Better Biom, now trading under its NOBS name, makes one of the better-specified toothpaste tablets we have seen: 5 percent nano-hydroxyapatite, xylitol and zinc, a low-abrasion formula and a refillable glass jar. A three-month jar costs about $40, which is fair for the quality, but the brand ships only within the US and the tablet format takes a little getting used to.
What we like
- Clearly stated 5 percent nano-hydroxyapatite with xylitol and zinc citrate
- Low abrasivity, with a stated RDA of about 21
- Plastic-free glass jar and solid tablets that are easy to fly with
- Dentist co-founder and a full ingredient list on the product page
- 30-day refund or replacement promise and flexible subscriptions
Keep in mind
- Direct shipping is limited to the US
- Fluoride-free, which may not suit people at high cavity risk
- Chewing a tablet before brushing takes some adjustment
- Contains xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs if they get into the jar
Toothpaste tablets solve a surprisingly long list of small problems. They take up almost no space, are not liquids for airport security purposes, and replace a plastic tube with a jar you can refill or recycle. The catch is that quality varies widely, and many tablets are vague about their active ingredients. Better Biom, which began as Biom and now sells under its NOBS name, short for no bad stuff, stands out by stating its formula plainly: 5 percent nano-hydroxyapatite, with xylitol and zinc for added support.
The brand has also added a kids' tablet, an expanding dental floss and bundled routines. In our research we looked at what is in the tablets, how they compare with a traditional toothpaste, which products to start with, and what to know about shipping and refunds before you order.
From Biom to NOBS
The betterbiom.com address now redirects to NOBS. Earlier coverage of Biom also mentioned SWISH mouthwash, PRISM whitening strips and SWIPE tongue scrapers; the current site presents a simpler lineup under the NOBS name. The company describes itself as a dentist-founded US oral care brand. It says a dentist co-founder developed the tablet recipe in 2018 and that the brand introduced nano-hydroxyapatite to its formula in 2022.
Orders ship from a US fulfillment center. The brand also sells through Amazon in Canada and through a retail partner in the UK.
What is inside a NOBS tablet
The product page lists the full formula, which is more transparent than many tablet brands:
- Nano-hydroxyapatite (5 percent): the remineralizing agent, a mineral that mirrors the main component of enamel
- Xylitol: a sugar alcohol that oral bacteria cannot ferment
- Zinc citrate: commonly used for plaque control and fresher breath
- Calcium carbonate, silica and sodium bicarbonate: mild cleaning and polishing agents
- Coconut-derived cleansers (sodium lauryl sulfoacetate and sodium cocoyl isethionate) for light foam, instead of sodium lauryl sulfate
- Licorice root extract, menthol and peppermint for flavor and freshness
The brand states a relative dentin abrasivity of about 21, far below the industry ceiling of 250, which makes it a gentle option for people worried about wear. The tablets are fluoride-free and described as vegan and cruelty-free.
See Better Biom (NOBS)'s current range
How to use toothpaste tablets
- Pop one tablet in your mouth and chew it a few times until it breaks down.
- Brush with a wet toothbrush as usual; the paste foams lightly.
- Spit and rinse, or spit without rinsing to leave more of the minerals on your teeth.
The first few days can feel odd, mostly because there is less foam than with a conventional toothpaste. Most people adapt within a week. One jar of 62 tablets lasts about a month at twice-daily brushing.
The lineup and what to buy first
- NOBS Toothpaste Tablets: about $40 for a 186-tablet jar, roughly a three-month supply. One-month jars and travel tubes of six tablets are also offered. The core flavor is organic mint, with other flavors such as Blueberry Bliss and Cinnamon Craze appearing on the site.
- NOBS Jr Kid's Toothpaste (about $15): a kids' version of the tablet.
- NOBS Expanding Dental Floss (about $10, or about $40 for a larger Colossal Edition): floss that expands on contact with saliva.
- NOBS Herbal Mouthwash (about $20), which was sold out during our research, plus whitening strips.
- Routines: the Complete Oral Care Routine (about $62 on sale, $70 regular) and Family Oral Care Routine (about $75 on sale, $85 regular).
Start with the three-month tablet jar, since it offers the best value and gives you enough time to judge the format. Add the floss if you want a plastic-light routine. Families can save with the Family Oral Care Routine.
Shipping, subscriptions and refunds
NOBS ships only within the US from its own fulfillment center. Canadian customers can buy through Amazon Canada, and UK customers through the brand's retail partner. Subscribers to the three-month supply receive a new jar every three months at a discount and can change frequency, skip, pause or add products from a subscription dashboard.
The brand's satisfaction promise lets you contact customer support within 30 days for a refund or replacement if you are not happy with the product. Full terms are in the refund policy.
Who it suits
NOBS is an excellent fit for frequent flyers, minimalists, campers and anyone trying to cut plastic from the bathroom. It also suits people who want a low-abrasion, fluoride-free nano-hydroxyapatite paste and like knowing exactly what is in it.
It is less suitable if you are at high risk of cavities and your dentist recommends fluoride, or if you live outside the US and want to buy direct. Households with dogs should store the jar securely, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Tablets versus tubes
The tablet format has clear advantages beyond packaging. Each tablet is a pre-measured dose, so there is no squeezing out too much, and nothing dries out or leaks in a bag. The trade-offs are the brief chewing step, less foam, and a higher upfront cost than a single tube, although the three-month jar works out to around $13 a month. If you share a bathroom with someone who prefers paste, a tablet jar also makes it easy to keep your own routine separate. Many users keep a travel tube of tablets in a gym bag or carry-on alongside their main jar at home.
Our verdict
Better Biom's NOBS tablets get the fundamentals right: a clearly dosed active ingredient, a gentle formula, transparent labeling and genuinely low-waste packaging at a fair price. If you are open to the tablet format and fluoride-free brushing fits your dental needs, the three-month jar is an easy recommendation.
Better Biom (NOBS) products at a glance
| Product | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| NOBS Toothpaste Tablets (3-month jar) | 186 fluoride-free tablets with 5 percent nano-hydroxyapatite, xylitol and zinc in a glass jar. | about $40 |
| NOBS Jr Kid's Toothpaste | Kids' version of the nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablet. | about $15 |
| NOBS Expanding Dental Floss | Floss that expands on contact with saliva for a fuller clean between teeth. | about $10 |
| Complete Oral Care Routine | Bundle of NOBS essentials for one person. | about $62–$70 |
| Family Oral Care Routine | Larger bundle of NOBS essentials sized for a household. | about $75–$85 |
Prices as listed on the brand's site at the time of our research and may change. Check the store for current pricing.
Better Biom (NOBS) FAQs
Is Better Biom the same as NOBS?
Yes. The betterbiom.com website now redirects to NOBS, the brand's current name for its toothpaste tablets and oral care line.
Do NOBS toothpaste tablets work as well as toothpaste?
Once chewed, NOBS tablets work like a low-foam paste, with 5 percent nano-hydroxyapatite plus gentle cleaning agents. Coverage of the brand cites a 2024 study in an MDPI dentistry journal reporting plaque and gum results comparable to fluoride toothpaste, but talk to your dentist if you are prone to cavities.
How long does a jar of NOBS last?
The 186-tablet jar lasts about three months at two tablets a day, and the 62-tablet jar about a month.
Can I take NOBS tablets on a plane?
Yes. Because they are solid tablets, not a gel or liquid, they are not subject to the liquids limit in carry-on bags.
Does NOBS ship internationally?
Direct orders ship only within the US. Canadian shoppers can buy on Amazon Canada, and UK shoppers through the brand's UK retail partner.
Travelers and low-waste households who want a fluoride-free tablet toothpaste
Disclosure: InhouseHeal may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. Our score is based on research of the brand's products, evidence, pricing and policies. How we review.
