Using whitening toothpaste is a simple way to get more out of brushing your teeth twice daily. It contains chemical and abrasive ingredients to remove stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and even smoking. While the results won't be as dramatic as a professional treatment, whitening toothpaste can make a big difference in brightening your smile. To determine the best whitening toothpaste, we consulted dentists and tested 15 products from the leading oral care brands at home. According to the VITA Guide, we evaluated each toothpaste based on its effectiveness, comfort, taste, and value.An orthodontist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy surrounding dental hygiene and the safety and efficacy of the ingredients in whitening toothpaste. Here are some common ingredients to look for in a whitening toothpaste: It's best to avoid toothpastes that contain charcoal, which can be too abrasive, says Dr. Morgano. Our Top Picks Best for Sensitive Teeth: Crest Gum and Sensitivity Gentle Whitening Toothpaste at Amazon ($16) Best for Protecting Enamel: Arm & Hammer Advance White Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste at Amazon ($7) Best for Preventing Cavities: Moon Anticavity Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride at Amazon ($9) Best for Quick Results: Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector at Amazon ($18) Best With Fluoride: Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Toothpaste at Amazon ($21) In This Article Ingredients to Look For and Avoid Our Picks How We Tested What to Look For Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Taste 4.9/5 Pros Pleasant mint flavor No artificial flavors or sweeteners Cruelty free Cons Unpleasant aftertaste Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 4.7 ounces | Flavor: Mint Burt's Bees Deep Clean Whitening With Fluoride Toothpaste was our top-performing pick for its effectiveness and comfort. This toothpaste uses silica rather than chemical whitening agents, and we noted significant whitening even after a single use. As a bonus, we didn't notice any sensitivity while using this product. It also has a pleasant, minty taste. We loved the fresh flavor over the baking soda-like taste other natural toothpastes tend to have. Like other Burt's Bees products, the toothpaste isn't tested on animals and is free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and dyes. This toothpaste has a slight aftertaste that may be unpleasant for some people, though it didn't bother us. Our Ratings Effectiveness 3.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Taste 5/5 Pros Relieves sensitivity Mild mint flavor Cleans hard-to-reach spots well Cons Whitens slower than other picks Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 4.1 ounces | Flavor: Mint Sometimes, whitening toothpaste can worsen tooth sensitivity, making eating or drinking food uncomfortable. Luckily, Crest Gum & Sensitivity Gentle Whitening Toothpaste brightened our smile comfortably with no increased sensitivity during testing. When we used this pick, it didn't irritate our gums or make our mouth feel dry like other options did. The light mint taste wasn't too strong, either. We noticed the foam was finer than we're used to but liked that it cleaned hard-to-reach places better. The toothpaste may not whiten as fast as others on our list, but it's worth it if you need to protect your teeth from sensitivity and pain. Our Ratings Effectiveness 3.3/5 Comfort 5/5 Taste 5/5 Pros 24-hour stain protection Peppermint flavor Works quickly Cons Subtler results Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, Silica| Size: 3.9 ounces | Flavor: Peppermint Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste in vibrant peppermint had the best flavor. This whitening pick tasted great and wasn't too bitter or strong compared to other options. Not only did it perform well for flavor, but it was also very comfortable due to its smooth and gentle feeling. It contains sodium fluoride, which can strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities. It also contains silica and mica, which can remove stains in as little as five days. When used twice daily, the manufacturer claims it offers 24-hour stain prevention. The difference in tooth color wasn't as significant as other products on our list. Our Ratings Effectiveness 3.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Taste 5/5 Pros Has both chemical and abrasive whiteners Provides deep clean feeling Gentle Cons Bubbling may be too intense for some Key Ingredients: Baking soda, peroxide, silica, fluoride | Size: 6 ounces| Flavor: Mint Colgate Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste combines chemical and abrasive whitening agents—namely, hydrogen peroxideandhydrated silica. It also has fluoride to help protect teeth from cavities. This unique formula releases oxygen bubbles as you brush for a fresh, clean feeling. The mint flavor was mild and pleasant when we used it, and the baking soda didn't create a harsh taste. We also appreciated the toothpaste's smooth texture and how gentle it was on our sensitive gums. While we enjoyed it, the bubbling sensation may be a little intense for some people. Also, it whitens slower than other products, but regular use does result in a definite difference in teeth color. Our Ratings Effectiveness 3.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Taste 5/5 Pros Mild flavor Easy-to-use flip-top cap Brighter results in three days Cons Small tube Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 3 ounces | Flavor: Mint Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste is our favorite whitening pick from the trusted brand. It has a gentle feeling and a mild mint flavor that isn't overpowering. This toothpaste features hydrated silica to remove stains and sodium fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. The toothpaste promises to reduce surface stains in as little as three days. After testing, we're happy to say it fulfilled that promise. We noticed our teeth were immediately whiter after brushing, so it's a great choice for last-minute brightening before an event or photo shoot. The toothpaste has a mild, gritty feeling. It also only comes in 3-ounce tubes, which means less product. However, on the bright side, it's travel-friendly. Our Ratings Effectiveness 3.6/5 Comfort 5/5 Taste 5/5 Pros Free of sulfates, dyes, and preservatives Vegan Cruelty-free Cons Subtler results Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 4.7 ounces | Flavor: Mint Tom's of Maine Simply White Toothpaste is our top natural choice. The formula is peroxide-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. It's packed with silica to whiten teeth instead of relying on chemical whiteners.It also contains sodium fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. The fresh mint flavor is not overpowering, and there was no aftertaste during testing. In fact, the taste didn't linger at all. It did a great job minimizing staining while being a healthy, natural alternative to other options. This may not be your pick if you're looking for drastic results. Compared to other toothpastes we tried, this one's whitening effect was more subtle. Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Taste 2/5 Pros Strengthens enamel Gentle Mild mint flavor Cons Strong baking soda flavor Grainy texture Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, baking soda, silica | Size: 4.3 ounces | Flavor: Mint Arm & Hammer Advance White Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste protects the enamel while whitening teeth. The formula uses sodium fluoride and baking soda to strengthen the enamel gently. Paired with the chemical whitening agent carbonate peroxide and silica as a second abrasive whitener, it has an effective and powerful ingredient list for a brighter, whiter smile. This pick does its job well, especially with prolonged use. One of our editors has been using this pick for three years and loves how bright and white her smile is after struggling with coffee-stained teeth. We found the texture a bit grainy and thought the taste was slightly bitter at first, but we got used to it after continued use. Our Ratings Effectiveness 3.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Taste 4/5 Pros Vegan Cruelty-free ADA approved Cons Difficult to squeeze out of the tube Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, silica | Size: 4.2 ounces | Flavor: Mint Moon Anticavity Whitening Toothpaste With Fluoride is formulated to remove plaque buildup and bacteria while whitening teeth. Despite its multi-tasking ingredient list: antioxidants, essential oils, silica and sodium fluoride, we experienced no sensitivity when using this toothpaste and found the texture pleasant. Lastly, the toothpaste is ADA-approved for cavity prevention, vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. We struggled to squeeze this product out of the tube, so it may not be for you if you struggle with hand dexterity or grip. We also didn't find the flavor as fresh-feeling as other toothpastes. Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Convenience 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Immediate results Fresh, minty flavor Easy clean-up Cons Adds an extra step to your brushing routine Key Ingredients: Cellulose, glycerin, silica | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Flavor: Mint We love Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector for an instantly brighter smile. Like other purple whitening toothpastes, it creates a temporary illusion of whiter teeth. It's not a long-term solution, but it works for short-term purposes or spot treating. You use this whitening pick after your regular toothpaste. At the end of testing, our smiles looked brighter. It also made our teeth feel smoother and cleaner than ever before. At first, we worried that the bright color would stain the sink, but we were pleasantly surprised at how easily it cleaned up. We didn't experience tooth sensitivity and also enjoyed the refreshing mint flavor. This isn't meant to replace your toothpaste. Using it will add an extra step to your daily routine. Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Comfort 3/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Pros Brightens teeth immediately Easy clean-up Contains fluoride Cons Unpleasant flavor Gritty texture Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride | Size: 4.6 ounces | Flavor: Luminous purple (mint) or unflavored Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Toothpaste combines the whitening effects of purple toothpaste with the health benefits of sodium fluoride. Unlike many other kinds of purple toothpaste, it can be used as a standalone toothpaste to prevent cavities and whiten teeth. We were amazed at the effectiveness of this toothpaste, and the affordable price is another plus since many purple toothpastes can be costly. We highly recommend this toothpaste if you're looking for a quick brightening product before photo shoots or other events that would benefit from a whiter smile. We found this toothpaste's intense taste and goopy, thick texture unpleasant. It works, but it's not enjoyable to use. When determining the best products to test, we reviewed dozens of toothpastes from the top oral care brands. After researching, we tested 15 and selected 10 whitening toothpastes for home testing. We evaluated them based on the following criteria: We used expert input at every step of reporting and writing this story. Here are some of the experts we consulted: Do you need to use whitening toothpaste to start seeing results? Whitening toothpaste takes time to work. Dr. Morgano recommends waiting two to six weeks to see the effects. To maximize results, brush for two minutes, and consider using an electric toothbrush with a timer if you struggle to brush for the recommended time. If a whitening toothpaste has hydrogen peroxide, Dr. Hewlett says it needs to remain on teeth longer than other ingredients to see results. Can whitening toothpaste damage enamel? Dr. Hewlett says over-the-counter whitening toothpaste will not damage enamel and is safe for daily use. Does whitening toothpaste work on crowns/veneers? Whitening toothpaste removes superficial stains on ceramic crowns and veneers, says Dr. Morgano, adding that you should do your best to avoid bleaching gels. As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed various experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life. Verywell Health staff writer Brittany Johnson has "tried every whitening toothpaste imaginable." She loves her experience with the Arm & Hammer brand. She highly recommends Arm & Hammer Advance White Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste. It drastically improved her coffee-stained teeth while keeping her mouth fresh all day. She's happy she can help readers find their perfect toothpaste for a whiter, brighter smile. Ingredients to Look For and Avoid
Best Overall
Burt's Bees Deep Clean Whitening with Fluoride Toothpaste
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep In Mind
Best for Sensitive Teeth
Crest Gum and Sensitivity Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best Flavor
Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best Colgate
Colgate Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Bubbles Toothpaste
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best Crest
Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best Natural
Tom's of Maine Simply White Toothpaste Gel
Key Specs:
Why We Like It
Keep in Mind
Best for Protecting Enamel
Arm & Hammer Advance White Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best for Preventing Cavities
Moon Anticavity Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best for Quick Results
Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best With Fluoride
Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Toothpaste
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
How We Tested
What to Look For in Whitening Toothpastes
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Health
FAQs
What is the number one dentist recommended whitening toothpaste? ›
Best for surface stains: Colgate, Optic White Pro Toothpaste, $10. Best dentist-developed: Opalescence, Whitening Toothpaste, $13. Best for serious stains: Carifree, Gel 1100, $17. Best fast-acting: Crest, 3D White Brilliance, $7.
Does any whitening toothpaste actually work? ›Indeed, no toothpaste actually whitens. All toothpaste can do is remove stains from the surface of a tooth. And according to a recent survey by Consumer's Union, the best toothpaste for removing stains was one of the cheapest on the market.
What is the number one dentist approved toothpaste? ›Category | Toothpaste Product |
---|---|
Best for General Use | Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste |
Best for Sensitive Teeth | Sensodyne ProNamel Toothpaste |
Best for Whitening | Tom's of Maine Simply White Natural Fluoride Toothpaste |
Best for Natural Pick | The Natural Dentist All In One SLS FREE Aloe Toothpaste |
Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste is our favorite whitening pick from the trusted brand. It has a gentle feeling and a mild mint flavor that isn't overpowering. This toothpaste features hydrated silica to remove stains and sodium fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel.
What is the highest peroxide teeth whitening toothpaste? ›Created by whitening professionals, Colgate® Optic White® Pro Series Whitening Toothpaste contains 5% hydrogen peroxide, our highest available level of hydrogen peroxide in an over-the-counter whitening toothpaste.
Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
What actually whitens your teeth fast? ›Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:
Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.
- Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste Gel.
- MOON Anticavity with Fluoride Whitening Toothpaste.
- Tom's of Maine Simply White Clean Mint Toothpaste.
- SprinJene White Boost.
- Crest Pro-Health Gum Restore Whitening.
- Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste.
- Burt's Bees Whitening Toothpaste.
Dental hygienists use a flavored polishing toothpaste made of pumice, flavoring, and usually a tiny amount of fluoride. This normally follows the scaling process, which is when hygienists use metal tools to scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth. The polishing toothpaste is much more coarse than regular toothpaste.
What is the #1 toothpaste in America? ›
Largest Toothpaste Brands Research Summary
The largest toothpaste brand brand in the US is Colgate, with a revenue of $17.967 billion and 139.37 million consumers. As of 2022, the global toothpaste industry has a market size of $35.5 billion. Colgate sells over 80 million units of toothpaste each year.
Here are some popular brands and types often recommended: Oral-B Pro-Expert Deep Clean Toothpaste. Crest Gum Detoxify and Pro-Health Advanced Crest's Gum Detoxify Toothpastes. Paradontax Active Gum Repair.
What is the only thing that whitens teeth? ›Tooth whitening is most often done using peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the stronger the solution and the longer you keep it on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become.
What product makes your teeth the whitest? ›- OpalescenceGo Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays, Set of 10. ...
- Burst Prefilled Whitening Trays, Set of 3. ...
- PhilipsZoom NiteWhite Kit, Set of 3. ...
- Dr. ...
- Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
- Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
- Crest3D Whitestrips, Pack of 22.
Carbamide peroxide is a stable complex that breaks down in contact with water to release hydrogen peroxide. Because carbamide peroxide releases hydrogen peroxide the chemistry of most tooth whitening is that of hydrogen peroxide.
Is Colgate or Crest White better? ›Both Crest and Colgate offer effective teeth whitening toothpaste options, but the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your dental health, sensitivity levels, and the specific benefits you are looking for in a whitening toothpaste.