Why Is Toothpaste Mint Flavored?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (37621)
February 9, 2020 5:02pm CST
I never thought about toothpaste flavors until I noticed this online article by Readers Digest. What makes Mint the "go-to" herb flavor for toothpastes? Why not use another herb instead. Hey, how about Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, the herbs Simon and Garfunkel made famous in song. They certainly add flavor to food why not toothpaste?
Actually other flavors have been tried by companies before. One company tried bacon toothpaste but it didn't catch on. So why do many people prefer the mint flavored kind over other flavors?
It seems people prefer mint to other ingredients because it has a high content of a key active ingredient Menthol. "Menthol tricks the brain, sending a signal that creates a sensation that you have ice in your mouth. It's a refreshing and clean taste. That's why we prefer mint."
Always fun to learn something new. So, what's your favorite brand of mint-flavored toothpaste? I buy either Colgate, if it's on sale, or Aim, because on sale it's the cheapest one I've found. Or maybe you use that bacon-flavored one instead of mint... 
Source- Readers Digest
Photo- dollargeneral.com
Source- Readers Digest
Photo- dollargeneral.com16 people like this
17 responses
@porwest (112717)
• United States
9 Feb 20
I think it is quite simple. Minty seems fresh. If your mouth is minty you get the impression you are fresh and clean. I think it is just brilliant marketing. But I do not like a toothpaste that does not make my mouth feel minty and clean. Likewise, it's like mouthwash. Should it burn a bit? Who knows? But if you fee a little burn you FEEL like you are killing off some bacteria. It's ALL marketing. But it works since we all fall for it.
5 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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23 Feb 20
@porwest Yes I totally agree. There is an personal area you just don't infringe upon. Those who violate that area I call "Space Invaders." 
1 person likes this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
25 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 lol. I always like to tell people, "You are in my bubble."
1 person likes this
@porwest (112717)
• United States
22 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 I hate close talkers. But at least, I suppose, his breath smelled fine. lol.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
15 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 Ewwww, bacon-flavored would be awful.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
14 Feb 20
Yes, and when they add things like whitening it can change the taste too. Oh well, a strong mint taste I prefer to Bacon flavored toothpaste
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 That is so gross!! Poor person.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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16 Feb 20
@JudyEv Terrible. One thing I do not neglect anymore is my teeth. I am paid for it dearly with many cavities as a high schooler.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
I have heard that also. I prefer the original too. The whitening ones can wear the enamel. After all, who wants to have teeth like this photo.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
9 Feb 20
I prefer Crest with mint flavored, but I also used Closeup toothpaste that tastes like cinnamon and really liked it.
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
14 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 And my guess is, that paste probably contained charcoal. My daughter gave me a charcoal tablet and 1/4 was all it took, for each cleaning! It was abrasive and it worked.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
I've never tried Closeup before. Sounds like Closeup is a winner! Here's a Fun fact to enjoy: it's believed that the Egyptians were the first to use a teeth-cleaning paste around 500 B.C.
1 person likes this
@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
10 Feb 20
I like how they can have mint flavors taste like different kinds of mint. I remember when I was little I was obsessed with a bubble gum flavored toothpaste that was a good time.
2 people like this
@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
18 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 I just use whatever has baking soda in it and is cheap!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
14 Feb 20
Your the second person who mentioned bubble gum flavor? I must of missed that one but I do enjoy bubble gum 
What brand do you use now?
What brand do you use now?@dgobucks226 (37621)
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20 Feb 20
@DesirousDreamer I also try to find one on sale. Lately I've been buying Aim toothpaste which has a pleasant taste to it. Thanks for your response!
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
That's right- what's your favorite minty toothpaste?
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59648)
• Philippines
9 Feb 20
Where can I find bacon-flavored toothpaste?
Mint rules the herb wars when it comes to toothpaste flavors!
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
I think bacon in toothpaste has been returned to the breakfast table plate right next to the eggs Yes, mint does rule. As a matter of fact, Colgate's brand began using North American peppermint and spearmint oil to flavor their toothpaste in the late 1800s.
Yes, mint does rule. As a matter of fact, Colgate's brand began using North American peppermint and spearmint oil to flavor their toothpaste in the late 1800s.1 person likes this
@averygirl72 (38847)
• Philippines
14 Feb 20
I like toothpaste with very strong menthol flavor. I use Colgate and sometimes Close up
1 person likes this
@averygirl72 (38847)
• Philippines
14 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 That is interesting as early as 1800s there is Colgate
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
Colgate is a very good and popular one. You might enjoy this interesting fact about Colgate-
Colgate's brand began using North American peppermint and spearmint oil to flavor their toothpaste in the late 1800s.
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
@averygirl72 Colgate started in 1873 and their first version were contained in a jar! 
@rebelann (117194)
• El Paso, Texas
14 Feb 20
I didn't know that @dgobucks226 that's interesting
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
Baking soda is a good alternative. Dental experts say that since baking soda is gritty and abrasive as toothpaste, it works well to remove surface stains. For deeper cleaning, people safely can mix baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to create a toothpaste. And did you know,
it's believed that the Egyptians were the first to use a teeth-cleaning paste around 500 B.C. Wow!
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
14 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 I do not use the same toothpaste all the time, we need to change because some protect against cavities, some pretend to whiten teeth (DANGEROUS!) some protect the gums, we need to protect the gums, the teeth enamel and also to avoid cavities. How can something containing "sorbitol" (that is a sugar) can protect against cavities? Check the ingredients of "mint toothpastes".
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
Enjoying Tasteless toothpaste. That comment was unexpected 
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Feb 20
For the longest time, Crest had a cinnamon flavored toothpaste that I loved. But I haven't seen it in quite a while, so I am back to the old standby mint toothpaste. Like you said, it makes your mouth feel clean and refreshed. I'm glad they have toothpaste with flavors now, because growing up I always had to brush with non-flavored toothpaste, and that stuff tasted like crap!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
15 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 Probably tasted like sand
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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16 Feb 20
@moffittjc 
Yes, like the environment they lived in..
Yes, like the environment they lived in..1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
Yes, a natural toothpaste without flavor would be horrible. I believe one called Tom's of Maine was like that... You know, I remember trying cinnamon toothpaste back in the day. I haven't seen it in years. Here is a fun fact you might enjoy: it's believed that the Egyptians were the first to use a teeth-cleaning paste around 500 B.C. Wonder how that tasted??? 
1 person likes this
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
14 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 That is an interesting fact.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
I used to use Crest growing up but have switched. I have tried a sample from my dentist of Pro Enamel Crest which was pretty good. I have sensitive teeth from many cavities. I've used Sensodyne when they act up but it tastes terrible. I think when they add products like whitening it alters the minty taste? Anyway, here's a fun fact to enjoy: Colgate's brand began using North American peppermint and spearmint oil to flavor their toothpaste in the late 1800s.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
10 Feb 20
I always use Crest Enamel Shield. I don't know what flavor it is!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
I've tried Crest Pro Enamel. Sounds like a similar product. Here's a fun toothpaste fact for your enjoyment: it's believed that the Egyptians were the first to use a teeth-cleaning paste around 500 B.C.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
10 Feb 20
That's interesting. I always assumed it was because of the fresh breath thing.
Someone used to make cinnamon but it was red which I didn't like. There used to be lemon mint which was just odd. Then when I was a kid there was bubble gum flavor which I liked a lot.
Sometime more recently I thought I came across a green gel that had beads and mini breath strips in it,
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
14 Feb 20
@dgobucks226 Hmm, Aquafresh sounds right. That could be it. Right now I have a travel size COlgate kids - it's blue, sparkly and tastes like mint berry. lol. I love it. Maybe I'm just easily amused.
That's interesting. Those Egyptians thought of a lot of things :-)
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
@FayeHazel So, that toothpaste "amuses you!) Joe Pesci would enjoy that, lol. Yes, if it wasn't the
Egyptians it would probably be the Romans..
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
I wonder if that green gel one you described is Aquafresh toothpaste. By the way, toothpaste goes back a long time ago...Fun fact: it's believed that the Egyptians were the first to use a teeth-cleaning paste around 500 B.C.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54714)
• United States
11 Feb 20
I grew up using Crest , but I started using Colgate about a decade ago when my dentist said it was the best one.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
I also used Crest growing up and switched to Colgate. When my teeth get sensitive (many cavities when a teen) I use Sensodyne or Pro Enamel Crest. Here's a fun Colgate fact-
Colgate's brand began using North American peppermint and spearmint oil to flavor their toothpaste in the late 1800s.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (22199)
• United States
12 Feb 20
I used to use Crest until they started putting whitening in all their toothpaste. So I have now switched to Colgate.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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14 Feb 20
I heard adding whitening can be hard on tooth enamel? Anyway, I also use Colgate. Here's an interesting Colgate fact: Colgate's brand began using North American peppermint and spearmint oil to flavor their toothpaste in the late 1800s.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
10 Feb 20
Bacon toothpaste? What a trip.
1 person likes this
