What Ingredients are in Toothpaste Tablets?

Also known as chewable toothpaste or tooth tabs, toothpaste tablets are reshaping the way we approach oral care. But with so many unfamiliar ingredients packed into these tiny tablets, it’s natural to ask: Do toothpaste tablets work? What’s actually in them?

When you know what’s in most toothpaste tablets, you can feel confident that your morning and evening brushing routine is as safe and effective as possible. As you choose between different toothpaste tablets, review our guide to the core ingredients that power most toothpaste tablets and make them effective at protecting your dental health.

What Is in Toothpaste Tablets?

Toothpaste tablets typically contain a blend of functional and supportive ingredients that fall into five main categories: abrasives, binders and fillers, surfactants, flavoring agents, and optional additives. Each plays a unique role in how the tablet cleans, protects, and freshens your mouth.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s in toothpaste tablets—and why those ingredients matter.

1. Abrasives

Abrasives help remove plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. In toothpaste tablets, they provide the gentle scrubbing power needed to keep your smile bright without damaging enamel.

Calcium Carbonate: A naturally occurring mineral that gently polishes the teeth while reinforcing enamel with calcium.
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): A mild abrasive that whitens teeth and neutralizes acids in the mouth, supporting a healthier pH balance.
Silica Dioxide: A commonly used mineral that provides effective, low-abrasion cleaning power that removes stains, food, and plaque.
Dicalcium Phosphate: Often used in traditional pastes and tablets, dicalcium phosphate helps polish teeth and delivers a source of calcium and phosphate to support enamel.

2. Binders and Fillers

Binders and fillers help maintain the texture, shape, and shelf life of chewable toothpaste. In tablet form, they ensure each dose is consistent and easy to use.

Sorbitol: A naturally derived sugar alcohol that acts as a binder and helps prevent the tablet from drying out. It also adds a mild sweetness while still being non-cariogenic, meaning it’s a non-cavity-causing sugar alternative.
Magnesium Stearate: Commonly referred to as a “flow agent,” magnesium stearate is used in small amounts to prevent ingredients from sticking during the tablet-making process.
Calcium Carbonate: In addition to being an abrasive, calcium carbonate acts as a filler to give the tablet its solid structure.
Microcrystalline Cellulose: A plant-derived binder that gives tablets a smooth texture and consistent form. It also acts as a polishing agent and a mild abrasive.
Mannitol: Another sugar alcohol that adds bulk and slight sweetness while aiding in the tablet’s mouthfeel.

3. Surfactants

Surfactants are the ingredients that help loosen debris and spread other active ingredients across your teeth. Unlike traditional foaming agents that can cause irritation (e.g., SLS), modern formulas use gentler surfactants.

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate: A coconut-derived cleanser that’s mild, non-irritating, and effective at removing plaque without drying out your mouth.
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate: A gentle amino acid-based surfactant that helps create a mild foam while supporting skin and enamel compatibility.

4. Flavoring Agents

Flavoring agents are what make brushing with toothpaste tablets feel refreshing and pleasant. These ingredients also promote regular use by enhancing the sensory experience.

Mentha Spicata Leaf Powder (Spearmint): Provides a naturally sweet and cooling mint flavor, often associated with long-lasting freshness.
Mentha Piperita Leaf Powder (Peppermint): Delivers a stronger, brisk, minty flavor that leaves your mouth feeling ultra-clean.
Menthol: The compound responsible for that icy-cool feeling in your mouth post-brush. It also has mild antimicrobial properties.
Stevia: A plant-derived sweetener that doesn’t contribute to cavities, unlike sugar-based alternatives.
Essential Oils (e.g., Tea Tree, Clove, or Eucalyptus): Various essential oils are used in some formulas for flavor and additional antimicrobial benefits.

5. Optional Additives

Optional additives take your oral care to the next level by offering targeted benefits like enamel support, anti-bacterial action, or improved breath. While they’re technically “optional,” any toothpaste tablets you select should have some of these additives to ensure your teeth are protected from cavities and decay.

Fluoride: A mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel. However, fluoride use remains controversial for some consumers, which is why many modern brands offer fluoride-free alternatives powered by hydroxyapatite.
Hydroxyapatite: A biocompatible mineral that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and can be used to remineralize teeth. Hydroxyapatite fills in microscopic cracks and strengthens enamel at the molecular level. While fluoride only places a temporary protective coating over your teeth, hydroxyapatite strengthens teeth at the molecular level by bonding with them for long-lasting results. Microhydroxyapatite and nanohydroxyapatite are typically used in toothpaste tablets since their smaller form makes them better at binding to teeth.
Xylitol: A natural sweetener that actively fights cavity-causing bacteria and may help reduce dry mouth by stimulating saliva production.
Erythritol: Another tooth-friendly sweetener that may disrupt plaque formation, inhibit bacterial growth, and support oral microbiome balance.
Zinc Citrate: An anti-bacterial ingredient that helps fight plaque, reduce tartar, and combat bad breath.
Aloe Vera Extract: Occasionally included for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that support gum health.
Vitamin B12: Found in some vegan-friendly tooth tabs, B12 can be absorbed sublingually and supports overall wellness.

Are Toothpaste Tablets ADA Approved?

Currently, the American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t approve any toothpaste tablet due to a lack of sufficient evidence on efficacy. While the ADA hasn’t officially approved any toothpaste tablet products as they wait for more evidence, many of these tablets offer the same or similar ingredients used in ADA-approved toothpaste. Due to the shared ingredients and use of enamel-strengthening ingredients like hydroxyapatite, many toothpaste tablets are a safe and effective toothpaste alternative.

Until formal approvals catch up, the best approach is to carefully review the ingredient list of any toothpaste tablet you plan to purchase. If you’re looking for enamel protection without fluoride, opt for toothpaste tablets with microhydroxyapatite instead.

What Ingredients Are in ENML’s Toothpaste Tablets?

At ENML, we believe your oral care should be as smart, sustainable, and science-backed as the rest of your wellness routine. Our tablets are fluoride-free, plastic-free, and powered by ingredients that work.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Sorbitol: Keeps tablets from drying out and adds gentle sweetness.
Calcium Carbonate: Gently polishes and strengthens enamel.
Xylitol: Reduces cavity-causing bacteria and promotes oral moisture.
Erythritol: Supports a healthy mouth environment and adds a light sweetness.
Microhydroxyapatite: Rebuilds enamel and reduces sensitivity.
Mentha Spicata Leaf Powder: Adds a cool, clean spearmint flavor.
Mentha Piperita Leaf Powder: Offers bold peppermint freshness.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Gently scrubs and balances oral pH.
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate: A gentle cleanser derived from coconut.
Zinc Citrate: Fights odor-causing bacteria.
Silica Dioxide: Provides mild abrasiveness for safe stain removal.
Stevia: Naturally sweetens without feeding bacteria.
Menthol: Delivers cooling freshness and antimicrobial action.
Magnesium Stearate: Keeps tablets smooth and uniform during manufacturing.

Turn to ENML for All-Nature Toothpaste Tablets With Microhydroxyapatite

No preservatives. No plastic. No compromises. ENML’s toothpaste tablets are powered by nature, backed by science, packaged in glass containers, and designed for modern life. Whether you’re trying to reduce your plastic use, skip fluoride, or simply upgrade your routine, our chewable toothpaste delivers clean, travel-friendly, dentist-developed oral care that actually works.

If you’re ready to improve your oral health care routine, check out our toothpaste tablets today!