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Jessica Rendall Former Wellness Reporter
Jessica was a writer on the Wellness team, with a focus on health technology, eye care, nutrition and finding new approaches to chronic health problems.
Expertise Public health, new wellness technology and health hacks that don’t cost money Credentials
- Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.
Over time, the desire for picture-perfect, sparkling white teeth has only grown. While dentists offer whitening procedures, they can be pricey and often not worth the cost. Instead, many opt for teeth-whitening toothpaste — an easy and affordable way to brighten your smile.
That said, while a quality toothpaste marketed for teeth-whitening can help you achieve a brighter smile, it’s important to understand its limitations. Teeth-whitening toothpaste has its benefits but can become counterproductive if overused. Focusing on overall dental health is key, as it may help prevent staining in the first place.
It’s important to recognize that some discoloration of teeth is completely normal, so it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the appearance of your smile. If you’re interested in brightening your teeth, here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best whitening toothpaste.
Does whitening toothpaste work? Is it safe?
Most whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from teeth by using abrasives. While all toothpaste can be abrasive, too much scrubbing can harm your enamel, a protective outer coating that shields your teeth. Dr. Sarah Tavares, a dentist at Bentway Dental in Toronto, Canada, says whitening ingredients like silica and calcium carbonate can be especially rough. Other abrasives, such as baking soda and charcoal, can be more damaging.
Other whitening agents in some toothpastes or whitening strips contain chemical agents that bleach the teeth, such as hydrogen peroxide. These may be “generally safer” for your teeth than more abrasive ingredients, but Tavares said, “they can still cause gum irritation or sensitivity if overused or used improperly.
“To reduce the risk of enamel damage, limit the frequency of whitening treatments to a week at a time with good intervals in between,” she said.
What is the best whitening toothpaste overall?
We did not choose a single best whitening toothpaste because the ideal option depends on individual preferences and needs. Below, we have listed various types of whitening toothpaste based on dentist recommendations. However, if you have any questions, it’s best to consult your dental provider for personalized advice.
Best whitening toothpaste of 2025
Best whitening toothpaste compared
| Toothpaste | Superlative | Main whitening agent | Contains sodium lauryl sulfate | Contains fluoride | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colgate Optic White Pro Series | Best whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide | Hydrogen peroxide, 5% | Yes | Yes | $8 |
| Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening toothpaste | Most affordable whitening toothpaste | Hydrated silica | Yes | Yes | $4 |
| Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening | Best whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth | Hydrated silica | No | Yes | $17 (3-pack) |
| Lumineux Whitening toothpaste | Best whitening toothpaste with essential oils | Hydrated silica | No | Yes | $7 |
| Boka Ela Mint n-Ha toothpaste | Best natural whitening toothpaste | Hydrated Silica | No | No | $10 |
We made these selections based on recommendations from two dentists. We also considered formula, brand reputation and the range of products available to suit different needs.
Khan says that you should pick a whitening toothpaste that’s relatively less abrasive and less likely to damage your enamel. One way to do that is to look for the relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) value, if the product or brand provides it.
The American Dental Association recommends using toothpaste that contains fluoride, and most whitening toothpastes on the market will contain it. However, a newer ingredient called hydroxyapatite has also been shown to help with the health of teeth by working to “remineralize” the enamel, potentially assisting with appearance as well. People should choose a toothpaste with either fluoride or hydroxyapatite, Kahn said.
“It restores mineral density, and therefore makes teeth appear whiter and less translucent,” Kahn said, referring to hydroxyapatite.
Not necessarily. Dr. Erin Fraundorf, founder of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio, said that while teeth whitening with a toothpaste can be “effective in the short term,” overuse can lead to sensitivity and damage over time. Instead of whitening toothpaste, Fraundorf recommends seeing your dentist for in-office whitening, or choosing another home product such as whitening strips from Opalescence.
“Toothpaste will not give you the instant whitening results as whitening strips or in-office whitening because those contain a higher concentration of the hydrogen peroxide, and duration of the agent being on your teeth is longer compared to toothpaste,” Khan also said.
It’s important to keep in mind a little discoloration is normal and inevitable — teeth may be white-ish in color, but that doesn’t mean they have to be white white. It’s also important to note that having white teeth doesn’t necessarily mean your oral health is in tip-top shape.
That being said, there are some things you can do to minimize your teeth taking on a tint:
Stay on top of regular, professional cleanings. That’s preferably twice a year, but at least once a year, and maybe more often, as they may effectively and safely remove some surface stains. Also, make sure your regular oral care routine is solid, complete with regular flossing and an electric toothbrush.
Swish with water after drinking coffee or wine. Fraundorf recommends taking a swish of flat water (not sparkling) between sips of coffee or wine, which are two major culprits of staining teeth. Drinking water often, and moving it around your mouth, will also help with the acidity of certain foods and beverages.
Chew sugar-free gum. Another suggestion from Fraundrof, as chewing sugar-free gum after meals has been shown to help reduce the likelihood of cavities.
