10 Best Teeth-Whitening Toothpastes, According to Dentists
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Perhaps you’ve noticed your smile is looking a little dull after indulging in one too many glasses of red wine. The best teeth-whitening toothpastes can help amp up the sparkle without going all in on professional whitening treatments or a full-blown arsenal of teeth-whitening products.
So, how do teeth get stained in the first place? “All teeth are made out of tubes—like pores,” Alice Hoang, DMD, founder of Brooklyn Mint, a dental practice in New York City, previously told Glamour. When you eat or drink something richly pigmented—red wine, turmeric, tomato sauce, coffee—those pigments can penetrate the porous structure of enamel, creating that stained or dingy appearance. To help you find the best teeth-whitening toothpastes, we spoke to dentists who use them and recommend them to their patients.
The best teeth-whitening toothpastes, at a glance
- Best Overall: Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Toothpaste, $13
- Best Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: Boka Fluoride Free Toothpaste, $12
- Best for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Teeth Whitening Toothpaste, $17
- Best Daily Whitening Toothpaste: Colgate Optic White Toothpaste, $12
Your teeth-whitening questions, answered
Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand1/16Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Toothpaste
“This is my favorite over-the-counter whitening product because it gives patients noticeable results in under a week’s time and won’t break the bank,” Lauren Becker, DDS, a dentist certified in biomimetic dentistry in New York, previously told Glamour. White strips can be bulky, annoying, and require consistency and time, while all this requires is the two minutes (the recommended time you should already be brushing your teeth), she says. The two-step formula contains a cleanser to help remove plaque and prevent whitening-induced sensitivity thanks to the inclusion of stannous fluoride, an ingredient that helps strengthen enamel, prevent plaque, and relieve sensitivity pain. After brushing with step one, step two helps whiten teeth with a peroxide-based whitening gel. While she hasn’t used this two-step product specifically, Mattie Schuler is a journalist and longtime user of Crest 3D White toothpaste. “I drink coffee every morning and never seem to have stains,” she says. “I’ve always found it to be a really great, not overpowering minty flavor, and ever since I started using it, I always have people asking me how I get my teeth so white.” Kristen S., who works in consulting in Denver, also trusts Crest for lifting stains. She’s used Crest 3D White for roughly 10 years, noting how much she loves the taste, texture, and how it foams up.
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide, stannous fluoride, silica
- Pros: Helps prevent sensitivity, provides results quickly
- Cons: The two-step process is more time-consuming
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Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand2/16Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
If you’re concerned about the potential damage to tooth enamel, Dr. Hoang recommends Colgate Optic White Toothpaste. It’s effective (the formula contains 2% hydrogen peroxide) and gentle. “It’s one of the least abrasive options, so it’s gentler on enamel and less likely to exacerbate tooth recession and sensitivity,” she previously told Glamour.
“I’ve been using this formula for years and am consistently impressed by how white it keeps my teeth,” says Glamour contributor Macaela MacKenzie. “I had a professional whitening treatment done years ago to address deeper stains and since then have mostly kept up the results by brushing daily with this baby—even my dentist is impressed. The flavor isn’t too minty or chalky, like other toothpastes I’ve used over the years, and the stand-up tube is super convenient.”
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- Pros: Safe for enamel
- Cons: Not the highest peroxide concentration
Save when you shop for the best teeth-whitening toothpastes with these Amazon promo codes.
Tom’s of Maine Simply White Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand3/16Tom’s of Maine Simply White Toothpaste
If you’re looking for a peroxide-free option, this one from Tom’s is a good bet—it uses sodium fluoride and silica to gently remove stains and strengthen enamel. It won the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, which means “it will do what the packaging says it will do,” says Ruchi Sahota, DDS, consumer advisor spokesperson for the ADA. Whitening toothpastes that have earned this seal have “additional polishing agents that are safe for your teeth and provide stain removal effectiveness,” says Dr. Sahota. Basically, a whitening toothpaste with the seal has been tested extensively to ensure that it’s safe and effective.
- Type of whitening agent: Sodium fluoride, silica
- Pros: ADA-approved, gentle whitening
- Cons: No peroxide, so it’s unlikely to provide dramatic results
Boka Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand4/16Boka Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Namrata Patel, DDS, recommends this toothpaste for those who want a fluoride-free whitening option, and anyone who struggles with sensitivity. The formula uses hydroxyapatite, an inorganic mineral that helps to rebuild (or “remineralize”) tooth enamel. It’s an especially compelling ingredient for whitening toothpastes. Research shows hydroxyapatite itself has whitening properties, and as an alternative to fluoride toothpaste, it helps prevent cavities and reduces sensitivity.
- Type of whitening agent: Hydroxyapatite, silica, calcium carbonate
- Pros: Strengthens enamel; reduces sensitivity
- Cons: No peroxide (may not whiten as quickly or effectively)
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand5/16Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
If you’re interested in gentle whitening but already dealing with some tooth sensitivity, Dr. Hoang recommends trying Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Teeth Whitening Toothpaste. It’s the OG of toothpastes for those with sensitive teeth because it can help remove stains from the tooth’s surface without causing sensitivity pain. The formula contains silica, a very gentle abrasive ingredient that helps to brighten teeth, and the main ingredient is sodium fluoride—while it doesn’t directly whiten, fluoride does help strengthen enamel and prevent sensitivity caused by some whitening methods. “I haven’t used the whitening version of Sensodyne, but I swear by the brand for nixing pain from cold, hot, and sweet foods,” says Glamour contributor Kristin Canning. “It was recommended to me by a dentist and it really works. I noticed a difference quickly.”
- Type of whitening agent: Silica
- Pros: Convenient packaging; reduces sensitivity
- Cons: Doesn’t get foamy, no peroxide
Save when you shop for the best teeth-whitening toothpastes with these Amazon promo codes.
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Lumineux Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand6/16Lumineux Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Loved by Dr. Patel for its ability to whiten without causing sensitivity, this fluoride-free option from Lumineux contains silica to gently brush stains away. The formula also contains coconut oil, lemon peel oil, and salt, which it claims can aid in brightening your smile. While it likely won’t be as potent as a peroxide option, this is a good pick for those with sensitivity issues who want a fluoride-free toothpaste.
- Type of whitening agent: Silica
- Pros: Prevents sensitivity
- Cons: No peroxide
Oxyfresh Pro Formula Fresh Mint Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand7/16Oxyfresh Pro Formula Fresh Mint Toothpaste
For a bleach-free whitening toothpaste that won’t erode enamel, Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS, a celebrity cosmetic dentist in New York, recommends Oxyfresh Dental Pro Formula. “It gently polishes with calcium carbonate and is another great natural toothpaste option for sensitive teeth and gums,” he says. Because it’s so gentle, “it’s great for cosmetic work, such as veneers,” he adds. The formula is pH-balanced, fluoride-free, and dye-free, and leaves you with a refreshing aftertaste thanks to peppermint essential oil.
- Type of whitening agent: Calcium carbonate
- Pros: Gentle enough for veneers, likely won’t cause sensitivity
- Cons: No peroxide
Save when you shop for the best teeth-whitening toothpastes with these Amazon promo codes.
Parodontax Active Gum Repair Whitening Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand8/16Parodontax Active Gum Repair Whitening Toothpaste
Teeth-whitening products can be scary if you have sensitive gums. “Hydrogen peroxide is harsh on the gums,” says Dr. Hoang. For most people, the relatively low percentage of peroxide found in whitening toothpastes won’t cause issues, but if you’re dealing with gum recession, even small amounts may cause pain and discomfort, she says. For patients like this, Dr. Rubinshtein recommends Parodontax Active Gum Repair Whitening Toothpaste. Its primary job is to help “keep the seal tight between gums and teeth” by targeting damaging plaque bacteria at the gumline, he says, but the anticavity toothpaste will also gently whiten with stannous fluoride and help remineralize weakened enamel.
- Type of whitening agent: Stannous fluoride
- Pros: Helps protect gums; protects against sensitivity
- Cons: No peroxide, reviewers note the taste isn’t great
Save when you shop for the best teeth-whitening toothpastes with these Amazon promo codes.
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand9/16Crest Pro-Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection Toothpaste
Another gentle peroxide-free alternative for your whitening routine is Crest Pro Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection Toothpaste. “It’s ADA-approved and offers ingredients that help to whiten but won’t break down your teeth,” says Dr. Becker. Again, think of this formula as support for your oral-care routine that will help to keep your teeth white (after using a more potent at-home treatment or a professional treatment from your dentist) rather than create a dramatic change in the shade of your teeth on its own. Stannous fluoride can subtly whiten while also remineralizing teeth to make them less susceptible to stains and sensitivity.
- Type of whitening agent: Stannous fluoride
- Pros: ADA-approved, prevents sensitivity
- Cons: No peroxide
Save when you shop for the best teeth-whitening toothpastes with these Amazon promo codes.
Rembrandt Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste
Courtesy of brand10/16Rembrandt Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste
For more dramatic peroxide-free results, Dr. Becker likes Rembrandt Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste. Hydrated silica helps to gently polish away surface stains and fluoride helps to whiten and protect teeth. Dr. Becker particularly likes this formula as it has a neutral pH, which is better for enamel than more acidic formulas.
- Type of whitening agent: Silica, fluoride
- Pros: Reviewers note the flavor and texture are both mild
- Cons: No peroxide
Save when you shop for the best teeth-whitening toothpastes with these Amazon promo codes.
11/16How can you whiten your teeth with toothpaste?
The best whitening toothpastes work by using one of two primary whitening methods: chemical bleaching and physical abrasion.
The first method involves peroxide. “Peroxide acts as a bleaching agent to change the color of your teeth,” says Lauren Becker, DDS, a dentist certified in biomimetic dentistry in NYC. “If a toothpaste claims to whiten, it should contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.” Both chemicals “react with the molecules causing stains on the teeth,” Kevin Sands, DMD, a board-certified cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, previously told Glamour. “This reaction helps break down the stains into smaller, less visible particles, leading to a brighter and whiter appearance of the teeth.”
The second way toothpastes can whiten is through physical abrasion, or exfoliation, of the enamel. These formulas often contain ingredients like baking soda, which “remove stains by physically scraping them off the surface of the tooth,” Dr. Becker says.
Experts caution that both whitening methods can damage teeth if you overdo it. Overexposure to peroxide can cause sensitivity and damage gums, and abrasion can damage enamel. (Avoid charcoal toothpastes if you can, our experts told us—despite being a popular ingredient in whitening toothpastes, charcoal has “no proven whitening effect and can remove enamel,” Dr. Becker says.)
Other ingredients in toothpaste can also support whitening without causing sensitivity or risking enamel damage. “If you’re finding your teeth to be more sensitive, look for formulas that have stannous fluoride or a hydroxyapatite,” says Dr. Becker.
To determine whether a whitening toothpaste will actually work, “it’s best to look at the concentrations of the peroxide in the teeth-whitening product,” says Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS, a celebrity cosmetic dentist in NYC. Higher concentrations—up to 10% carbamide peroxide and 3.5% hydrogen peroxide—will generally be more effective, but lower concentrations are better for sensitive teeth, he says. “The best way is to visit your dentist and let them create a specialized dental game plan for your teeth-whitening experience so you can get the best results with the least discomfort,” he says.
12/16How effective are whitening toothpastes?
Whitening toothpastes can help address surface stains, but they aren’t potent enough to address deeper yellowing or graying of the teeth, says Dr. Rubinshtein.
If you’re looking for dramatic results, whitening toothpastes are best used in tandem with professional in-office whitening treatments performed by your dentist or as a way to extend the effects of at-home teeth-whitening kits or whitening strips, which contain higher concentrations of peroxide. To maintain the effects of more powerful whitening treatments, make sure you have a consistent dental hygiene routine that includes floss and mouthwash to protect your pearly whites.
“I like to tell my patients that sometimes it’s not what you’re using; it’s how/when you’re using it,” says Alice Hoang, DMD, founder of Brooklyn Mint, a dental practice in New York City. “Maintaining a good routine with consistent brushing after you eat foods or drinks with lots of color, it helps avoid staining, therefore reducing the desire to always whiten.”
13/16How often should I use whitening toothpaste?
“Generally, it’s safe to use whitening toothpastes twice daily as part of your regular oral hygiene routine,” Dr. Sands previously told Glamour. Whitening toothpastes approved by the ADA are all safe for daily use (note that all toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance must contain fluoride). For a brighter and healthier smile, Dr. Rubinshtein recommends also using a water flosser—he likes the Quip Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser.
One of the risks of any at-home whitening treatment is overdoing it. “There are people who over-whiten their teeth, which is called ‘bleachorexia,’” Dr. Rubinshtein says. “It can cause permanent teeth sensitivity, gum damage, and turn your teeth gray.” Exercise caution even when using “natural” whitening toothpastes. “Some of the natural toothpastes include less harsh ingredients, but I’d still avoid charcoal-based toothpastes,” adds Dr. Hoang. “This strips the enamel and is best to avoid.”
14/16How can I get a brighter smile if I have sensitive teeth?
If your teeth are sensitive or if you’re experiencing gum recession, you may want to skip the whitening toothpaste, according to the dentists we spoke with, since both peroxide and abrasive whiteners can increase sensitivity. If you’re concerned about this, talk to your dentist before trying anything new and stop using at-home whitening products if your teeth start to feel painful. “If your teeth start to feel sensitive with cold water, breathing in air, eating ice cream, or even brushing your teeth, those are indications that the teeth whitening is exacerbating your teeth sensitivity,” says Dr. Rubinshtein.
15/16What is the best toothpaste for whitening and fresh breath?
Brushing and flossing regularly with any toothpaste should keep bad breath at bay, but if you’re hoping to feel fresher, adding mouthwash and making sure to brush your tongue could help. “Foods feed sulfur-producing bacteria on your tongue, and they’re best removed by being brushed off or tongue scraped,” says Namrata Patel, DDS.
16/16What’s the best toothbrush for whitening teeth?
Again, when it comes to whitening, brushing consistently is more important than using a particular kind of toothbrush. Both standard and electric toothbrushes can be effective, says Ruchi Sahota, DDS, consumer advisor spokesperson for the ADA, so it’s really your preference. “Brushing technique can also be a factor in effectively cleaning and preventing stains,” she says. “Talk to your dentist or hygienist and ask if your technique is effective.” Once they see how you brush, they may be able to suggest tweaks to help you clean your teeth even better.
