While whitening toothpastes won’t give you the same level of results as a professional treatment—or one of these teeth whitening products—they’ll still make a noticeable difference. Especially when combined with one of the best electric toothbrushes. Designed for everyday use, our top whitening toothpastes are packed with key ingredients like peroxide and carbamide peroxide that remove surface stains, tackle discoloration and leave you with a smile worthy of Hollywood.
Clearly, trying out some reliable at-home teeth whitening kits is also a great way to brighten your smile without blowing your entire budget on your next visit to the dentist or hygienist. Along with learning at-home manicures and learning how to shape our own brows, wearing teeth whitening strips seems like an easy enough treatment to add to your regular beauty routine.
Whether you’re looking for a color-correcting toothpaste that delivers an immediate whitening effect, a formula that will strengthen and protect enamel and tackle deep stains, or something specifically designed with sensitive teeth and gums in mind, these are the best toothpastes we found for those looking for a whiter smile.
GO TO: What is the main cause of yellow teeth? | How do whitening toothpastes really work? | Are they safe for your teeth? | How we tested the best whitening toothpastes | Our full reviews
What is the main cause of yellow teeth?
“Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration are lifestyle habits,” explains cosmetic dentist, Dr. Krystyna Wilczynski. “These include eating and drinking foods that cause stains, such as red wine, coffee, tea, cola and curry.” He adds that smoking is the biggest culprit for yellowing teeth too quickly. “Certain highly acidic foods and drinks, such as berries, tomatoes, fruit juices and alcohol, can also soften enamel and make your teeth more likely to pick up stains from other foods.”
Wilczynski stresses the importance of brushing your teeth morning and night and having frequent hygienist appointments (every 6 months, ideally). “The dentin on your teeth absorbs food coloring, and stains also stick to the plaque and tartar that builds up on and between the teeth as they anchor in the crevices.” Which brings us back to the importance of a good tooth-transforming toothpaste.
How do whitening toothpastes really work?
Typically slightly abrasive, most whitening toothpastes contain ingredients such as silica that work to abrade the surface of the teeth and deep clean the outer layer. “Some also contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which are bleaching agents,” adds Wilczynski. “Although these will be at a very low level compared to professional whitening products – so they are so safe for home use.” Activated charcoal is another popular cleaning ingredient — but it’s not endorsed by all dental professionals, as it can be known to wear down enamel.
Some whitening toothpastes also contain the chemical “blue covarine,” which attaches to the surface of teeth and creates an optical illusion that can make teeth appear less yellow. Others are enhanced with enzymes that help gently break down plaque and stains.
Whichever whitening technology you approach, Wilczynski recommends always Choosing a toothpaste that contains fluoride: “It’s the essential ingredient to protect and fight tooth decay.”
Are they safe for your teeth?
Yes. Most store-bought and FDA-approved whitening toothpastes offer mild but effective results and should be suitable for most people. But the health of everyone’s teeth and gums varies greatly, so it’s always a good idea to talk to your dentist before investing in any new at-home dental care.
How we tested the best whitening toothpastes:
Big bright and white smiles, the GLAMOR team has been lucky enough to try hundreds of whitening toothpastes over the years — from a range of big and small oral care brands. Clearly, we use these experiences to help inform our reviews — but we also look at everything from the key ingredients used and clinical trial results, to the specific taste of the paste and customer reviews, to make sure we recommend only products that we truly believe are excellent value for money.
