This $12 tube of toothpaste is the most expensive I've ever used, but its also my new favourite - here's why

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If there’s one thing that my dentist, orthodontist and parents advised me (especially after spending a ton of money on braces), it was to stay away from whitening products.

I came to understand that some of the “whitening” products on the market come with a few negatives - they may lighten the appearance of your smile, but their ingredients can also cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

Needless to say, I’ve always made it a point to stay away from products with such claims.

Coffee and tea drinking habits aside, we are all bound to have some discolouration, right?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, there’s a good chance that something you like to eat or drink everyday will leave undesired colour behind.

Naturally, the colour of teeth falls within a range of light greyish-yellow shades, so a brighter smile is a goal for many.

As cautious as I am about the abrasives and chemicals in whitening products, the most I’ve been willing to try is whitening toothpaste. Sadly, the extra foamy natural product I’ve been using isn’t cutting it.

Fortunately, Marvis came to my attention.

I didn’t want to buy into the hype, (Marvis claims to be “FASHION” after all), but the brand’s Whitening Mint Toothpaste was too intriguing.

After reading a rather interesting interview with the Martelli family, owners of Marvis, and notes from the British Dental Health Foundation on the brand’s formulation in comparison to other conventional toothpastes, I decided the least I could do was give it a try.

Is a $12 tube of toothpaste worth it when the average price is $3.59? Here’s what I found.

Pleasant mint flavour

Since Marvis’s signature is a profile of intense flavours, I had high expectations for the Whitening Mint Toothpaste.

On the first try, I found the flavour to be quite subtle, which could be a result of the bad taste in my mouth from the last product I had used.

On the second try, the flavour of the Whitening Mint Toothpaste was so refreshingly minty without being overpowering.

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Unlike many toothpastes with a high level of sodium lauryl sulfate (otherwise known as SLS, which creates a foam when you brush), this one was nowhere close to bubbling over like a science experiment.

Better yet, the clean mint flavour lasted.

Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste

Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste
Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste

SHOP IT: Amazon, $12

No more coffee breath

And it lasted for a long time.

I credit the Whitening Mint Toothpaste’s staying power to a swig of the Concentrated Strong Mint Mouthwash - the newest addition to the brand’s repertoire.

Described as a potent “elixir” of peppermint and fragrant herbs, Marvis recommends diluting one part mouthwash concentrate in four parts water.

You won’t get the traditional mouthwash fizz with this product either, which is a major positive in my books.

This powerful combination (pictured below) is what kept things fresh throughout my first few sips of coffee without changing the taste (compliments of the Italian creators and their morning espresso, I can imagine).

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Marvis Strong Mint Mouthwash Concentrate and Whitening Mint Toothpaste (Photo by Anastasia Barbuzzi)
Marvis Strong Mint Mouthwash Concentrate and Whitening Mint Toothpaste (Photo by Anastasia Barbuzzi)

Whiter teeth after a couple of uses

What’s even more impressive is the brightening result of the Whitening Mint Toothpaste.

After just three uses, I noticed an improvement in the colour of my teeth with no negative side affects.

Knowing that whitening toothpastes target the surface of the teeth with a variety of substances, I’ll continue to monitor the impact of this product.

Marvis Concentrated Strong Mint Mouthwash

Marvis Concentrated Strong Mint Mouthwash
Marvis Concentrated Strong Mint Mouthwash

SHOP IT: Amazon, $23

Better with a rinse

My conclusion?

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Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste feels, tastes and works better followed by a swig of the Concentrated Strong Mint Mouthwash.

Though its $23 price tag is steep compared to the average $4.53, it may be worth it.

By diluting the product in water, you’ll use a tiny fraction of the bottle.

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