Plaque that has hardened over time. It’s what the dentist scrapes off during a cleaning.

Whitening. With toothpastes, this generally means stain removal, not lightening the base color of teeth.