No longer the kind of personal care product you have to pick up on fleeting visits to the US these days, the best whitening toothpastes are in plentiful supply on UK shelves too.
If you’re not sure how a whitening toothpaste fits into your existing oral routine, don’t be. Most can be used daily, but always check the package for usage instructions, as some are best used only two to three times a week to protect your enamel.
FashionThe selection of the best whitening toothpastes at a glance:
Colgate Max White One Optic Whitening Toothpaste
As for how they work, we’ve got that covered too. “Whitening toothpastes work mainly by removing surface stains rather than changing the natural color of the teeth,” explains Mahsa Nejati, dental surgeon, founder of Mahsa and its co-founder Netzati Clinic. “Most contain mild abrasives, such as hydrated silica or calcium carbonate, to help remove stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, or smoking. Some formulas also include chemical agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium hexametaphosphate.”
Now that you understand, read on to discover some of the best whitening toothpastes, according to Fashion.
In this article:
Best for natural ingredients: SmilePro whitening toothpaste
SmilePro whitening toothpaste
- Taste: Mint
- Size: 100 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: Activated charcoal is the whitening agent in SmilePro Whitening Toothpaste. But the ingredient also works as an antibacterial, absorbing toxins and refreshing breath. It is combined with tea tree oil, organic coconut oil and citric acid, all natural ingredients selected for their ability to brighten and refresh our pearly whites.
Best for everyday use: Marvis Whitening Toothpaste
Marvis Whitening Toothpaste
- Taste: Mint
- Size: 85 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: If you want a toothpaste that combines style and substance, this is a great bet. In addition to a pleasant usage experience with its creamy (not grainy) formula, this fresh mint toothpaste does a good job of brightening teeth after just a few uses. A refreshing and effective for your whitening.
The best for taste: Spotlight Ultra Whitening professional toothpaste
Spotlight Ultra Whitening professional toothpaste
- Taste: Mint
- Size: 100 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: Designed by dentists for people with sensitive teeth and gums, this formula is free of parabens, silicones and SLS, making it a great choice if you regularly experience sensitivity. The toothpaste itself is more runny than most, but lathers well to get a good lather that feels like it’s actually working. Continued use will noticeably remove stains from coffee, tea and red wine.
Best for persistent staining: Oral-B Pro 3D White Clinical Intensive Whitening 1 Day
Oral-B Pro 3D White Clinical Intensive Whitening 1 Day
- Taste: Evergreen mint
- Size: 75 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: Although this is on the expensive side for a whitening toothpaste, it claims to remove stubborn stains after just one day and does a decent job. It does this by using its ionic technology, which helps remove stains without scrubbing or damaging the teeth. It also claims to prevent future stains, so good for preventative dental care.
Best for temporary whitening: Colgate Max White One Optic Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate Max White One Optic Whitening Toothpaste
- Taste: Mint
- Size: 75 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: This formula uses a patented blue foam to neutralize the yellow in discolored teeth, helping teeth look brighter and whiter instantly. Clinically proven to remove all surface stains, it’s a powerful formula that gets the job done if you need whiter teeth, fast.
Best for overall oral health: Parla Pro Whitening Toothpaste
Parla Pro Whitening Toothpaste
- Taste: Fresh mint
- Size: 75 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: In addition to whitening your teeth with the inclusion of hydroxyapatite and fluoride, Parla’s smart formula helps remineralize with the inclusion of vitamin A and B12. It also reverses sugar and acid wear and strengthens enamel by up to 65 percent with each use.
Best for natural and bonded teeth: Zing Whitening Toothpaste
Zing Whitening Toothpaste
- Taste: Original mint
- Size: 75 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: A low friction toothpaste that strengthens enamel, fights plaque, whitens and renews teeth. Vitamin E is also added to reduce inflammation and help prevent cavities and gum disease and keep gums healthy and strong.
Better User Experience: Mahsa Radiant Amethyst that enhances tooth color
Mahsa Radiant Amethyst that enhances tooth color
- Taste: Jasmine-mint
- Size: 75 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: This luxuriously scented toothpaste has both a long-term and immediate effect on discolored teeth, using mineral pigments to neutralize yellow undertones. It works quickly and effectively to reduce stains and help teeth look whiter and healthier with every brush.
Best for preventing future discoloration: Diamond Color Corrector
Diamond Smile Teeth Whitening Color Corrector
- Taste: Fresh
- Size: 50 ml
- Because it is Fashion– approved: More like a serum gel than a traditional toothpaste, it uses intense violet pigments to neutralize yellow tones on teeth to prevent further discoloration from occurring. Its technology also means that, in addition to occasional use as and when you need whiter teeth, it’s also a great treatment option to extend the life of professional whitening.
Best for super white teeth: Crest 3D White Professional Ultra Whitening Toothpaste
Crest 3D White Professional Ultra Whitening Toothpaste
- Taste: Fresh
- Size: 85 gr
- Because it is Fashion– approved: Containing 4 percent hydrogen peroxide, the highest percentage of this active ingredient found in a household toothpaste, it’s a great buy if you want to get the whitest teeth you can without professional treatment. As a side note, it also whitens without causing sensitivity and without damaging your existing tooth enamel.
Frequently asked questions
How white can teeth whitening toothpastes get?
“Whitening toothpastes can make teeth appear one to two shades lighter with consistent use,” says Nejati. “However, they cannot change the internal color of teeth. Only professional whitening treatments that use higher concentrations of peroxide can do that. Whitening toothpastes are best thought of as maintenance products, helping to maintain and enhance brightness after professional whitening or teeth cleaning.”
Which ingredients are most effective?
“The most effective whitening toothpastes tend to combine mild abrasives for polishing with a low dose of peroxide or stain-dissolving polymers for chemical stain removal,” says Nejati. “Hydrated silica, sodium bicarbonate and enzymes such as papain or bromelain can also contribute to smoother, clearer enamel surfaces that reflect light better, giving a naturally brighter appearance.”
Which ingredients should be avoided?
“Avoid formulas that are too abrasive as too much enamel wear can make teeth yellower over time by exposing the dentin underneath,” warns Nejati. “Ingredients with a high relative dentin abrasion (RDA) rating should be used with caution, especially for sensitive individuals. Whitening toothpastes should also be free of harsh whitening agents or unproven whitening additives that may irritate the gums or soft tissues.”
How do whitening toothpastes compare to professional whitening?
“Think of whitening toothpastes as your daily gloss for a brighter smile,” says Nejati. “They gently remove surface stains and help maintain that fresh, bright look day after day. Professional whitening, on the other hand, delivers the immediate ‘wow’ factor, using high-performance formulas under expert care to remove deeper discolorations and reveal a noticeably whiter smile in just one visit.”
