A bright, white smile can do wonders for your confidence and appearance. But over time, what once were pearly whites can become stained and discolored from food, drinks, smoking, and other factors that cause both surface and intrinsically deeper types of tooth discoloration requiring different removal approaches.
Whitening toothpastes provide a convenient at-home method to lift away stains gently through various abrasives, detergents, chemicals, and even activated charcoal. With so many brands and formulas available promising whiter teeth, how do you determine which is the best whitening toothpaste for your needs and budget?
We researched and compiled reviews of the top 15 whitening toothpastes available in the U.S. comparing critical factors like ingredients and mechanisms of action, safety for your enamel, taste and texture preferences, sensitivity and specialty considerations, brand reputation and actual customer results. Prices range from budget to premium options.
Use our detailed side-by-side assessments highlighting key features and expert opinions along with the comparison chart summarizing prices and benefits to shop the selection of best whitening toothpastes for brighter, more beautiful teeth you’ll want to show off.
Crest’s advanced enamel-safe formula helps safely remove over 80% of surface stains for a whiter smile in just one week. It goes beyond surface stains to actually penetrate cracked areas of teeth to help reverse early signs of damage.
This toothpaste from a leading brand like Crest utilizes effective whitening technology to deliver noticeable results within a week. It is gentle enough for daily use while still giving your teeth a deep clean. The minty flavor leaves your mouth feeling fresh long after brushing. For fast, safe whitening, this Crest formula is a solid option.
Colgate Optic White Pro Series Toothpaste contains 5% hydrogen peroxide, a teeth whitening agent also used by dentists. This whitening toothpaste gently polishes away surface stains and deep cleans hard-to-reach cracks.
The Colgate Optic White Pro formula stands out for its high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which enables it to act like an at-home teeth whitening treatment over time with regular use. The advanced stain prevention technology also helps block new stains from setting in. For noticeably whiter teeth and prevention of stains, this is an excellent choice.
This Crest brilliance 2-step kit includes a 4oz tube of Crest 3D White Brilliance toothpaste plus a 2.3oz tube of Crest advanced seal teeth whitening gel. The two tubes work together to provide whitening, deep cleaning, and enamel protection.
We like this Crest kit because the two-step system delivers both immediate brightening with the gel and long-term whitening with continued use of the Brilliance toothpaste. The gel gives an extra boost to your regular brushing routine. And the jumbo 4oz tube of toothpaste means having to buy replacement tubes less often.
This Glamorous White toothpaste from Crest’s 3D White collection harnesses the power of optics to make teeth look visibly whiter by removing 90% of surface stains. The blue foam formula looks and tastes refreshing.
We recommend this Glamorous White toothpaste because the proprietary whitening technology sets it apart from typical toothpastes. The micro-cleaning crystals and foaming action lift away stains for noticeably whiter teeth in record time. Stocking up on a pack of 3 tubes at a time provides added value.
Hismile v34 toothpaste utilizes a natural purple dye derived from blueberries and blackberries to effectively neutralize yellow stains and reveal whiter and brighter teeth. This color-correcting toothpaste is gentle on enamel.
The use of natural berry dyes to color-correct yellow stains makes the Hismile v34 toothpaste unique. We like this teeth whitening booster because it avoids harsh chemicals that can damage enamel over time. And the purple gel is fun to use. Just be careful not to get it on sinks or countertops since it can briefly stain surfaces.
Nu Skin AP 24 is an advanced teeth whitening toothpaste containing fluoride for cavity protection and hydrated silica for stain removal polishing. Natural mint flavors give this toothpaste a clean taste.
The Nu Skin AP 24 formula impresses us with its ability to effectively whiten while strengthening enamel against cavities. We like that hydrated silica provides gentle polishing to lift stains away without abrasives that could damage tooth surfaces. And it tastes pleasant without synthetic dyes or flavors.
Lumineux natural whitening toothpaste uses non-toxic ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and sodium bicarbonate to gently clean teeth and remove stains for a brighter, whiter smile. It is also vegan, gluten-free and never tested on animals.
We recommend Lumineux for people looking for a more natural whitening toothpaste option. The formula avoids harsh abrasives and chemicals, instead relying on gentle ingredients like aloe, essential oils, and coconut oil to lift stains while strengthening enamel. Just be aware it may require more frequent brushing than chemical toothpastes to see whitening results.
Hello antiplaque and whitening toothpaste uses premium natural ingredients like tea tree oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, and xylitol to fight plaque, freshen breath, and gently remove surface stains on teeth. The formula is vegan, never tested on animals, and safe for sensitive mouths.
We like that Hello toothpaste avoids harsh detergents and chemicals, relying instead on trusted natural ingredients to clean teeth and control plaque while whitening. The antiplaque protection also helps prevent new stains from forming. Just note that activated charcoal formulas may provide faster whitening for some stubborn stains.
Exclusively for Amazon, this Sensodyne Extra Whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth helps strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, relieve tooth sensitivity, and remove surface stains for a whiter smile. The gentle mint flavor provides long-lasting fresh breath.
We recommend this Amazon-exclusive Sensodyne toothpaste for people struggling with tooth sensitivity but wanting whiter teeth. The formula helps relieve sensitivity pain while also boosting surface stain removal. Just note that more significant whitening may require stepping up to a peroxide-based toothpaste instead. But for a basic brightening boost, this Sensodyne tube works well.
Crest Brilliance Brightening Toothpaste contains unique patented technology to remove over 80% of surface stains for long-term teeth whitening results. A blast of icy, vibrant peppermint leaves your mouth feeling freshly clean.
We like the Crest Brilliance formula because it combines stain-fighting silica ingredients and teeth-polishing agents that work together to boost your smile’s brightness. Plus stocking up on a pack of 3 helps you save money while keeping your brushing routine consistent with this effective whitening toothpaste.
Boka fluoride-free toothpaste uses nano-hydroxyapatite, a key component of tooth enamel, to actively rebuild and strengthen tooth structure while gently lifting stains away. Natural essential oils give it a refreshing mint taste.
The Boka toothpaste formula stands apart for its enamel-strengthening ability thanks to nano-hydroxyapatite, the building block of tooth structure. As it remineralizes weakened areas, stains lift away for a whiter smile. We suggest it for people looking to actively rebuild enamel while whitening sensitive teeth.
This Brilliance Pro toothpaste from Crest helps strengthen vulnerable areas in enamel for lasting protection and contains silica to boost surface stain removal for whiter teeth. The spearmint flavor leaves breath fresh.
Patients prone to weakened enamel can benefit from Crest Brilliance Pro’s specialized formula that helps defend against acid attacks and reharden damaged areas on teeth for protection against cavities and decay. The added surface stain removal also brightens teeth. We suggest it if you experience temperature sensitivity indicating porous enamel.
This hello charcoal-infused toothpaste uses activated charcoal powder to absorb deep stains along with coconut oil to lift away surface stains for an epic teeth whitening clean. The foam-free plant-based formula is grey in color but rinses clean.
We recommend hello’s activated charcoal toothpaste for consumers wanting a dramatic teeth whitening result powered by charcoal’s stain-busting absorption. However, certain types of weakened enamel are best avoiding abrasive powders long-term. But for an occasional deep cleaning boost or over-the-counter whitening strips touch-up, it works great.
This Colgate Total toothpaste whitens teeth by removing surface stains while also offering 12-hour plaque protection and helping prevent gingivitis via antibacterial fluoride. The gentle formula is approved by the National Dental Association.
We suggest this Colgate Total toothpaste for people wanting brighter teeth alongside gum health benefits and lasting fresh breath. The time-release formula helps block new plaque from forming so teeth stay cleaner longer while Whitelock technology also builds a protective barrier to prevent stains from setting in.
This professional-grade whitening toothpaste by dentist-created brand Supersmile boasts the ability to lift away deep stains for teeth up to 9 shades whiter. The Triple Mint formula gives a super fresh burst of frosty breath.
Supersmile’s unique low-abrasion silica formulation helps lift away stubborn intrinsic stains beyond surface discoloration alone for professional whitening rivaling in-office treatments. For consumers seeking dramatic brightening without sensitivity concerns, it’s a superb at-home option, albeit at a premium price point.
When selecting a whitening toothpaste, first determine if you want surface stain removal alone or deep stain penetration, as well as any special considerations like gum health or cavity protection. More abrasive formulas with peroxides lift deeper stains but may cause sensitivity. Gentler natural ingredients brighten over time with consistent use but avoid harshness.
Assess your existing oral condition and needs, then choose an appropriately strong whitener balanced with enamel care. Reviewing trusted brand reputation and real customer reviews also helps determine effectiveness. Consider trial sizes first.
Whitening toothpastes utilize various ingredients and mechanisms to remove stains on teeth, typically classified by stain type (surface vs. deep) and lifting method (abrasive vs. chemical):
Surface stains – lighter discoloration sitting externally on enamel – lifted by polishing agents and detergents
Deep stains – intrinsic discoloration of inner structure – requires peroxides or absorbent charcoal
Abrasives – silica, hydrated silica, calcium – physically scrub stains off
Chemicals – hydrogen peroxide, papain, sodiumhexametaphosphate – break bonds of stains
More abrasive pastes may show faster visible results but risk wearing down enamel over time with overly vigorous brushing.
Follow dosage instructions on the whitening toothpaste packaging. Dispense only a small pea-sized amount on a soft bristle toothbrush. Gently brush teeth in circular motions for two minutes, taking care not to scrub aggressively on enamel or dentin.
Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing to avoid prolonged contact. Use any special applicator tools if provided.
Store whitening toothpaste tubes capped at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve ingredient potency. Discard and replace globbed, dried out or expired toothpaste.
Consider combining with the use of floss, antiseptic mouthwash without alcohol, and an electronic toothbrush with pressure sensor for optimal oral care hygiene supporting the whitening process.
Additionally, adjust intake of stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and dark berries. Stay hydrated and maintain mineral levels for healthy saliva production.
Schedule regular professional dental cleanings for monitoring and maintenance every 6 months. Inform your dentist about use of peroxide-based toothpastes to assess safety for your unique oral condition.
Most whitening toothpastes require 2-4 weeks of consistent twice daily use to begin showing gradual surface stain removal and brightness improvement, with deeper discoloration taking longer. However, advanced formulas with peroxide may demonstrate visible lightening in as little as 1-2 days.
Gentler whitening toothpastes without harsh abrasives are tooth-friendly, but peroxide formulas can damage enamel over time, especially if brushed too vigorously. Consult your dentist if you have concerns.
Fluoride strengthens enamel to protect against decay but some formulas opt not to include this ingredient, especially natural pastes. If you are at high cavity risk, choose a fluoride whitening toothpaste.
Minimize consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, berries, tomato sauce, dark sodas, red wine, tobacco and other intensely pigmented items. Stay thoroughly hydrated day and night.
Using multiple whiteners together increases the rate of wear on enamel. Peroxide strips a few times yearly are okay but avoid excessive use. See your dentist if concerned about safety of your regimen.
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