Perhaps you’ve noticed your smile is looking a little dull after indulging in one too many glasses of red wine. The best 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
All your teeth-whitening questions, answered
How 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.
How 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.”
How 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.”
How 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.
What 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.
What’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.
Are there ways to whiten teeth naturally?
Although there are household products like baking soda and charcoal that can whiten teeth by removing stains, they can cause enamel damage, so it’s best to stick to products specifically designed for teeth whitening like toothpastes or strips, says Marina Gonchar, DMD and owner of Skin to Smile. Certain foods like strawberries or apples, and coconut oil have been gaining popularity for teeth whitening. But, the truth is, you can’t really rely on these natural methods solely. Instead, Chrystle Cu, DDS and founder of Cocofloss recommends brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Keeping teeth clean and plaque- and decay-free is the simplest and most natural way to maintain a bright smile,” Dr. Cu says. In addition to that, dark-colored foods can cause stains over time. “If you’re a daily coffee or tea drinker, consider drinking from a straw,” she says.
- Lauren Becker, DDS, a dentist certified in biomimetic dentistry in NYC
- Kevin Sands, DMD, a board-certified cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills
- Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS, a celebrity cosmetic dentist in NYC
- Alice Hoang, DMD, founder of Brooklyn Mint
- Namrata Patel, DDS
- Ruchi Sahota, DDS, consumer advisor spokesperson for the ADA
- Dr. Marina Gonchar, DMD and owner of Skin to Smile
- Dr. Chrystle Cu, DDS and founder of Cocofloss
Best Overall: Crest 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,” Becker 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.
Glamour’s commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary, is a huge fan of the Crest 3D white line, and has been using their toothpaste for nearly a decade. “This whitening toothpaste is old reliable for me, and I always return to it if my teeth are looking a bit yellow or stained. I’m a massive tea drinker, so this happens every so often and when it does, I always feel armed and prepared with this toothpaste. It usually takes probably four brushes for this to get my teeth back to the white shade I prefer. I’m particular when it comes to toothpaste taste (I hate if it’s overly minty or numbing), but this one is more of a sweet, gentle mint that doesn’t stick around in your mouth for too long.”
- 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
Best Daily Whitening Toothpaste: Colgate 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.
One Glamour reviewer shared that after using this toothpaste for a week and a half, he actually noticed a stark difference. “My teeth are definitely several shades whiter now, and I found the formula to have a nice lather and consistency— it didn’t feel chalky in my mouth, and it actually didn’t feel all that different from my regular toothpaste, which was a huge plus for me,” he says. “As someone with sensitive teeth, I was also concerned that this toothpaste was going to be harsh, but I found that it was extremely gentle and didn’t make me feel extra sensitive at all.”
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- Pros: Safe for enamel
- Cons: Not the highest peroxide concentration
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Original image by Glamour reviewer
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Original image by Glamour reviewer
Best Peroxide-Free: Tom’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
Best for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne 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
Best Fluoride-Free: Lumineux 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
Best for Gums: Parodontax 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
Best Anti-Bacterial: Crest 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
Best for Bad Breath: Arm & Hammer Enamel Defense Toothpaste
Dr. Joyce Kahng, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist highly recommends this toothpaste from Arm & Hammer if you’re looking to achieve a whiter smile. “If stains are not removed, they can eventually be absorbed into the tooth, therefore, whitening toothpaste is a measure of prevention to help keep teeth looking brighter and can reduce the frequency of needing other whitening treatments,” she notes. It also (bonus!) has baking soda, which naturally protects from odor, and differentiates it from other toothpastes on this list.
One Glamour reviewer who’s a retired hygienist shares that it’s one of her favorites, and she won’t use any other toothpaste. “This toothpaste helps replace calcium lost from the enamel. I’d recommend brushing with it a couple of times a day, and don’t spit it out right away, let it stay in your mouth to do its thing,” she notes.
- Type of whitening agent: sodium fluoride
- Pros: Reviewers love the taste
- Cons: Has a granular texture which might be too chalky for some
Best Flavored: Cocofloss Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste
This toothpaste is a favorite of Dr. Gonchar because it has natural ingredients but still lives up to its whitening claims. “This toothpaste contains coconut oil, which is a powerful antibacterial agent, xylitol that helps prevent cavities, baking soda which is an abrasive whitening additive and nano hydroxyapatite, which works to repair enamel and prevent tooth decay,” she says. This toothpaste pick is also a favorite amongst reviewers because it comes in more unique flavors than your typical mint, including lychee and piña colada.
Glamour contributor Anna Vognsen particularly liked this toothpaste because it leaves behind a “pleasant freshness” that you might not always get from other tubes. “The taste, in my mint-loving opinion, is a bit more mild than I prefer, but I did feel an improvement in sensitivity after using this,” she noted. “I also found that this toothpaste, although less lathery than others, didn’t leave my mouth feeling dry, which was a bonus.”
- Type of whitening agent: nano-hydroxyapatite
- Pros: Gentle, natural formula
- Cons: It’s pricey compared to other toothpastes on this list
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Original image by Glamour reviewer Anna Vognsen
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Original image by Glamour reviewer Anna Vognsen
Best for Strengthening Enamel: Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste
“This toothpaste contains low abrasion silica along with potassium nitrate as active whitening ingredients,” says Dr. Gonchar. The silica acts as an abrasive to remove external stains and the potassium nitrate actually desensitizes the teeth, she explains. It also has fluoride to help protect from cavities and boost enamel. “This whitening toothpaste is an excellent option for patients who have experienced tooth sensitivity while using whitening products,” she adds.
A Glamour reviewer shares that this is a great option if you don’t like using whitening strips. “I have seen a noticeable difference after using this toothpaste and the flavor is great, but it did take some time to see results. I like to use it everyday, and then couple it with whitening strips around once a month for an extra bright smile,” she says.
- Type of whitening agent: Silica, potassium nitrate
- Pros: Prevents against cavities
- Cons: Expensive
Best Natural: Davids Natural Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening
Dr. Cu recommends this all natural toothpaste to keep teeth clean and bright. While using this, she recommends brushing for about 2 minutes, at least twice per day. “Spend a few seconds on each surface of each tooth to make sure you’re brushing the area very well. Clean, plaque-free teeth reflect more light and will appear brighter,” she says.
Vogsnen tested this toothpaste out as well and was a huge fan of the taste and experience. “I loved how minty it was and how much it foamed during use. I saw a difference in the shade of my teeth, and was a fan of the bottle itself: it’s very clean and luxe,” she says.
- Type of whitening agent: Sodium bicarbonate
- Pros: No harsh abrasives
- Cons: Has a grainy consistency which some may not like
Original image by Glamour reviewer Anna Vognsen
Original image by Glamour reviewer Anna Vognsen
Best for Cavity Prevention: Sensodyne Repair and Protect Whitening Toothpaste
Dr. Kahng recommends this whitening toothpaste because it’s effective and promotes oral health. “If you have sensitive teeth, I’d generally recommend alternating between a sensitivity toothpaste and a whitening toothpaste, but Sensodyne is suitable for use both morning and night,” she says.
And Glamour’s Kilkeary can attest to it. “I recently started experiencing a ton of tooth sensitivity so had to switch over to a gentler toothpaste option. That’s when I first started using this repair and protect whitening toothpaste, which completely changed the game for me. It kept up my preferred shade of white and didn’t cause any discomfort like some other toothpastes. Instead, my teeth feel as good as new every time I brush with this and I’m also a fan of the subtle mint flavor,” she says.
- Type of whitening agent: Silica
- Pros: Effective for cavity prevention and sensitivity
- Cons: May not be a standalone treatment for sensitivity
Best for Coffee Stains: Colgate Optic White Pro Series Stain Prevention
If you’re looking to remove tough stains but want to keep your teeth in the best health possible, Dr. Gonchar recommends a chemically whitening toothpaste as a measure to protect your enamel. “Enamel protects the tooth from cavity formation and is an essential barrier, so preserving it long term is more advantageous than chipping away at it (which you may find with an abrasive whitening toothpaste).” This pick is one of Dr. Gonchar’s go-tos because it helps protect enamel and also contains desensitizing agents that will help minimize tooth sensitivity altogether.
Condé Nast Paid Digital Manager, Hannah Laifer, happens to be a big fan of this toothpaste as well. “I like that the product itself isn’t as pricey as Crest 3D White (which I have also used in the past), but is basically just as effective. I also like that the flavor isn’t too strong, and it doesn’t leave my teeth feeling sensitive, which whitening toothpastes can do from time to time. It’s definitely made a difference for me especially when paired with an electric toothbrush!” she says.
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- Pros: Can be used daily
- Cons: Some reviewers say it causes sensitivity
Best with Vitamin C: Hello Vitamin C Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride
Hello Vitamin C toothpaste has, well, vitamin C, to help make your smile look brighter and refreshed. Glamour reviewer Edward Velez always felt that other toothpastes felt scratchy and too minty. “This one is really good, and only takes just a little to go a long way. It doesn’t leave your mouth all spear-minty and I’ve noticed cleaner teeth and small changes in whiteness. It’s not a miracle toothpaste, but my teeth are getting brighter with each application,” he says.
Glamour contributor Stephen Swartz was also a huge fan of the price of this toothpaste. “At $7 for one tube on Amazon, I’m excited to not have to spend hundreds on teeth whitening like I usually do at the dentist. The yellow color was a little off putting at first, but the organic peppermint flavor is nice, and I used it 2-3 times a day for two weeks,” he says. He recommends this for anyone who want a more natural and gentle teeth whitening option.
- Type of whitening agent: Vitamin C
- Pros: Anti-cavity and has a great taste
- Cons: Reviewers share that it takes a while to see results
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Original image by Glamour reviewer Stephen Swartz
Original image by Glamour reviewer Stephen Swartz
