Crest FAQs
Search through commonly asked questions on everything from how to safely whiten teeth, how to care for braces, and even where to go to try Crest products for yourself.
FAQ CATEGORY
Crest Toothpaste FAQs
Whole Body Health FAQS
What is “whole body health”?
Whole body health is a comprehensive, holistic approach to wellness that treats your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being as one unified system rather than isolated parts. It focuses on sustainable lifestyle habits and disease prevention rather than just treating symptoms. (SOURCE)
How do Crest and Oral-B define “whole body health”?
While oral care is often viewed separately from overall wellness, Crest and Oral-B recognize that oral health is deeply connected to overall health, and that maintaining a simple, consistent oral care routine can support whole body health.
Understanding this connection is important, as studies show that when left untreated, harmful plaque bacteria can lead to periodontitis — which is associated with conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and Alzheimer’s disease.
With 80% of Americans saying oral care would feel more important if they better understood its impact on overall health, and 92% saying proof would motivate them to improve their routine*, Crest and Oral-B are on a mission to help people understand that simple, everyday habits can play an important role in supporting long-term health.
How does my oral care routine and choices contribute to my health?
A simple routine, focused on brushing twice a day for two minutes with a stannous fluoride toothpaste that provides 24-hour antibacterial protection like Crest Pro-Health and an electric toothbrush with a dentist-inspired round head like the Oral-B iO Series can help remove more plaque** and improve gum health, supporting not just a healthier smile, but overall wellbeing.
Why should I use Crest toothpaste and an Oral-B electric toothbrush together?
The Oral-B iO Series electric brush with its oscillating-rotating brush head and Crest Pro-Health toothpaste together deliver 10x healthier gums*** than brushing with a regular toothpaste on a manual toothbrush.
What health conditions may result from poor oral health?
The mouth is one of the earliest and most accessible indicators of overall health. Symptoms like bleeding gums can indicate underlying inflammation or infection. Poor oral health has been linked to a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, and Alzheimer’s disease.
How are Crest and Oral-B helping Americans build the connection that caring for their mouths supports their overall health?
Crest and Oral-B are encouraging healthier everyday habits and delivering products that offer effective, accessible solutions for maintaining a healthy smile. In addition, Crest and Oral-B, in partnership with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), are working with dental and medical professionals to lead the narrative together, collaborating to identify early risk factors, elevate patient education and understanding, and advance a more integrated approach where oral health is treated as an essential component of whole-body health and wellness.
*This P&G/Ipsos poll was conducted April 3 – April 14, 2026, by Ipsos using the probability-based KnowledgePanel®. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 2,052 adults, age 18 or older. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 2.21 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, for results based on the entire sample of adults. The study was conducted in English. The data for the total sample were weighted to adjust for gender by age, race/ethnicity, education, Census region, metropolitan status, and household income.
**vs a regular manual toothbrush and ordinary toothpaste
***J Dent Res Vol #105(Spec Iss A ):531
Whole body health is a comprehensive, holistic approach to wellness that treats your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being as one unified system rather than isolated parts. It focuses on sustainable lifestyle habits and disease prevention rather than just treating symptoms. (SOURCE)
How do Crest and Oral-B define “whole body health”?
While oral care is often viewed separately from overall wellness, Crest and Oral-B recognize that oral health is deeply connected to overall health, and that maintaining a simple, consistent oral care routine can support whole body health.
Understanding this connection is important, as studies show that when left untreated, harmful plaque bacteria can lead to periodontitis — which is associated with conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and Alzheimer’s disease.
With 80% of Americans saying oral care would feel more important if they better understood its impact on overall health, and 92% saying proof would motivate them to improve their routine*, Crest and Oral-B are on a mission to help people understand that simple, everyday habits can play an important role in supporting long-term health.
How does my oral care routine and choices contribute to my health?
A simple routine, focused on brushing twice a day for two minutes with a stannous fluoride toothpaste that provides 24-hour antibacterial protection like Crest Pro-Health and an electric toothbrush with a dentist-inspired round head like the Oral-B iO Series can help remove more plaque** and improve gum health, supporting not just a healthier smile, but overall wellbeing.
Why should I use Crest toothpaste and an Oral-B electric toothbrush together?
The Oral-B iO Series electric brush with its oscillating-rotating brush head and Crest Pro-Health toothpaste together deliver 10x healthier gums*** than brushing with a regular toothpaste on a manual toothbrush.
What health conditions may result from poor oral health?
The mouth is one of the earliest and most accessible indicators of overall health. Symptoms like bleeding gums can indicate underlying inflammation or infection. Poor oral health has been linked to a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, and Alzheimer’s disease.
How are Crest and Oral-B helping Americans build the connection that caring for their mouths supports their overall health?
Crest and Oral-B are encouraging healthier everyday habits and delivering products that offer effective, accessible solutions for maintaining a healthy smile. In addition, Crest and Oral-B, in partnership with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), are working with dental and medical professionals to lead the narrative together, collaborating to identify early risk factors, elevate patient education and understanding, and advance a more integrated approach where oral health is treated as an essential component of whole-body health and wellness.
*This P&G/Ipsos poll was conducted April 3 – April 14, 2026, by Ipsos using the probability-based KnowledgePanel®. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 2,052 adults, age 18 or older. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 2.21 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, for results based on the entire sample of adults. The study was conducted in English. The data for the total sample were weighted to adjust for gender by age, race/ethnicity, education, Census region, metropolitan status, and household income.
**vs a regular manual toothbrush and ordinary toothpaste
***J Dent Res Vol #105(Spec Iss A ):531
Difference Between Stannous Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride
Stannous fluoride is an anti-bacterial agent that's clinically proven to protect against gingivitis, plaque and tooth sensitivity, while still providing the trusted cavity protection you expect from Crest. Although sodium fluoride protects against cavities, it doesn't provide protection from these other conditions. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste is the only brand that offers such a wide range of benefits in just one tube! Crest Pro-Health toothpaste with stabilized stannous fluoride provides protection against cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitive teeth, tartar buildup and it freshens breath. And it whitens your teeth, too. Read More
Toothpaste Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Toothpaste comes in many forms. From a variety of flavors to fluctuating active ingredients across different brands, types, and care specifications, so it’s no surprise that toothpaste allergies can occur. Read More
Can You Use Expired Toothpaste?
Brushing our teeth is crucial to our oral hygiene, but does toothpaste expire and what are the implications of using expired toothpaste? Read More
Which Crest Toothpastes Are Non-Mint Flavored?
Sensitive taste buds, small mouths, mint allergies, and simply not enjoying the flavor of mint are all reasons to look for a non-mint toothpaste. Find a Crest toothpaste that’s mint-free in flavor while still delivering the oral health benefits you expect. Read More
Can Toothpaste and Mouthwash Help Smokers?
Tobacco products are harmful to your overall health. However, you can reduce the risk of developing gum disease and limit staining with the right smokers’ toothpaste and mouthwash. Read More
Do Crest Toothpastes Have the ADA Seal of Acceptance?
Many Crest Toothpastes have the ADA Seal of Acceptance for protecting against all these areas: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, stains and bad breath. They also help prevent tartar buildup and freshen breath. Read More
What Is Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste?
All fluorides are not created equal. Stannous fluoride is used in oral health care products to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen weakened enamel. However, it’s also unique among fluoride alternatives because it offers multiple benefits not found in sodium fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate. When you add food and fluids to the saliva in your mouth, that equals fertile breeding grounds for the plaque bacteria needs to grow. That spells trouble for your tooth enamel. Fluoride in toothpaste is extremely effective at strengthening plaque-damaged enamel, so if you want strong teeth without cavities, it’s recommended you brush using a toothpaste with fluoride as an active ingredient. The most commonly used fluoride sources today are stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, and sodium monofluorophosphate. But stannous fluoride has multiple benefits not available to other fluorides. Read More
History of Toothpaste
In the early 1940s Procter & Gamble began a research program to find ingredients that, when added to a toothpaste, would reduce tooth decay. At that time, Americans developed an estimated 700 million cavities a year, making dental disease one of the most prevalent U.S. health problems. In 1950, Procter & Gamble formed a joint research project team headed by Dr. Joseph Muhler at Indiana University to develop and test a new toothpaste with fluoride. Eventual exciting results from a clinical study of this toothpaste indicated that children ages six to 16 showed an average 49% reduction in cavities, and adults showed tooth decay reduction to almost the same degree. Following the success of this study, Crest with Fluoristan toothpaste launched into a number of test markets in 1955, followed by national expansion in January, 1956. In 1960, the American Dental Association confirmed that Crest effectively prevents tooth decay. And by 1962, Crest had become the best-selling toothpaste in the United States. Crest has been a leader in dental health innovations since its inception in 1955. In 2005, Crest was thrilled to celebrate its 50th year of providing healthy, beautiful smiles to families across the country. Read More
Does Crest Contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Laureth Sulfate?
All versions of Crest toothpaste contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While we're aware of the rumors circulating on the internet, SLS/SLES is safe in consumer products when used as directed. These supposed safety concerns stem from some misquoted research and have no scientific basis. In fact, a search of scientific literature found nothing supporting these allegations. We've thoroughly tested our products to make sure they're safe. Read More
Why Does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste Feel Gritty?
You may notice Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste feels a little different in your mouth. It is due to the presence of the ActivClean™ crystals. As you begin to brush, the ActivClean™ crystals immediately begin to dissolve to form a protective barrier that helps prevent stains from attaching to the tooth’s surface and helps prevent tartar buildup. Read More
What is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste and How Does it Work?
Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste is uniquely formulated to provide protection against cavities, gingivitis, plaque, tooth sensitivity, tartar buildup, plus it freshens your breath. But it doesn't stop there. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste also provides excellent whitening benefits too. Read More
Titanium Dioxide in Toothpaste: What You Need to Know
A mineral-based material used for its texture and color, titanium dioxide is recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The ingredient can be found in food, cosmetics, and personal care items. Read More
Can I Use Whitening Toothpaste While Using Whitestrips?
Yes. We recommend using Crest 3D White Radiant Mint Toothpaste while you're whitening your teeth to help maintain your white smile. Read More
Does Crest have Non-Abrasive Toothpaste?
Toothpastes contain abrasives to help clean the surface of the teeth to better remove plaque buildup and prevent cavities. Usually gentle, these abrasives work hard as you brush to reveal a healthier smile without damaging your enamel. However, if you experience sensitivity pain or show signs of enamel loss, look for a low-abrasive or non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Read More
Can I use Crest toothpaste if I have braces or other dental work?
Does Crest Toothpaste Contain Salicylates?
There are no salicylates in any US Crest version of toothpaste, but some formulations have methyl salicylate in their flavor systems. But formulas sometimes change, so be sure to check back once a year or so.