Dental hygiene aficionados have surely noticed a new format battling for a share of the oral hygiene market. Toothpaste tablets are dry, pressed-powder pills about the size of an aspirin or a pea.

The most common toothpaste ingredient is fluoride, which protects against cavities. Choose a toothpaste with calcium carbonate or hydrogen peroxide if you want to whiten your teeth. Avoid toothpaste ...