8 Whitening Toothpastes That Actually Work, According to Dentists (2024)

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Key Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, Sodium fluoride, Hydrated silica | Size: 4 oz.

The Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste from Sensodyne not only performed well during our test but New York-based dentist and dental professor Carla Tornatore DDS recommends it. The unique formula removes stains, prevents cavities, and strengthens teeth at the same time. “It’s important for whitening toothpaste to be gentle on enamel (the thin outer layer of a tooth); this toothpaste actually helps strengthen enamel, improving the overall health of your teeth in addition to brightening your smile,” she explains. That's a win-win-win in our book.

During testing, we noticed that the toothpaste brightened teeth but it didn’t produce permanent whitening results. However, that’s to be expected since toothpaste is only on the teeth for a short period of time. We never experienced any stinging, burning, or discomfort while using the product.The only thing we didn’t love was the taste. It wasn't horrible, per se, it’s just very strong. It does leave breath nice and minty but reminded us more of the toothpaste you get at a dentist’s office: simple but effective.

Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, Hydrated silica | Size: 4.7 oz.

This ADA-approved toothpaste is a nice pick if you prefer a bleach-free option. It contains sodium fluoride, hydrated silica, and xylitol, a natural sweetener, to assist with clean, bright teeth and healthy gums. It's also vegan, cruelty-free (a rarity in the dental space), and doesn't contain artificial dyes, flavors, or preservatives,

We love that it comes in lots of different flavors (Sweet Mint, Mild Fruit, and Silly Strawberry to name a few), but none are overpowering or linger for too long, so it's a great option if you don’t love that cool burning sensation some toothpastes leave behind.Plus, it's pretty gentle, so our sensitive-toothed friends can use it comfortably. The results didn't show up overnight, but the formula did a really nice job of removing stains and preventing tooth decay. Despite having subtly abrasive polishing ingredients, it’s not too granular (though it can feel subtly chalky).

Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, Hydrated silica | Size: 3.7 oz.

People with sensitive gums are often hesitant to try a whitening toothpaste since most formulas have a reputation for being irritating. But the Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Whitening Toothpaste is different—it's easy on sensitive gums. We love that it leaves the teeth and mouth clean and refreshed, sans itching and burning. The formula has no grittiness (another win for sensitive mouths) and it foams slightly upon contact with water, making your mouth feel extra clean. Best of all, it’s ADA-accepted and contains sodium fluoride (an ingredient that prevents tooth decay), both of which Tornatore says are key when picking a formula that whitens and protects teeth.

There's just a hint of mint flavoring which is great for those who aren’t crazy about an overpowering taste. Instead, it just leaves behind a fresh finish. Even if you forget to brush your teeth after coffee, rest assured, this formula will help mitigate discoloration over time. Our results weren’t super drastic, but, with daily use, it made a difference in the appearance of dark beverage-induced surface stains.

Key Ingredients: Sodium monofluorophosphate, Hydrogen peroxide, Silica | Size: 3.2 oz.

Many teeth-whitening toothpastes contain peroxide of some sort because it’s an effective bleaching agent. “Peroxide opens the pores of the enamel in your teeth and changes their color from the inside out, making them appear whiter,” says Biga. While that may sound a little scary, we promise you, it’s not. This toothpaste from Colgate is one that Gonchar swears by. She uses it on patients to avoid damaging the enamel that can otherwise happen with grittier formulas. She says it’s even a great pick for those looking to avoid discomfort since it includes desensitizing agents—just don’t use it for more than a few weeks at a time as sensitivity can develop.

It does take a couple of weeks to see results. Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS. explains that with peroxide the length of contact with the teeth matters most. He recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Following his instructions, and after brushing with this toothpaste both day and night, it took about two weeks to really see a difference. Whitening aside, we enjoyed the minty flavor while testing and appreciated that it wiped away even the most garlicky of meals.

Ingredients: Stannous fluoride, Hydrated silica | Size: 4.1 oz.

According to oral care expert Monica Biga, those with sensitive teeth should avoid whitening toothpaste formulated with peroxide, a bleaching agent that “opens the pores of the enamel and changes the color of the tooth from the inside, making it appear whiter." That’s why she recommends Crest Pro-Health Gum & Sensitivity Whitening Toothpaste as it instead contains fluoride and silica, the latter of which is known to remove surface stains, particularly from tea, coffee, and wine.

We found this toothpaste didn't sensitize our sensitive teeth and even made it less jarring to consume hot and cold liquids. The foamy formula is gentle and pleasant with no grittiness, and you can expect a refreshing, clean feeling. We noticed our teeth were one shade whiter after four weeks. It maynot seem like much, but given that teeth whitening products typically exacerbate sensitivity issues, we feel that even some improvement in overall brightness without discomfort is a win here. Plus, long-term use may yield even more drastic results.

Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, Potassium nitrate, Hydrated silica | Type: Abrasive | Size: 4.7 oz.

This toothpaste from Opalescence is a stain buster but still gentle on enamel; it's no wonder that both Tornatore and Gonchar recommend it. “This formula in particular is a great option for those who have experienced tooth sensitivity while whitening. It contains silica, an abrasive that removes external stains, along with potassium nitrate, which is an excellent desensitizer,” says Gonchar. “Plus, the addition of sodium fluoride helps maintain the strength of the enamel.” Tornatore agrees, adding that it does a really good job removing surface stains and maintaining whiteness after an in-office bleaching treatment.

During testing, it was effective within the first few days of use, with teeth appearing two shades brighter than before. Our only complaint is that it’s on the pricier end of what we've tried, but at 10 dollars, it's totally worth the splurge.

Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, Potassium nitrate, Baking soda, Peroxide, Hydrated silica | Size: 6 oz.

Boosted by baking soda and peroxide, this toothpaste promises to lift surface stains and help maintain a brighter smile. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it can remove stains from the surface of your teeth. It’s alkaline and salty, which is especially useful for lifting stains from food and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, says Tornatore. What’s more, peroxide acts as a disinfectant to prevent plaque buildup.

With all that scrubbing power, we were surprised to find the peroxide and baking soda combination feels comfortable on teeth and gums, imparting a subtle minty feeling that doesn’t burn or tingle. It’s important to note, however, that these ingredients might cause a reaction for ultra-sensitive teeth or gums.

Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, Sodium fluoride, Hydrated silica | Size: 4 oz.

The Extra Whitening Sensitive Teeth Whitening Toothpaste from Sensodyne is Rhonda Kalasho, DMD’s favorite. It leans on potassium nitrate to help mitigate sensitivity. “I recommend Sensodyne because it utilizes pentasodium tripphosphate, an ingredient that removes surface stains without being too abrasive on enamel,” she explains. “It’s perfect for maintaining whitened teeth at home—just brush two to three times daily with this toothpaste and floss.”

You shouldn’t expect pearly white teeth overnight (toothpaste can’t really do that, given it's only on the teeth for a short amount of time), but every little bit counts, especially when mitigating the effects of regular dark beverages.

FAQ

• Is it safe to use whitening toothpaste every day?

  Yes, it is. According to Kalasho, gentle formulas can be used every day. Most whitening toothpaste is safe for short-term daily use, though Gonchar recommends 30-day periods to avoid tooth sensitivity and enamel abrasion. If you plan on using a whitening toothpaste daily for an extended period, be sure to discuss this with your dentist, particularly if you already have damaged enamel or worn areas on your teeth from underlying conditions.

• How long does it take for teeth whitening toothpaste to work?

  According to Gonchar, you might have to use a whitening toothpaste twice daily for two to four weeks before seeing results. “After achieving necessary whitening, the toothpaste can be used once a week to upkeep the results,” she adds. For more dramatic results, you can also try an LED tooth whitening kit.

• Does whitening toothpaste make your teeth more sensitive?

  While it is possible (especially if the toothpaste is particularly abrasive), it’s unlikely that a whitening toothpaste will make your teeth more sensitive if used for a short period of time. “Sensitivity depends on the whitening ingredient in the product, the length of time the product was used for, and the initial condition of teeth prior to whitening,” explains Gonchar. Teeth whitening treatments (like whitening strips or LED light devices) are more likely to cause sensitivity as they sit on the teeth for longer periods.

• How do you prevent teeth from getting stained?

  According to Gonchar, teeth staining is often the result of diet, age, certain medical conditions and medications. “Diet is one of the major reasons our teeth lose their luster over time; foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, tomato products, and curry can cause staining over time,” she explains. “As we age, the outer layer of our teeth (aka the enamel) often abrades, exposing the underlayer of teeth, which has a yellow tint to it.” Although it’s not possible to completely avoid teeth from getting stained over time, she says certain habits can minimize the effects. Brushing your teeth two to three times daily (with a regular or electric toothbrush), flossing, using whitening mouthwash, and whitening toothpaste can help mitigate the chance of stains. But brushing daily is your best bet. “This helps prevent the build-up of stains on the outer surface of your teeth,” she explains. “Switching to an electric toothbrush can be even more effective.”