If you're trying to choose between Hello and Tom's toothpaste, you're not alone. These two brands often show up on shelves labeled as "natural," "clean," or "safe."
But are they?
As a practicing dentist and author of Brush With Caution, I’ve looked closely at hundreds of labels.
And let me tell you—many products marketed as natural still hide ingredients that can harm your teeth, gums, and long-term oral health.
In this review, I break down the real differences between Hello and Tom’s toothpaste based on texture, freshness, and most importantly — what’s actually inside the tube.
Ingredient Comparison: What You’re Really Brushing With
Let’s start with what matters most: the ingredients.
Hello Toothpaste (Farm Grown Mint, Fluoride Version)
Claims: No SLS, no artificial sweeteners, dyes, or preservatives. Vegan. Cruelty-free. BPA-free tube.
Key Ingredients:
- Fluoride (sodium monofluorophosphate)
- Xylitol
- Coconut oil
- Tea tree oil
- Stevia leaf extract
- Hydrated silica
- Cocamidopropyl betaine
- Titanium dioxide (for color)
What’s good: No SLS, no carrageenan, plant oils, and antibacterial support. Offers fluoride protection.
What’s concerning: Includes titanium dioxide and cocamidopropyl betaine — ingredients I recommend reviewing carefully, especially for sensitive individuals.
Tom’s Toothpaste (Fluoride-Free Version)
Claims: Natural. Fluoride-free. Eco-conscious tube.
Key Ingredients:
- Hydrated silica
- SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)
- Carrageenan
- Benyl alcohol
- Titanium dioxide
- Sorbitol, xylitol, glycerin, natural flavor
What’s good: Gentle abrasives. No fluoride if you're avoiding it.
What’s concerning: Includes SLS, carrageenan, and titanium dioxide—three ingredients I flag in my book Brush With Caution.
What My Book Says (and Why It Matters)
Inside Brush With Caution, I’ve included a full checklist of toothpaste ingredients you should watch out for. Here's how that stacks up with what we see here:
- SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate): A known irritant and common trigger for mouth ulcers. Found in Tom’s, not in Hello.
- Carrageenan: Linked to inflammation in some studies. Found in Tom’s, not in Hello.
- Titanium Dioxide: A whitening agent with potential safety concerns (especially if nano-sized). Found in both.
- Artificial or Vague Flavors: “Natural flavor” can still be highly processed or contain hidden additives. Present in both.
Want the full list and how to shop smarter?
Which One Leaves Your Mouth Feeling Fresher?
Over a week, I alternated between both brands. Here’s what I noticed:
- Tom’s gave a mild, clean feel but wore off quickly.
- Hello stayed minty longer. The freshness lingered, and the tea tree oil helped with post-meal breath.
Winner: Hello
Whitening & Texture
- Tom’s: Mild whitening with silica. Gentle but slower.
- Hello: Brighter results, thanks to silica and charcoal variants. Slightly grittier texture.
If you’re chasing that “just-polished” look: Hello has the edge.
Pricing
- Tom’s: Slightly cheaper per tube
- Hello: Pricier, but you use less per brush and it lasts longer
Flavor Variety
- Tom’s: Traditional mint and fennel
- Hello: Modern, fun flavors (watermelon, bubblegum, raspberry, and more)
Great for kids and adults looking to break the mint monotony.
Final Verdict: From a Dentist Who Reads Labels For a Living
Both brands offer value. But not both are clean.
If you’re just looking for something that feels fresh: Hello wins.
If you’re looking for something gentle on sensitive teeth: Tom’s may help, but not if you’re avoiding SLS or carrageenan.
If you're serious about your oral health, and you want a toothpaste that respects your body and your brain — read the label first.
And if you're not sure what to look for, that’s exactly why I wrote Brush With Caution.
Want to Know What’s Really in Your Toothpaste?
Grab your copy of Brush With Caution — the no-nonsense guide that walks you through:
- The 7 ingredients I avoid in nearly every toothpaste
- How to decode labels in 30 seconds or less
- Fluoride vs. fluoride-free: What’s right for you?
- Plus: my personal product checklist
Whether you choose Hello, Tom's, or something else entirely — know what you’re putting in your mouth.
Dr. Harpreet Singh Manaktala, MDS
- Holistic Dentist | Founder, 32 Shades Dental Studio
- Author of Brush With Caution
Mulund West, Mumbai
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