If you want a whiter, brighter smile, your choice of toothpaste can make a significant difference. Whitening toothpastes have surged in popularity, offering an accessible and convenient way to combat stains and discoloration. Whether due to coffee, tea, red wine, or simply the passage of time, these tubes of toothpaste promise to restore the natural gleam to your teeth, enhancing your confidence with every brush. It’s important to note that while whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains and make teeth appear brighter, they may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments for deeper or more severe discoloration. Additionally, overuse of whitening toothpastes or those with harsh abrasives can lead to tooth sensitivity or damage to the enamel. It’s always a good idea to consult with a dentist before starting any teeth whitening regimen. Which toothpastes actually follow through on their promises? We have compiled a list of the best whitening toothpastes based on which products were recommended most across nine expert reviews. Love one we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
The List: Best Whitening Toothpastes That Actually Work
1. Colgate Optic White Renewal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
If you want to brighten your teeth fast, this toothpaste from Colgate can do the trick which is why it tops our list! Experts at Good Housekeeping finds the formula can remove up to 10 years’ worth of stains in only four weeks. There is a catch however, you must use the toothpaste twice a day. One other important note: It’s the only American Dental Association-approved bleaching toothpaste that is formulated with fluoride for cavity prevention.
Some grittier formulas can damage teeth, but not this one. Marina Gonchar, DMD, MS, a board-certified orthodontist tells Byrdie she recommends this brand all the time to her patients, but she does warn them not to use it longer than a few weeks. It’s also a great option if you have sensitive teeth since it contains desensitizing agents to make brushing less painful.
Using Colgate Optic White Renewal may not make your teeth as white as Sofia Vergara’s, but the company says its patented formula will make your teeth four shades lighter and eliminate daily stains from things like coffee and tea. It gets the “Best Overall Whitening Toothpaste” nod from Oprah Daily thanks to its patented two percent hydrogen peroxide formula.
2. Crest 3D White Brilliance
Lauren Becker, D.D.S., a general and cosmetic dentist in New York City, likes the two-step version of this toothpaste, saying it’s almost as good as getting a professional polish. She tells Good Housekeeping this is her favorite over-the-counter whitening product because patients will notice a difference in less than a week. Unlike whitening strips, this paste also whitens your back teeth.
This whitening paste is highly rated for both flavor and smoothness. It receives five out of five stars in both categories, according to Verywell Health. It includes silica and mica, ingredients known for removing stains in just five days, and provides 24-hour stain prevention when used twice a day.
Hydrogen peroxide boosts tooth whitening, and that’s exactly why Oprah Daily is all about this toothpaste. It’s packed with the highest level of hydrogen peroxide you can find in toothpaste, a whopping four percent!
3. Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste
If you have sensitive gums and teeth, Dr. Rhonda Kalasho recommends trying Sensodyne toothpaste. According to her advice on Byrdie, Sensodyne is ideal because it contains pentasodium triphosphate, which effectively removes surface stains without being too harsh on enamel. Maintaining whitened teeth at home takes dedication! Dr. Kalasho suggests brushing two to three times daily with Sensodyne and flossing regularly.
An editor from Good Housekeeping and her family are all users of Sensodyne, noting its effectiveness for those with sensitive teeth and gums who still want to focus on whitening. This sentiment is widely shared online, with many reviewers recommending Sensodyne for anyone with sensitive gums, encouraging them to give it a try.
This toothpaste offers the best of both worlds, an anti-cavity formula along with a whitener. The best part? It will protect your gums and enamel for up to 24 hours, according to Harper’s Bazaar. So if you only brush once a day, you’ll still be protected!
4. Opalescence Whitening
This toothpaste is on the pricier side, but Byrdie thinks it’s “totally worth the splurge.” Testers noticed their teeth were two shades brighter after using the toothpaste for only a few days! Additionally, its formula is praised for its pleasant taste and effective stain removal, making it a top choice for those looking to invest in a high-quality dental care product.
Low-abrasion silica effectively brightens teeth and, along with potassium nitrate, alleviates tooth pain and gum irritation. This toothpaste also strengthens enamel and keeps breath fresh, providing a thorough solution for oral health care, writes Harper’s Bazaar.
This formula is almost as effective as a professional whitening treatment from your dentist. Dubbed the “Best Professional Whitening Toothpaste” by Oprah Daily, it not only removes surface stains but also protects against cavities and strengthens enamel, enhancing overall dental hygiene.
5. Crest Pro-Health Gum and Sensitivity Toothpaste
This toothpaste scored top marks for comfort and didn’t increase sensitivity in already sensitive teeth, allowing users to enjoy hot and cold beverages pain-free. Its foamy, smooth formula provides a pleasant, grit-free brushing experience, leaving a refreshingly clean feeling, Birdie explains. It has not only received high praise but also the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance for its safety and effectiveness in reducing sensitivity and protecting against enamel erosion from dietary acids.
Hildara Araya from Verywell Family had a great experience with this Crest toothpaste, especially with her sensitive teeth and gums. She mentioned that her mouth felt clean and refreshed after using it. Although the changes weren’t dramatic, she believes that longer-term use might yield more noticeable results.
Talk about multitasking! This toothpaste uses silica to scrub away stains and stannous fluoride, which does more than just prevent cavities – it also fights plaque and bacteria, unlike sodium fluoride. There’s also the amino acid glycine in the mix, which is great for reducing inflammation and bleeding. It helps prevent gingivitis when teamed up with stannous fluoride. Glycine even stabilizes the fluoride, adding another layer of effectiveness to this formula, writes Shape.
6. Arm and Hammer Advance White Breath Freshening Toothpaste
Baking soda is the main ingredient in this popular toothpaste which Harper’s Bazaar says both neutralizes enamel weakening acids and lifts stains. One customer swears by the formula, saying her dental hygienist is amazed by the results — considering she’s a tea-aholic.
This may not taste the best, but it works. Grace Yum, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist in Chicago, tells Good Housekeeping that it’s a great option to keep teeth nice and white after spending money for a professional in-office bleaching.
This toothpaste taps into the power of baking soda, a kitchen staple known for its scrubbing power, to whisk away stubborn stains from teeth. Teamed up with carbonate peroxide, it’s a dynamic duo that brightens your smile. VeryWell Health reminds us about the silica for that extra whitening boost! It’s like a mini dental spa treatment every time you brush!
7. Marvis Whitening Mint
Rounding out our list is this toothpaste made in Italy that gets rave reviews on Amazon. Not only will the stylish tube look great if you leave it out on the counter, but a beauty editor at Harper’s Bazaar reports its minty flavor leaves her mouth so refreshed! It’s more expensive than the others on this list, but if you dilute it with some water, you’ll only have to use a little bit at a time.
Many products don’t deliver, but Oprah Daily says this one does! This favorite dental brand offers vegan and cruelty-free toothpaste that truly whitens as promised. Plus, its cool mint flavor leaves your breath feeling extra fresh.
Marvis is known for its rich, creamy toothpaste that packs a punch in terms of flavor. It’s not just about taste, though; this refreshing whitening paste also helps prevent decay and fights tartar, making it a standout choice for oral care, according to No Gaps Dental.
Sources:
- Byrdie
- Harper’s Bazaar
- Good Housekeeping
- Oprah Daily
- No Gaps Dental
- Very Well Health
- Shape
- Women’s Health Magazine
- Ask The Dentist
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.