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.
Ingredients to Look For and Avoid in Whitening Toothpaste
Here are some common ingredients to look for in a whitening toothpaste:
- Chemical whiteners: Chemical ingredients continue to work after brushing (as long as you don't rinse your mouth immediately). Carbamide is an effective ingredient, along with hydrogen peroxide. The latter is very effective at stain removal and is the most common chemical whitener in whitening toothpaste.
- Abrasive whiteners: Silica and chalk are two abrasive whitening agents that remove stains on the teeth's surface, says Steven Morgano, DMD, chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Both are harmless to tooth enamel.
- Fluoride: Your whitening toothpaste should effectively clean your teeth. Sodium fluoride is an important ingredient since it fights cavities.
It's best to avoid toothpastes that contain charcoal, which can be too abrasive, says Morgano.
What Healthcare Professionals Want You to Know
- Relative Dentin-Abrasivity (RDA): Every toothpaste available online or at your local drugstore has abrasives; those ingredients are necessary for effectively cleaning your teeth. An RDA score reflects how erosive a toothpaste can be. Lower RDA scores reflect gentler toothpaste, while higher RDA scores reflect higher levels of abrasive ingredients. Toothpaste manufacturers must report their products to the FDA for approval. RDAs below 250 are safe for regular use.
- Best results: Whitening toothpaste takes time to work. 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, Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, says it needs to remain on teeth longer than other ingredients to see results.
- Efficacy: Whitening toothpaste removes superficial stains on ceramic crowns and veneers, says Morgano, adding that you should do your best to avoid bleaching gels. Hewlett says over-the-counter whitening toothpaste will not damage enamel and is safe for daily use.
- Comfort: Some whitening toothpastes have abrasive ingredients that make them seem gritty or grainy. It's important to have a toothpaste that feels comfortable against your teeth. Also, the flavor contributes to the fresh feeling you have after brushing. Some toothpastes have a strong mint flavor that can be overpowering. Picks containing baking soda can have a harsh flavor or unpleasant aftertaste for some people. While taste may not impact efficacy, a better-tasting toothpaste can help promote healthy brushing regimes.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Whitening toothpaste can help, but it does have limitations.Morgano says itonly removes superficial staining, such as from red wine or coffee, and won't lighten teeth beyond their natural shade. Hewlett recommends pairing it with a whitening kit or professional treatment for extra brightening.
At-home whitening products rarely replace professional whitening sessions. If you don't see the results you're looking for or you notice any discomfort, we suggest consulting a healthcare professional.
Our Top Picks
Best for Sensitive Teeth:
Crest Gum and Sensitivity Gentle Whitening Toothpaste at Amazon$20
Best for Protecting Enamel:
Best for Preventing Cavities:
Moon Anticavity Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride at Amazon$9
Best for Quick Results:
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/burts-bees-deep-clean-whitening-with-fluoride-toothpaste-860e4badb6b845619f9f19f1c0c0918d.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (1)")
Pros
Pleasant mint flavor
No artificial flavors or sweeteners
Cruelty free
Cons
Unpleasant aftertaste
Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 4.7 ounces | Flavor: Mint
Why We Recommend It
Burt's Bees Deep Clean Whitening With Fluoride Toothpaste was our top-performing natural 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.
Keep In Mind
This toothpaste has a slight aftertaste that may be unpleasant for some people. If that's a concern of yours, we suggest Tom's of Maine Simply White Toothpaste as another effective, natural alternative. The formula isperoxide-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. The fresh mint flavor isn't overpowering; and best of all, there'sno aftertaste. The only drawback is that results are more subtle than other options, so it's not the best for people looking for a drastic change in their smile.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwh-whitening-toothpaste-test-burts-bees-deep-clean-fluoride-brit-haines-02-908898f6c59740508354099c502fced1.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (2)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwh-whitening-toothpaste-test-burts-bees-deep-clean-fluoride-brit-haines-01-f629d2d4f8874cce88cfa1ae2bbb6878.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (3)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwh-whitening-toothpaste-test-burts-bees-deep-clean-fluoride-brit-haines-02-908898f6c59740508354099c502fced1.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (4)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwh-whitening-toothpaste-test-burts-bees-deep-clean-fluoride-brit-haines-01-f629d2d4f8874cce88cfa1ae2bbb6878.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (5)")
Best for Sensitive Teeth
Crest Gum and Sensitivity Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/crest-gum-and-sensitivity-gentle-whitening-toothpaste-049481a27387429d9353383a1a741b3c.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (6)")
Pros
Relieves sensitivity
Mild mint flavor
Cleans hard-to-reach spots well
Cons
Whitens slower than other picks
Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 4.1 ounces | Flavor: Mint
Why We Recommend It
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.
Keep in Mind
Although the toothpaste may not whiten as fast as others on our list, it's worth it if you want to protect your teeth from sensitivity and pain.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwh-whitening-toothpaste-test-crest-pro-health-gum-sensitivity-hildara-araya-01-8fb079442ed1412fae8f16e980d7d8e7.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (7)")
Best for Protecting Enamel
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ADVANCEWHITE-e63627598d58465391cd5741e2b8f0da.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (8)")
Pros
Strengthens enamel
Gentle
Mild mint flavor
Cons
Strong baking soda flavor
Grainy texture
Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, baking soda, silica | Size: 4.3 ounces | Flavor: Mint
Why We Recommend It
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.
That being said, Arm & Hammer toothpaste tends to have a unique taste that can be offputting due to the baking soda. If taste is a priority, Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste in vibrant peppermint had the best flavor by far during testing. It contains sodium fluoride, silica, and mica, which can remove stains in as little as five days but the results aren't as drastic as other options.
Keep in Mind
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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwh-whitening-toothpaste-test-arm-hammer-advanced-baking-soda-peroxide-elizabeth-theriot-01-589094bb96fd40ad8ed6adb4e918bce7.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (9)")
Best for Preventing Cavities
Moon Anticavity Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/moon-anticavity-whitening-toothpaste-with-fluoride-5d04afb8efd34c6ea4ea9384efdad055.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (10)")
Pros
Vegan
Cruelty-free
ADA approved
Cons
Difficult to squeeze out of the tube
Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, silica | Size: 4.2 ounces | Flavor: Mint
Why We Recommend It
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.
Keep in Mind
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.
Best for Quick Results
Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Laser-Glow-Purple-Toothpaste-Color-Corrector-f0deee735fef4ed28c587eb305484d83.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (11)")
Pros
Immediate results
Fresh, minty flavor
Easy clean-up
Cons
Adds an extra step to your brushing routine
Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Cellulose, glycerin, silica | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Flavor: Mint
Why We Recommend It
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.
If you aren't too keen on adding an extra step to your routine, we also experienced fast results with Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste. After three days of use, we noticed our teeth were whiter, so it's a great choice for last-minute brightening before an event or photo shoot. This toothpaste features hydrated silica to remove stains and sodium fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. You should keep in mind that it comes in a small tube, so you may need to re-up more often than other picks which can add up financially.
Keep in Mind
This isn't meant to replace your toothpaste. Using it will add an extra step to your daily routine.
Best With Fluoride
Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Toothpaste
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/crest-3d-white-brilliance-purple-teeth-whitening-toothpaste---pack-of-3-35-oz-tubes---anticavity-fluoride-toothpaste--100-more-surface-stain-removal--91dcdf41a84249b59a91556751a9fd5d.jpg "Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work? These 6 Editor-Tested Options Impressed Us (12)")
Pros
Brightens teeth immediately
Easy clean-up
Contains fluoride
Cons
Unpleasant flavor
Gritty texture
Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride | Size: 4.6 ounces | Flavor: Luminous purple (mint) or unflavored
Why We Recommend It
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.
Keep in Mind
We found this toothpaste's intense taste and goopy, thick texture unpleasant. It works, but it's not enjoyable to use. If you want to avoid that drawback, you should tryColgate Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste. It's another great pick with fluoride, and it uses chemical and abrasive whitening agents (hydrogen peroxideandhydrated silica). We enjoyed the mild, pleasant, minty flavor,which wasgentleon our sensitive gums. This unique formula releases oxygen bubbles as you brush for a fresh, clean feeling, but the bubbling can be a little intense.
How We Tested
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:
- Effectiveness: We brushed our teeth for at least two minutes twice daily using the whitening toothpaste for four weeks. We recorded our results during and after testing using the VITA Guide to assess the brightness. We also examined how well it cleaned our teeth.
- Comfort: We closely examined how the products felt during use, analyzing attributes like texture, thickness, and consistency. We also paid close attention to any changes in teeth sensitivity.
- Taste: We gauged the flavor, strength, and aftertaste as we brushed our teeth. Once we finished, we assessed how long the taste lingered in our mouths.
- Value: We considered the above for every pick and compared its performance to its price point to see if it was worth the financial cost.
Our Experts
We used expert input at every step of reporting and writing this story. Here are some of the experts we consulted:
- Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association (ADA)
- Steven Morgano, DMD, chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Why Trust Verywell Health
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.
