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Spruce up those pearly whites
Who doesn’t want a brighter, whiter smile? Teeth whitening has always been a popular sub-section of beauty, but at-home options, like whitening toothpastes, are a newer innovation. Luckily for us, DIY whitening has come leaps and bounds in recent years, and it’s now possible to see great results from something as simple as brushing your teeth.
According to dental hygienist and GSK expert, Monica Biga, whitening toothpastes work by either removing surface stains mechanically or whitening the teeth from the inside out via bleaching agents—peroxide is probably the most popular one used. And while bleaching agents are generally much harder on the teeth, the right formula really comes down to your oral health, personal preference, and desired results.
So, to cover all bases, we tested a handful of the best whitening toothpastes at home over the course of four weeks to check for effectiveness (or how well it whitened the teeth), comfort, sensitivity, and taste. With our curated list of the best whitening toothpastes below, you can get on your way to a brighter, whiter smile.
Burt's Bees Deep Clean Whitening with Fluoride Toothpaste
Best Overall
What We Like
Teeth look significantly brighter after one use
Noticeable reduction in stains during testing period
What We Don't Like
Slight aftertaste
Burt's Bees might not be the first brand that comes to mind when shopping for toothpaste, but we're here to let you in on a little secret: It made the most noticeable difference in the whiteness of our teeth. After a single use, our teeth looked significantly brighter and stains appeared less obvious. Even after consuming two coffees a day during the testing period, the overall color of our teeth got whiter with repeated use of this ADA-accepted toothpaste. We know what you might be thinking: With all this whitening power, does it cause any discomfort or sensitivity? Nope. We found the formula to be quite gentle, even on super sensitive teeth.
The toothpaste itself tastes as expected (fresh, clean, and minty) and makes brushing for at least two minutes an enjoyable task. We'd consider this a significant improvement, as most similar eco-friendly brands taste a bit chalkier. The only caveat is that the toothpaste does leave behind a slight aftertaste, but it subsides pretty quickly.
Price at time of publish: $5
Active Ingredients: Sodium fluoride | Size: 4.7 fluid ounces
Related:The Best Fluoride-Free Toothpastes for Whiter, Brighter Teeth
Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste
Best for Surface Stains
What We Like
Removes existing stains
Helps prevent stains from forming
What We Don't Like
Gritty consistency
Small tube
As the name suggests, this toothpaste from Crest is gentle on enamel and helps protect teeth from cavities, stains, and more. Though our teeth weren't significantly whiter after the testing period, we did notice a huge improvement in the look of surface stains—specifically newer, more recent ones. It's for this reason we deem this toothpaste a great addition to an existing teeth whitening routine to help maintain brightness between treatments.
The formula, which contains sodium fluoride and hydrated silica, has a paste-like consistency that takes some getting used to. Given that hydrated silica is a physical whitener (meaning it relies on its gritty texture to physically remove stains) it's no wonder the consistency feels rougher than the other toothpastes we considered. Nevertheless, it isn't bothersome and didn't get in the way of a perfect score.
It's worth noting that the tube is pretty small. At 3 ounces, it's travel-friendly (a plus), but compared to other toothpastes, this option seems tiny and is therefore not the best value on this list.
Price at time of publish: $9
Active Ingredients: Sodium fluoride | Size: 3 fluid ounces
Colgate Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Bubbles Toothpaste
Best With Baking Soda
What We Like
Contains a double whammy of baking soda and peroxide
Great value
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for sensitive gums
Boosted with both baking soda and peroxide, this toothpaste promises to lift stains, brighten teeth, and help you maintain a brighter smile. How? Baking soda is helpful in more than just the kitchen. It's a mild abrasive, so it helps remove stains from the surface of your teeth. It's alkaline and salty, which is especially helpful lifting stains from food and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. What's more, peroxide acts as a disinfectant to prevent plaque buildup.
As with all good things, though, it does take some time to see results. Edmond R. Hewlett, D.D.S explains that with peroxide, the length of contact with the teeth matters most. He recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Following his instructions, we found that after brushing with this toothpaste both day and night, it takes about two weeks to really see a difference.
With all that scrubbing power, we were surprised to find out that the peroxide and baking soda combination feels comfortable on teeth and gums, imparting a subtle minty feeling that doesn't burn or tingle. It's important to note, however, that these ingredients might cause a reaction for those with ultra-sensitive teeth or gums.
Price at time of publish: $4 for a pack of 2
Active Ingredients: Fluoride | Size: 8 fluid ounces
Crest Gum and Sensitivity Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Best for Sensitive Teeth
What We Like
Did not irritate teeth or gums during testing
Texture is pleasant and not gritty
What We Don't Like
Slower and subtler results than bleach options
According to oral care expert Monica Biga, those with sensitive teeth should avoid whitening toothpastes formulated with peroxide, a bleaching agent that “opens the pores of the enamel and changes the color of the tooth from the inside, making it appear whiter." That's why we recommend Crest Pro-Health Gum & Sensitivity Whitening Toothpaste for those with sensitive teeth as it avoids peroxide and instead contains fluoride and silica, the latter of which is known to remove surface stains, particularly those that come from tea, coffee, and wine.
This toothpaste scored a 5/5 for comfort and did not add any additional sensitivity to already-sensitive teeth, making it that much easier to consume hot and cold liquids without wincing in pain. The foamy formula is gentle and pleasant with no grittiness, and you can expect a refreshing, clean feeling to your teeth and gums that we found lasted for up to an hour after brushing. But it doesn't only have our approval, it's also earned it from the ADA who found that it's both safe and effective to "relieve sensitivity in otherwise normal teeth, and to prevent or reduce enamel erosion from dietary acids."
During testing, there was an improvement in whitening by one shade after four weeks. It may not seem like much, but given that teeth whitening products typically exacerbate sensitivity issues, we feel that even some improvement in overall brightness without discomfort is a win here. Plus, longer-term use may yield more drastic results.
Price at time of publish: $7
Active Ingredients: Stannous fluoride | Size: 4.1 fluid ounces
Related:The 12 Best Toothpastes of 2023 for Better Oral Health
Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste
Best for Cavity Prevention
What We Like
Contains fluoride to prevent cavities
Teeth feel very clean after use
What We Don't Like
Whitening effect is more subtle
If you're prone to cavities, reach for a toothpaste that's rich with sodium fluoride—an ingredient that has been shown to adequately protect against cavities —like the Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste. If you, like us, are also a fan of a squeaky clean mouth feel after you brush, this toothpaste will deliver there as well. The peppermint flavor is strong but in a good way—we didn't find it to be too overpowering in the least and scored it a perfect 5/5 for flavor during testing.
But that's not all: This toothpaste also did not cause any discomfort to the mouth or gums. You can expect it to glide onto the teeth gently and without the unwanted grittiness that some whitening toothpastes can have. As for stains, we'd say it's a better pick for stain prevention than for stain removal which is in line with its promise of "24-hour active stain prevention against surface stains with twice-daily brushing." We didn't notice any additional stains appear on our teeth during the test period, even with drinking hot black coffee every morning and a few glasses of red wine over dinner.
If there is one downside to mention, it's that we didn't notice a significant whitening effect overall. It was a subtle difference in before and after shades that you may not notice at all unless you're intensely scrutinizing your teeth (which we were for this test). Still, it's a solid everyday toothpaste that can help keep future stains and cavities at bay.
Price at time of publish: $9
Active Ingredients: Sodium fluoride | Size: 3.9 fluid ounces
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Whitening Toothpaste
Best for Gum Health
What We Like
Easy on sensitive gums
Gentle yet effective
Foams upon contact with water
What We Don't Like
Subtle whitening results
If you have a sensitive mouth, chances are you're hesitant to start adding a whitening toothpaste into the mix. Most formulas have a reputation for being irritating, but the Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Whitening Toothpaste is easy on sensitive gums. We love that it leaves the teeth and mouth feeling clean and refreshed, sans itching and burning. As for the feel, this toothpaste couldn't be more pleasant. There's no grittiness (a win for sensitive mouths) and it foams slightly upon contact with water, which gives the impression of an extra-deep clean.
The hint of mint flavoring isn't too strong, which is great for those who aren't crazy about an overpowering taste. Instead, it leaves behind a fresh finish. Even if you sometimes forget to brush your teeth after coffee (it happens!), rest assured that this formula will help get rid of any discoloration over time. Results weren't drastic, but with daily use, it makes a difference. Plus, we'll take gum comfort over irritation any day.
Price at time of publish: $7
Active Ingredients: Sodium fluoride | Size: 3.7 fluid ounces
Tom's of Maine Simply White Toothpaste Gel
Best Flavor
What We Like
Tastes minty fresh
Helps with stain removal
Feels gentle on teeth
What We Don't Like
Results are not super dramatic
Cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated without artificial dyes, flavors, or preservatives, this toothpaste is a nice pick if you prefer a bleach-free option. It contains sodium fluoride and hydrated silica, plus xylitol, a natural sweetener, to assist with clean, bright teeth and healthy gums. The results aren't incredibly dramatic, however, it does a great job of removing stains that can help with the appearance of a brighter smile. Despite having subtly abrasive polishing ingredients, it's not too granular or too foamy and feels gentle.
The toothpaste comes in a number of different subtly minty flavors (Sweet Mint, Mild Fruit, and Silly Strawberry, to name a few), but none are overpowering or linger for too long—making it a great option for those who don't love that cool burning sensation some formulas leave behind.
Price at time of publish: $6
Active Ingredients: Sodium fluoride | Size: 4.7 fluid ounces
Related:The 11 Best Toothpaste Tablets of 2023
Final Verdict
Burt’s Bees Deep Clean + Whitening Toothpaste with Fluorideis our top pick, as it made the most noticeable difference in the whiteness of our teeth. After a single use, our teeth looked brighter and less stained, despite having upwards of two coffees a day. However, if your teeth are sensitive, you can't go wrong with the Crest Pro-health Gum & Sensitivity Whitening Toothpaste. The ADA-accepted formula skips harsher ingredients like peroxide and instead leans on fluoride and silica to remove surface stains that come from tea, coffee, and red wine.
Dr. Matt Nejad, D.D.S. is a Cosmetic and Biomimetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California. He is a Fellow of theAcademy of Biomimetic Dentistry, where he mentors and trains dentists. In addition, he is thedental advisoron ourByrdie Medical Review Board.
Dr. Edmond R. Hewlett, D.D.S. is a board-certified dentist based in California. He is a professor at UCLA School of Dentistry.
Monica Biga is an oral care expert, dental hygienist, and spokesperson who works for GSK. She also has a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Dental Hygiene/Hygienist from St. Petersburg College in Florida.
What to Look for in a Whitening Toothpaste
The Mechanism of Whitening Action
Dr. Matt Nejad, D.D.S. says that the mechanism of whitening action the single most important criteria to look for in whitening toothpaste. Most formulas rely on one of two options. Some (like the Colgate Baking Soda & Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste) call on hydrogen peroxide or other chemical ingredients for chemical whitening or to essentially bleach the teeth. Others work via abrasive action (like the Tom’s of Maine Simply White Toothpaste, for example) through grittier ingredients like hydrated silica to physically scrubs stains off the surface of the teeth.
Ingredients
Aside from the whitening and stain-removing ingredients, there are some other ingredients to look for in your toothpaste. According to Hewlett, fluoride (like in the Burt’s Bees Deep Clean + Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride) can be a welcome addition to your oral care routine and one of the easiest ways to integrate it is through toothpaste. “Dentists are more than happy to have people use fluoride more than twice a day," he explains. "Feel free to use it as often as you'd like."
Size
Size also matters, especially since toothpaste is something you'll use every single day, twice a day. To get your money's worth, look for a product that comes in a larger tube (like the Colgate Baking Soda & Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste, which comes in 6 ounce tubes). For traveling, a smaller toothpaste will suit you best. We recommend the Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste, which is about half the size at 3 ounces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does whitening toothpaste work?
Yes. Whitening toothpaste works—although you should expect only a slightly brighter smile over time.
Is it safe to use whitening toothpaste every day?
Most whitening toothpaste is safe for short-term daily use, but if the product has an overly abrasive formula it could accelerate wear of your enamel if you use it for years. If you plan on using a whitening toothpaste daily for an extended period of time, be sure to discuss this with your dentist, particularly if you already have damaged enamel or worn areas on your teeth from underlying conditions.
Does whitening toothpaste make your teeth more sensitive?
While it is possible, especially if the toothpaste is particularly abrasive, it’s unlikely that a whitening toothpaste will make your teeth more sensitive, says Nejad. Teeth whitening treatments (like strips or LED light devices) are more likely to cause sensitivity as they sit on the teeth for longer periods of time.
How do you prevent teeth from getting stained?
According to Hewlett, the food you eat can take a huge toll on the brightness of your teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine cause a lot of the surface stains, so brushing your teeth right after drinking them would be great, he says. “Another thing you can do is just to take a swish of water in the mouth after you’re done, and that will help remove the residual coffee [tea, wine, etc.] from your mouth right after.”
How We Tested
Byrdie editors did extensive research on whitening toothpastes, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before choosing 15 to test out first-hand at home. Each tester considered each formula's effectiveness (or how well it whitens the teeth), comfort, and taste before deciding on a rating from one to five. Those with the highest scores made the list. To evaluate the whitening process during the test, we used the VITA Bleachguide3D-MASTER, an online shade guide that incorporates 29 shade levels used by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Why Trust Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn is a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty. An avid product tester, Caitlyn likes to try the latest and greatest in makeup, skincare, and hair care to let readers know what’s worth it and what’s not. She has tried several whitening toothpastes on this list, from brands like Crest, Tom's of Maine, and Colgate.
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