Review: Aquafresh® Extreme Clean®

Toothpaste is believed to have been used as long ago as 500 BC in China and India. More modern variants began to appear in the 1800s, and the first mass-produced product came in 1873 -- in a jar. It made its appearance in tube form in 1892 as “Dr. Sheffield's Creme Dentifrice.” Unbiased history on Aquafresh® is difficult to come by, but it seems that in 1979 they introduced the first “multiple benefit” toothpaste under the name “Aquafresh® Triple Protection®” Nearly two decades of research later, they introduced the first whitening toothpaste by a major brand in 1995 to the delight and amazement of the oral hygiene community.

Jumping ahead a few years, we come to the present. Aquafresh®, in dire competition with the likes of Crest, Colgate and Tom’s of Maine, finds that is has dropped into third place. Faced with the prospect of their once revered name slipping into a quagmire of orally hygienic obscurity, they take drastic action.

In 2003, they declared war with the release of two remarkable new products: Aquafresh® Extreme Clean® and Aquafresh® Floss ‘N’ Cap®. Through a retail source, I was able to secure a sample of Extreme Clean® for review.

The packaging is very impressive. Its transparent plastic design and bright colors definitely set it apart from other brands, and are a real eye catcher on the shelf. Also notice how beautifully the blue transparency sets off the highlights of the metallic tube inside, creating an almost iridescent effect.

After unpacking it, I noticed a little damage at the base of the tube, but nothing serious. Again, the marketing department seems to have taken the idea of an “extreme” toothpaste to heart. The modern design of the clear box nicely contrasts the almost retro metallic look of the tube; harkening back to the days of Dr. Sheffield and his “Creme Dentifrice.”

With the peripherals out of the way, it was time to move on to the real hands-on stage of testing. For that, I need something to compare it to. Being a long-time Aquafresh® fan, I already had another tube sitting around. This was going to be a straight up Aquafresh® vs. Aquafresh® battle.

This Aquafresh® Kids Bubblemint Triple Protection® had been serving me well for a few weeks, but it was about to meet its match.

First up, a look at the toothpaste itself.

As you can see, even in this very rudimentary comparison, the Extreme Clean® is holding its shape better than the Aquafresh® Kids Bubblemint Triple Protection®. Especially the left edge of the glob (this is a scientific term).

Anyway, enough looking at the stuff, next up was a real-world test to truly evaluate the Extreme Clean®’s abilities!

Unfortunately I had to break the brand consistency here and use a Crest toothbrush. A later addendum to this review may include tests with different types and brands of toothbrushes.

Now, some may find this next part a somewhat distasteful, but I assure you that evaluating the consistency of toothpaste is a perfectly legitimate reason to be looking at my toothpaste foam, and an excellent way to demonstrate Extreme Clean®’s Micro-Active Foam (right).

This test was conducted by putting a one inch dab of toothpaste on my toothbrush (measured), and brushing for exactly one minute (timed). Then thoroughly rinsing my mouth and toothbrush, and repeating it with the other type of toothpaste. Giving Aquafresh® Kids Bubblemint Triple Protection® the benefit of the doubt, I tested it last, leaving the Extreme Clean® to settle for a full minute.

Notice how it’s holding its shape better than the Aquafresh® Kids Bubblemint Triple Protection®. I can also verify that the feeling in my mouth was unquestionably different from ordinary toothpaste. I used my usual amount of toothpaste, but ended up with a ton more foam than usual. It also had a much firmer, smoother feel to it.

Again, its thick consistency can be seen more clearly from the side.

The taste is also very impressive. The tangy citrus was exceptionally refreshing in a very unusual way. Much better than bubblegum, and with a stronger, fresher feeling than even mint can produce.

Taste: The taste was excellent, no bones about it. Citrus hasn’t been done very often or very well. Aquafresh® took a risk here and I think it really paid off. I’ve actually heard people discussing the flavor of Extreme Clean®.

Texture: Much smoother and foamier than other toothpastes. If I had one complaint it’d be that it’s almost too much foam. More than a mouthful is a waste, guys!

Appearance: The two-tone design of the toothpaste itself is really very elegant, but something more could have been done with it. White? Come on, we’ve done that. What about orange and silver or something?

Packaging: First rate all the way here. The combination of clear plastic and silver just gives me chills. It grabs attention on the shelf, and then lends a classic look to your bathroom.

Performance: No doubt about it, my teeth just plain felt cleaner after using Extreme Clean®. I’d say it accomplishes its goal 100% here. Excellent performance.

Overall: Recommended for oral hygiene enthusiasts and casual dabblers alike!