Flavoured kinds of toothpaste are everywhere – if anything, you have to go out of your way to find an unflavoured toothpaste. However, one flavour reigns supreme. And that’s mint.

Dentist and CEO at Enlighten, Dr Sanjay Patel, covers everything you need to know about minty toothpaste — touching on why we use it, the benefits and alternatives for people who don’t like the flavour.

Why might you want a minty-flavoured toothpaste?

Mint is widely known for its association with fresh breath, offering a cooling and revitalising sensation.

Common mint flavours in toothpaste include peppermint, spearmint, and winter mint. Brushing with any of these options will leave your smile feeling clean and refreshed, thanks to menthol—the key ingredient responsible for that lasting freshness.

In terms of oral hygiene, mint is particularly effective at combating bad breath. Additionally, the cooling properties of mint toothpaste can provide a soothing effect on the tongue and gums.

Benefits of minty toothpaste

There are many benefits that minty toothpaste provides including:

1. Fresh breath: Mint toothpaste, due to its natural antibacterial properties, effectively provides long-lasting fresh breath and helps eliminate bad breath. Non-flavoured toothpaste may not offer the same refreshing sensation or breath-freshening benefits.

2. Pleasant taste: Many people find mint more enjoyable than neutral or non-flavoured toothpaste. The cool, refreshing taste of mint can make brushing more pleasant, encouraging more consistent brushing habits.

3. Cooling sensation: The menthol in mint toothpaste provides a cooling effect that not only leaves your mouth feeling fresh but also stimulates your senses, making it an excellent choice for morning brushing to help wake you up.

4. Antibacterial and antiseptic properties: Mint has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, improving oral health. Non-flavoured toothpaste may not offer these additional benefits.

5. Encourages better oral hygiene: Mint's refreshing nature encourages longer and more thorough brushing sessions. The flavour can also serve as a reminder to brush for the recommended two minutes, promoting better oral hygiene overall.

6. Soothing effect: The cooling sensation of mint toothpaste can help soothe the gums and tongue, especially after a meal, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable brushing experience compared to non-flavoured options.

Why might you not want a minty-flavoured toothpaste?

Personal preference is the main reason you might not want a minty-flavoured toothpaste – some people just don’t like the potentially overpowering menthol flavouring.

However, there are other reasons why you might not want/can’t have minty flavourings in your oral care routine.

These include:

· Sensitivity or allergies: Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mint or menthol, which could lead to irritation or discomfort in the mouth, gums, or tongue. This can make mint toothpaste less suitable for people with specific sensitivities.

You can read more about toothpaste allergies in our latest article!

· Taste preferences: Not everyone enjoys the strong, refreshing taste of mint. Some people may find mint toothpaste too overpowering or unpleasant, preferring a more neutral or milder flavour for a more comfortable brushing experience.

· Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux or oral ulcers, can make mint's strong cooling effect irritating. The minty sensation might exacerbate symptoms, prompting some to opt for non-mint toothpaste.

· Your children might not like it: Some children may not like the taste of mint toothpaste, finding it too strong or "spicy" for their sensitive taste buds. In such cases, non-flavoured or mild-flavoured options might be more appealing and make brushing time easier.

Looking for a quality toothpaste? Visit Enlighten

At Enlighten, we offer specially formulated toothpastes designed to help you effortlessly maintain bright, pearly white teeth.

Enlighten White toothpaste is made from a clinical-grade formulation that repels both plaque and stains. The enamel-safe formula can be used as a stand-alone daily fluoride toothpaste or as aftercare with professional teeth whitening.

Alternatively, the Enlighten Serum toothpaste helps to nurture the gumline, micro-seal the enamel and soothe sensitivity during treatment.

Curious to learn more about oral health?

Explore our expert guides, packed with valuable tips, advice, and the latest news to help you achieve and maintain a confident, dazzling smile!

FAQs

1. Why is toothpaste minty?

Toothpaste is often minty because mint flavour (like spearmint or peppermint) is added for its fresh, cool sensation, which makes your mouth feel clean. The flavour is also popular because it helps mask the taste of other ingredients in the toothpaste, like fluoride and abrasives, while contributing to a pleasant and refreshing aftertaste.

2. Can you be allergic to mint toothpaste?

Yes, it's possible to be allergic to mint toothpaste. Some people may experience allergic reactions such as irritation, itching, or swelling of the mouth, lips, or throat when exposed to mint or menthol (the compound that gives mint its characteristic flavour and cooling effect). If you're allergic to mint, it’s important to stop using the toothpaste and consult a healthcare professional.

3. What options are there for people who don’t like mint?

For people who don't like mint, there are several alternative toothpaste flavours available, such as:

· Cinnamon: A popular option for those who dislike mint's flavour.

· Fruit-flavoured: Toothpastes with flavours like strawberry, orange, or apple are available, especially for kids or adults who prefer sweeter, non-minty tastes.

· Herbal: Toothpastes with flavours like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or even clove are available for those who want a natural or different flavour.

· Charcoal-based toothpaste: Often marketed with various flavours and a distinct, non-minty taste. We don’t quite recommend these toothpastes as they have the potential to be abrasive and wear the enamel away. You can read our expert opinion here.