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Like it or not, your smile can make a big first impression (heck, there’s research to prove it). When your teeth are looking a little dull and lackluster—perhaps from one too many cups of coffee or glasses of wine—the best whitening toothpastes are on your side. Although they’re much less powerful than at-home whitening kits and professional bleaching treatments, they’re a simple and affordable solution to achieving pearlier whites over time.
“Whitening toothpastes can be effective at removing surface stains and help brighten the overall appearance of the teeth,” says Dr. Ben El Chami, DMD. “They work by using mild abrasives and chemicals, like silica or baking soda, to remove superficial stains. Some also contain enzymes or bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to help break down or lighten deeper stains,” he adds.
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2
Best Natural Whitening Toothpaste
Tom's of Maine Simply White Toothpaste
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3
Another Great Natural Option
hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
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4
Best-Tested Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate Optic White Advanced Toothpaste, 3-Pack
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5
Best Whitening Toothpaste With Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer Dental Care Toothpaste, Pack of 3
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6
Best Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
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7
Best Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Gums
Parodontax Whitening Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums
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And because they contain a lower concentration of active whitening ingredients that can be sensitizing, these toothpastes are typically a gentler brightening method for those who prefer it.
While perusing your local drugstore aisle, Dr. El Chami says to look for whitening toothpastes that do double duty to keep teeth healthy, via ingredients like fluoride and xylitol. “Despite being a somewhat controversial ingredient, fluoride has widely been scientifically proven to be safe for strengthening teeth against cavities,” he mentions. “Meanwhile, xylitol is a natural sweetener that helps reduce bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.”
What’s more, it’s a good idea to seek options that carry the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. (The organization only accepts products that are made with fluoride.) “This seal indicates that the toothpaste has been evaluated by the ADA and found to be safe and effective for its intended use,” Dr. El Chami explains. “If you want to use a product without the ADA seal, make sure to speak with your dentist first.”
To guide you on your journey towards a whiter smile, we consulted Dr. El Chami on his favorite picks and scoured tons of top-rated products to compile the eight best whitening toothpastes, below. From all-natural selects to gentle options formulated specifically for people with sensitive mouths, these toothpastes will actually make you excited to brush.
1
Best Overall
Colgate Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste
1
Best Overall
Colgate Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste
Pros
- ADA-approved
- Should be effective
- Helps fight plaque
Cons
- Some may not prefer the taste
Over 71,000 reviews and an average 4.7-star rating on Amazon don’t lie—this ADA-approved Colgate formula is the real deal. Featuring a blend of hydrated silica and citric acid, it works to buff away stubborn surface stains. It also contains stannous fluoride, an ingredient that can help prevent cavities. However, it may be even more effective at fighting bacteria to ward off plaque and gingivitis.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Colgate’s Total Whitening toothpaste will have you feeling fresh to death! On a scale of one to 10, my teeth are shining with the brightness of a thousand suns! Been plaque free since ’93!”
| Key ingredients | Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica, citric acid |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.8 oz., pack of 2 |
2
Best Natural Whitening Toothpaste
Tom's of Maine Simply White Toothpaste
2
Best Natural Whitening Toothpaste
Tom's of Maine Simply White Toothpaste
Pros
- ADA-accepted
- Gently brightens
- Preservative-free
Cons
- Some may not prefer the taste
“I recommend this Tom’s of Maine toothpaste because it uses fluoride to safely prevent cavities and removes surface stains on teeth without the use of bleach or peroxide—which are good whitening agents but may cause tooth sensitivity,” Dr. El Chami says. Instead, the formula uses hydrated silica as a mild abrasive, plus xylitol to ward off plaque buildup. Additionally, “the formula is vegan and free of preservatives, glutens, and parabens,” he notes.
Walmart rating: 4.3/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Sodium Fluoride, hydrated silica |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.7 oz. |
3
Another Great Natural Option
hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
3
Another Great Natural Option
hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
Pros
- ADA-approved
- Vegan
- Refreshing, minty flavor
Cons
- Some may wish the consistency was a bit thicker
Dr. El Chami calls this toothpaste by Hello another one of his favorites because it “includes minerals [namely silica and fluoride] to whiten and protect teeth and has no artificial sweeteners or flavors,” he says. Other natural ingredients include calcium carbonate, a gentle abrasive to help remove stains, as well as plaque-fighting xylitol and coconut oil.
According to the expert, it also has a refreshingly minty taste.
Target rating: 4.6/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Sodium fluoride, hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, xylitol, coconut oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.07 oz. |
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4
Best-Tested Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate Optic White Advanced Toothpaste, 3-Pack
4
Best-Tested Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate Optic White Advanced Toothpaste, 3-Pack
Pros
- Made to target both superficial and intrinsic stains
- Offers fast, powerful results
- Contains fluoride
Cons
- Not ADA-approved
I’m a heavy tea drinker, yet I pride myself on having a bright smile—and it’s largely thanks to this powerful Colgate formula. Along with a generic mouthwash, it’s been a key part of my routine for months and always seems to earn me compliments. Although it currently lacks the ADA Seal, it does contain two percent hydrogen peroxide to help remove both superficial and deeper stains. And even as someone with fairly sensitive teeth, I don’t find it to be irritating.
Grab it in a pack of three travel-sized tubes for just $13 on Amazon.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Sodium fluoride, 2% hydrogen peroxide |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.2 oz. |
5
Best Whitening Toothpaste With Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer Dental Care Toothpaste, Pack of 3
5
Best Whitening Toothpaste With Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer Dental Care Toothpaste, Pack of 3
Pros
- ADA-accepted
- Should gently brighten teeth
Cons
- Some may not prefer the taste
Baking soda is at the heart of this classic formula, which is designed to gently whiten teeth and give you an ultra squeaky-clean feeling. Also, it contains fluoride to help fight cavities.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The best toothpaste on the market, hands down. I’ve used this for at least 15 years. Makes your mouth and teeth feel clean and whitens well. If they ever stop making this, I’m going to be really upset!“
| Key ingredients | Baking soda, sodium fluoride |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.3 oz., pack of 3 |
6
Best Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
6
Best Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Pros
- Made to gently remove stains and strengthen the enamel
Cons
- Not ADA-accepted
Dr. El Chami suggests that anyone with sensitive teeth should reach for a whitening toothpaste that’s specially crafted to meet their needs. Enter: Sensodyne’s Pronamel formula. It doesn’t have the ADA Seal, but it does include some expert- and science-backed ingredients for making teeth whiter (plus, the oral care brand has earned the seal for some of its other products). This one is free of hydrogen peroxide that can be harsher on teeth, and uses silica to gently combat yellowing and discoloration. Moreover, it has fluoride to protect against decay and potassium nitrate—a desensitizing agent that can help limit tooth sensitivity.
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “At my dentist’s recommendation, I started using this product twice a day several years ago. It took a year, but gradually I lost all hot/cold sensitivity. Now, I can drink hot tea or eat ice cream with total impunity; I don’t hesitate anymore. My teeth are now a beautiful natural white. Most importantly, my dentist can measure the thickness and hardness of my enamel, and he comments every time on how healthy my enamel is.”
| Key ingredients | Hydrated silica, sodium fluoride |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 oz., pack of 3 |
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7
Best Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Gums
Parodontax Whitening Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums
7
Best Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Gums
Parodontax Whitening Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums
Pros
- ADA-approved
- Gentle
- Helps fight plaque
Cons
- Minty flavor may be strong for some
This ADA-approved formula contains hydrated silica for brightening, alongside stannous fluoride to revive sore, bleeding gums. According to the brand, the product works to combat plaque and fortify the seal between the gum and tooth to prevent inflammation.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve always had bad gums that run in my family. I was looking for another toothpaste because of issues I’ve had with some teeth whitening products irritating my gums. Within the first couple of days, I noticed a huge difference. Definitely works for those with sore gums.”
| Key ingredients | Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.4 oz. |
8
Best Whitening Toothpaste Tablets
Bite Toothpaste Bits, Pack of 2
8
Best Whitening Toothpaste Tablets
Bite Toothpaste Bits, Pack of 2
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Eco-friendly
- Made to gently remove stains and fight plaque buildup
Cons
- Doesn't contain fluoride
- Not ADA-approved
Though there’s limited data to confirm that toothpaste tablets are just as effective as traditional toothpastes, they are a more eco-friendly option, notes Dr. El Chami. Unlike classic toothpastes that come in non-recyclable tubes, these tablets are typically housed in glass jars. To activate them as a paste, simply chew one and swish with water.
Bite’s popular vegan bits come in a plastic-free glass jar and feature stain-fighting calcium carbonate. What’s more, there’s xylitol to help combat plaque and nano-hydroxyapatite, which some research has shown to be an effective alternative to fluoride.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s certainly not the way I’ve been using toothpaste all my life, but it really works to refresh my mouth and make my teeth feel sparkling clean. It’s less messy than regular toothpaste and is environmentally-friendly and perfect for traveling.”
| Key ingredients | Xylitol, Nano-Hydroxyapatite (N-Hap), calcium carbonate |
|---|---|
| Size | 62 tablets in one jar |
What are some of the main causes of tooth yellowing and stains?
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a range of factors. Per Cleveland Clinic, some of the most common culprits include consuming wine, tea, and coffee and smoking or chewing tobacco. Tooth staining can also be a result of factors like genetics, using certain medications, or having poor dental hygiene (translation: don’t forget to brush or floss consistently).
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How effective are whitening toothpastes?
“It’s important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of whitening toothpastes can be limited, and they should not be used as a substitute for professional teeth whitening treatments,” says Dr. El Chami. “Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes aren’t as potent as prescription gels or in-office treatments, especially when it comes to removing deep stains or lightening the natural color of the teeth.”
“For whiter teeth, it’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and to see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings,” he adds.
What about charcoal toothpastes? How effective are they at removing stains?
“Charcoal toothpaste contains activated charcoal, which is a fine powder made from coconut shells, bamboo, or other natural materials that have been treated to increase their porosity and surface area,” explains Dr. El Chami. “These types of formulas have become increasingly popular in recent years as a natural substitute for traditional whitening toothpaste. However, there isn’t enough research to confirm the efficacy of charcoal as a whitening agent. It’s important to consult your dentist before using charcoal toothpaste, especially if you have any dental issues or are undergoing any dental treatment,” he adds.
Are there certain ingredients in whitening toothpastes that can cause sensitivity?
Yes. “The most common bleaching agents are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide,” explains Dr. El Chami. “The higher the concentration of the bleaching agent, the more effective the toothpaste will be at whitening the teeth. Still, it’s important to be aware that toothpastes with higher concentrations of bleaching agents can cause more tooth sensitivity.” And while typically milder, abrasives such as silica or baking soda can also sensitize nerves “if the concentration is too high or if the toothpaste is used too frequently,” he says. Similarly, “citric acid can erode the tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity if used in high concentrations.”
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, look for toothpastes that are specially formulated to be gentle, Dr. El Chami notes. And remember, “it’s always best to consult with your dentist before starting any whitening regimen,” he says.
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How often should you use a whitening toothpaste?
“This depends on the specific product at hand and the condition of your teeth,” says Dr. El Chami. “In general, it is recommended to use a whitening toothpaste in place of your regular toothpaste, twice a day, as part of your regular oral hygiene routine.”
“Keep in mind that while whitening toothpastes can help to brighten your teeth, they can also cause tooth sensitivity and abrasion if overused,” he warns.
When should I expect to see results?
“The amount of time it takes to see change from using a whitening toothpaste can fluctuate depending on the specific product you are using, the condition of your teeth, and how often you use the toothpaste,” says Dr. El Chami. “Some people may see results within a few days of starting to use a whitening toothpaste, others may take several weeks or longer to see a noticeable difference.”
Meet the Expert
Dr. Ben El Chami is is the co-founder and chief dental officer of dntl bar in New York City.
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Why Trust ELLE BEAUTY
Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. For this roundup, she consulted a dentist about his recommendations for the best whitening toothpastes, how to use them, and what to look for when shopping. She also considered a range of top-rated whitening toothpastes on the market, evaluating each on their ingredients offered and customer feedback.
