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Other actives

Stevia

Also listed as stevia leaf extract, steviol glycosides, rebaudioside A

A plant-based sweetener used in some 'natural' toothpastes. It makes the paste palatable without feeding decay bacteria; it has no oral-health effect of its own.

No real evidenceTypical strength: Small amounts for taste

What it is

Stevia extracts are intensely sweet compounds from the stevia plant. In toothpaste they replace sweeteners such as saccharin, usually as part of a 'natural' positioning. Like other non-sugar sweeteners, mouth bacteria cannot ferment them into acid.

How strong is the evidence?

No real evidence

There is no clinical evidence that stevia in toothpaste improves oral health. Its only role is taste, and toothpastes do not contain sugar anyway.

What it's used for, checked

Sweetens without causing decay

Holds up

Not fermented by decay-causing bacteria.

Fights cavities or plaque

Unproven

Some lab studies only; no clinical trials in toothpaste.

Who should be careful

  • Very well tolerated; allergy is rare.
  • A 'natural' sweetened paste still needs fluoride to protect against decay; check the label.