Top 7 Most Popular Japanese Toothpaste Brands For Healthy Smiles

Choosing the right toothpaste can be a daunting task, especially when exploring options from a different country. Japanese toothpastes are renowned for their innovative ingredients and specific benefits, making them a popular choice for those seeking a healthier smile.

Top 7 Most Popular Japanese Toothpaste Brands

1. Brilliant More (Lion)

Brilliant More by Lion is a medicinal toothpaste celebrated for its stain-removing properties. It contains sodium pyrophosphate, which, combined with brushing, lifts stains to the surface for easy removal. Available in refreshing spearmint and apricot mint flavors, this toothpaste is a quasi-drug, indicating its medicinal efficacy. The reference price is approximately 1,026 JPY (including tax).

2. Dentor Systema (Lion)

Dentor Systema, another popular product from Lion, is known for its anti-periodontitis properties. It features IPMP (isopropyl methylphenol) and ε-ACA (epsilon-aminocaproic acid), which help clean between teeth and prevent gingivitis. This toothpaste comes in a refreshing peppermint flavor and is priced around 300 JPY (including tax).

3. Systema Gums Plus Night Care Gel (Lion)

Systema Gums Plus Night Care Gel is part of Lion's medicinal line, designed to clean bacteria between teeth using IPMP. It also helps prevent gingivitis and comes in a peppermint flavor. This gel is particularly useful for nighttime care, priced at about 615 JPY (including tax).

4. Hamigaki Nadeshiko (Ishizawa Laboratory)

Hamigaki Nadeshiko by Ishizawa Laboratory is a favorite among Japanese cosmetic review sites. This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate to whiten teeth by removing tar, and it is made from 100% plant-derived ingredients. It comes in a refreshing peppermint flavor and is priced around 1,296 JPY (including tax).

5. Bihaku Sumigaki (KOBAYASHI Pharmaceutical)

Bihaku Sumigaki from KOBAYASHI Pharmaceutical is unique due to its black color, which comes from coal, a natural Japanese resource. This toothpaste features sharp charcoal grains and silica cleaning agents that help remove dirt and plaque, making teeth whiter. It has an elderflower base with floral and white tea accents, priced at about 537 JPY (including tax).

6. Apagard Smokin' (Sangi)

Apagard Smokin' by Sangi is designed to remove stains caused by cigarette smoking, making teeth whiter. It contains polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, along with medicinal hydroxyapatite, which prevents cavities and helps in whitening. This toothpaste comes in a mild mint flavor and is priced around 1,387 JPY (including tax).

7. Natamame Sukkiri Persimmon Toothpaste (Sanwa Tsusho)

Natamame Sukkiri Persimmon Toothpaste by Sanwa Tsusho uses naturally derived ingredients like natamame (sword beans), persimmon juice, and natural salt. This toothpaste prevents bad breath, removes plaque and stains, and whitens teeth. It is priced at approximately 1,522 JPY (including tax).

Key Ingredients and Benefits

Sodium Pyrophosphate: Found in Brilliant More, this ingredient helps in removing stains from teeth.
IPMP and ε-ACA: Used in Dentor Systema and Systema Gums Plus Night Care Gel, these ingredients help in cleaning between teeth and preventing gingivitis.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Present in Hamigaki Nadeshiko, this ingredient aids in whitening teeth by removing tar.
Charcoal and Silica: Featured in Bihaku Sumigaki, these ingredients help in removing dirt and plaque, making teeth whiter.
Medicinal Hydroxyapatite: Found in Apagard Smokin', this ingredient prevents cavities and aids in whitening teeth.
Natamame and Persimmon Juice: Used in Natamame Sukkiri Persimmon Toothpaste, these ingredients help in preventing bad breath and removing plaque and stains.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

When selecting a Japanese toothpaste, consider the specific benefits you are looking for:

Whitening: Look for toothpastes like Brilliant More, Bihaku Sumigaki, and Apagard Smokin' that are designed to remove stains and whiten teeth.
Gingivitis Prevention: Dentor Systema and Systema Gums Plus Night Care Gel are excellent choices for preventing gingivitis.
Natural Ingredients: Hamigaki Nadeshiko and Natamame Sukkiri Persimmon Toothpaste are made from plant-derived ingredients, making them ideal for those seeking natural options.

Availability and Pricing

These toothpastes are widely available in Japanese drugstores and supermarkets, with prices varying depending on the store. However, the reference prices provided give a general idea of what to expect:

Brilliant More: 1,026 JPY
Dentor Systema: 300 JPY
Systema Gums Plus Night Care Gel: 615 JPY
Hamigaki Nadeshiko: 1,296 JPY
Bihaku Sumigaki: 537 JPY
Apagard Smokin': 1,387 JPY
Natamame Sukkiri Persimmon Toothpaste: 1,522 JPY.

Additional Tips for Shopping

Check Ingredients: Always check the ingredients list to ensure the toothpaste meets your specific needs and preferences.
Online Options: If you cannot find these toothpastes in local stores, they are easily available online.
Variety in Larger Cities: Larger cities in Japan typically offer a wider selection of toothpaste options compared to smaller towns.

By understanding the unique benefits and ingredients of these popular Japanese toothpastes, you can make an informed decision to achieve a healthier and brighter smile.