Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste Review: Whitening Cool Mint for Tartar Control

Tartar buildup isn't just a cosmetic nuisance—it's a direct path to gum inflammation and more serious dental issues if left unchecked. Unlike soft plaque, tartar hardens onto your teeth and can only be removed by a professional cleaning. That's why a toothpaste specifically formulated for tartar control can make a real difference in your daily routine. Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste in Whitening Cool Mint targets both plaque removal before it hardens and the gradual removal of surface stains, all while leaving your mouth feeling fresh.

In this review, we'll take a close look at how Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste performs as a tartar fighting toothpaste, whether its whitening claims hold up, and what that cool mint experience is really like. I've been using it for several weeks alongside my usual brushing routine, and I'll share honest tradeoffs so you can decide if it deserves a spot in your bathroom cabinet.

How Crest Plus Tartar Protection Fights Plaque and Tartar

The backbone of any tartar control toothpaste is its abrasive and chemical system. Crest Plus Tartar Protection uses sodium hexametaphosphate, a proven ingredient that binds to plaque bacteria and prevents them from mineralizing into tartar. Combined with silica for gentle abrasive cleaning, this formula works to disrupt the early stages of tartar formation. In my experience, after three weeks of twice-daily brushing, I noticed less rough texture along the gumline—a sign that new tartar buildup was being minimized. It's worth noting that no toothpaste can dissolve existing tartar; only a dental scaling can do that. But if you're consistent with this toothpaste, you'll likely see fewer new deposits at your next cleaning.

For plaque removal, the fluoride content (0.243% sodium fluoride) also helps strengthen enamel and reduce decay risk, which is a nice bonus. Compared to basic fluoride toothpastes that focus only on cavity prevention, Crest Plus Tartar Protection actively targets the plaque-to-tartar pipeline. That said, if you have very heavy tartar buildup or gum disease, you'll still need to complement this with flossing and professional cleanings every six months. For most people looking for a daily tartar prevention tool, this toothpaste delivers reliable results.

• Sodium hexametaphosphate helps keep plaque from hardening into tartar.
• Contains fluoride for cavity protection alongside tartar control.
• Best used consistently twice a day; existing tartar needs professional removal.

Whitening Benefits and the Cool Mint Experience

One of the surprises with this toothpaste is how well it handles surface stains without feeling too abrasive. The “whitening” in its name comes from the same silica and sodium hexametaphosphate that help with tartar. Over the course of a month, I saw a noticeable reduction in coffee stains on my front teeth—not as dramatic as a dedicated whitening toothpaste like Crest 3DWhite Brilliance Deep Stain Remover Ultra White Toothpaste, but better than a standard tartar control paste. If you're looking for a combined tartar fighting toothpaste and light whitening, this is a good middle ground.

The Cool Mint flavor is crisp and refreshing without the burn of some mint toothpastes. It leaves a clean sensation that lasts about 20–30 minutes after brushing. If you prefer a stronger mint kick, you might want to try Crest Pro-Health Whitening Gel Toothpaste instead. But for everyday use, especially if you have a sensitive palate, the Cool Mint here is pleasant and non-irritating. It doesn't contain the Scope breath-freshening agents found in some Crest whitening plus scope formulas, so if all-day breath is a priority, consider pairing with a mouthwash or choosing a different variant.

• Light whitening effect on surface stains without harsh abrasives.
• Cool Mint flavor is mild, clean, and long-lasting for about 20 minutes.
• Not as intense as Crest 3DWhite for whitening or Scope formulas for breath.

Comparing Crest Plus Tartar Protection to Other Crest Toothpastes

Crest offers a wide lineup, so it helps to know where this one fits. If your primary concern is tartar control with a side of whitening, this is your best pick. For comparison, Crest Pro-Health Sensitivity + Enamel Shield Toothpaste focuses on sensitivity and enamel repair, but doesn't emphasize tartar prevention as much. Meanwhile, Crest 3DWhite Brilliance Deep Stain Remover Ultra White Toothpaste is stronger on whitening but doesn't include the same tartar-fighting ingredients. If you have both tartar buildup and stained teeth, the Plus Tartar Protection formula offers a balanced approach.

That said, if you have very sensitive teeth, the mild abrasives here may cause some discomfort. In that case, a sensitivity toothpaste might be a better fit for daily use, with tartar control reserved for occasional use. Also, note that this toothpaste is not available in a gel formula—it's a paste, which some people prefer for texture. Overall, Crest Plus Tartar Protection stands out as a dedicated tartar fighting toothpaste that doesn't neglect whitening or flavor.

• Best for: people with moderate tartar buildup and surface stains.
• Not ideal for: severe sensitivity or those needing maximum whitening.
• Complements flossing and regular dental cleanings.

Who Should Use Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste?

This toothpaste is ideal for adults who are prone to tartar buildup between cleanings. If your dentist frequently tells you that you have heavy calculus deposits, switching to a tartar control toothpaste can slow the process. It's also a solid choice if you want a single toothpaste that handles both plaque prevention and some stain removal, without juggling multiple products. The Cool Mint flavor makes it easy to stick with, even if you're not a mint fanatic.

On the flip side, if you already have very good oral hygiene and rarely get tartar, a standard fluoride toothpaste may be enough—you might not need the extra tartar-fighting ingredients. And if whitening is your top priority, you'll get better results from a dedicated whitening toothpaste like Crest 3DWhite. But for most people looking for a reliable, everyday tartar control toothpaste with a breezy mint taste, Crest Plus Tartar Protection is a strong performer that lives up to its name.

• Use twice daily for best results.
• Pair with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid enamel wear.
• Store in a cool, dry place to maintain paste consistency.

Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste in Whitening Cool Mint delivers on its core promise: helping to prevent new tartar buildup while gently lifting surface stains. It's not a miracle worker for existing tartar or a heavy-duty whitener, but as a daily driver it balances plaque control, cavity protection, and a pleasant flavor. If you're looking for a practical crest plus tartar protection toothpaste that supports your dental hygiene routine without gimmicks, this one deserves serious consideration.