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Choosing a toothpaste for bad breath means looking beyond the promise of a strong mint flavour. The formulation, your dental needs and how comfortably it fits into your daily routine all deserve consideration.
Here, we compare two US products: Colgate Total Active Prevention Whitening and Crest Pro-Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection. You will also find links to UK listings, where the formulation, packaging and quantity may differ.
This is a comparison based on product information and published guidance. We have not personally tested these toothpastes, and neither is presented as a guaranteed solution for persistent bad breath.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through our links, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see both products.
At a glance
The details below refer to the US products discussed in this article.
| Feature | Colgate Total Active Prevention Whitening | Crest Pro-Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Stannous fluoride, according to the supplied US listing | Stannous fluoride 0.454%, according to the US Drug Facts label |
| US pack compared | Four 5.1 oz tubes | Four 5 oz tubes |
| What to compare | Ingredients, whitening claims, pack size and price | Ingredients, sensitivity guidance, pack size and price |
| Personally tested by us? | No | No |
| US buying options | Check Colgate on Amazon US |
Check Crest on Amazon US |
| UK listings to check* | View Colgate listing on Amazon UK |
View Crest listing on Amazon UK |
Buying from the UK? Check the product name, ingredient list, tube size and quantity on the UK listing. Do not assume it is identical to the US product described here.
Colgate Total Active Prevention Whitening
The US listing we examined describes a four-pack of 5.1 oz tubes with stannous fluoride as the active ingredient.
Colgate markets this product for several aspects of everyday oral care, including breath freshness and whitening. Its advertised 24-hour antibacterial protection is qualified by twice-daily brushing for four weeks. This should not be interpreted as a promise that your breath will remain fresh for 24 hours.
Before ordering, check that the selected option matches the product you want. Colgate Total is a broad range, and similarly named products can have different formulations in different countries.
Buying options:
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection
The US product discussed here is the four-pack of 5 oz tubes.
Its published US Drug Facts label lists stannous fluoride 0.454%. The labelled uses include cavity prevention, helping prevent gingivitis and building protection against tooth sensitivity. It also helps control plaque bacteria associated with gingivitis.
These are specific labelled benefits. They do not mean the toothpaste will resolve every cause of bad breath.
If you are choosing it for sensitivity, read the warnings carefully. The US label advises against using it for sensitivity for longer than four weeks without a dentist’s recommendation, and says to seek dental advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Buying options:
Which should you choose?
We have not carried out a head-to-head test, so we cannot fairly declare one the winner for bad breath.
Instead, compare these practical details:
- The exact formulation: read the label on the product you are buying.
- Your dental needs: follow any advice your dentist has given about sensitivity, gum health or toothpaste choice.
- Comfort: choose a flavour and texture you find comfortable enough to use consistently.
- Value: compare the total quantity and delivered price, rather than judging by the number of tubes alone.
- The seller: check delivery arrangements, returns and the listing’s product details.
A higher price or stronger flavour does not, by itself, establish that a toothpaste is the better choice.
Toothpaste is part of the routine
Bad breath can have several causes, including problems with teeth or gums and dry mouth. Changing toothpaste may therefore be only one part of addressing it.
The NHS recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice daily and cleaning between teeth each day. Regular dental check-ups also matter.
If bad breath continues after a few weeks of self-care, see a dentist. Seek dental advice for painful, bleeding or swollen gums, toothache or loose adult teeth too.
Our conclusion
Colgate Total Active Prevention Whitening and Crest Pro-Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection are two products worth comparing by their labels, price and suitability for your dental needs.
We would not choose between them on breath-freshening promises alone. Check the exact product, use it as directed and seek dental advice if bad breath persists.
Sources and how we prepared this comparison
This article draws on the supplied US product listings, the published Crest Drug Facts label and NHS guidance. It is an editorial comparison, rather than a personal product test or a substitute for dental advice.
