12 Best Whitening Toothpastes That Will Help You Get a Brighter, More Radiant Smile, According to Dentists

We updated this article in August 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team .

If you’ve ever longed for a bright smile, proper dental hygiene is key. But to get the pearly whites of your dreams, you’ll need to start by incorporating the best whitening toothpaste into your routine. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up expert-approved teeth whitening picks that will actually give you results.

“A whitening toothpaste is formulated with agents like peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to remove physical surface stains and sort of open up the enamel matrix of the tooth,” says Matthew Messina D.D.S., clinic director of Ohio State Upper Arlington Dentistry and spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA).

“Over time, colors and stains from food and beverages build up in the enamel, so whitening toothpaste work to lift away stains without causing any damage to the structure of the tooth,” Dr. Messina explains.

When it comes to picking the best toothpaste, there are a few things to keep in mind. Since whitening toothpaste generally contains agents that are harsher on the teeth, it’s best to check with your dentist first to find a formula that’s right for you. “If you have sensitive teeth, choose an alternative paste that doesn’t contain tartar control, which could be over-abrasive,” advises Emanuel Layliev D.D.S., director of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

When shopping for whitening toothpaste, it’s best to check for a safety seal. “I always suggest checking for the ADA seal of acceptance on oral health care products, especially with toothpaste,” says Dr. Messina. “The seal indicates that the product has been independently tested and shown to be safe and effective when used as directed.”

Now that you know what to look for when searching for the best whitening toothpaste, it’s time to find the best one for you! Ahead, the best whitening toothpaste that will help you get a whiter, brighter smile in no time.

How we chose the best whitening toothpaste

We consulted Dr. Messina, Dr. Layliev, and countless customer reviews to find the best whitening toothpaste to help you get your brightest smile yet.

Our top picks

Colgate

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$10.72

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“This is a great fluoride-containing whitening paste with 3% hydrogen peroxide, which works to remove extrinsic and intrinsic stains,” says Dr. Layliev. The formula works to remove years of stains from coffee and wine, plus it protects against cavities by strengthening the enamel, according to the brand.

Sensodyne

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$13.50

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Mastering how to whiten teeth when they're super-sensitive can be a tricky business. Fortunately, this pick is 10 times less abrasive than many leading whitening toothpastes. The low-abrasion formula gently lifts stains from the surface of teeth, while also providing active stain protection that works to create a protective shield to help prevent new stains from sticking to the tooth's surface.

hello

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$25.42

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With a 4.7-star rating and hundreds of rave reviews, we’d be remiss if we didn’t introduce you to this toothpaste. It’s formulated with a calcium mineral blend that naturally whitens the teeth. Customers love its flavor and scent thanks to its farm-grown, peppermint, and tea tree oil which also work to tame bad breath.

Colgate

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$12.96

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“This is one of my at-home favorites,” says Wesam Shafee D.M.D., aesthetic dentist and founder of Smile Care Dental Group in Paramus, NJ. The ingredients include 2% hydrogen peroxide and fluoride to protect against cavities. Its formula also works to deeply whiten up to four shades lighter, according to the brand.

Supersmile

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$20.00

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“This toothpaste is formulated with peroxide and also contains fluoride, which is great for upkeep,” says Dr. Layliev. It also has 2,300 5-star ratings, making it a customer favorite on Amazon. The formula includes no harsh abrasives, making it easier to achieve a healthier enamel and whiter smile.

Crest

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$12.11

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With a 4.7-star rating and hundreds of rave reviews, we couldn’t leave this toothpaste off our list. It’s formulated with fluoride and helps protect against plaque, gingivitis, sensitivity, and cavities. Customers love its flavor and scent thanks to its mint flavor which also works to tame bad breath.

Burt's Bees

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$14.97

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Looking for a gentle formula that will show actual results? Look no further than this pick. Formulated with peppermint and essential oils, this toothpaste works to naturally whiten the teeth, while repairing the enamel and freshening the breath.

Opalescence

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$17.00

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“This gentle, whitening toothpaste doesn’t just remove stains—it also helps in the fight against cavities and tooth decay,” said Victoria Veytsman, D.D.S, of Cosmetic Dental Studios in New York City, in a previous interview with Prevention. If you have temperamental teeth, there’s a special version of the toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate for sensitivity relief.

Dentisse

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$19.00

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“This is an organic paste with kaolin clay and bentonite clay that work as abrasive ingredients, which aren’t too harsh, and xylitol as an anti-microbial,” says Dr. Layliev. “It’s a brand I admire greatly for stain removal without over-abrasion.”

JĀSÖN

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$4.99

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If you prefer whitening toothpaste, make sure it doesn't contain any harsh abrasives or irritating chemicals. “Otherwise, you lose healthy enamel, which can make your teeth yellower and possibly more sensitive in the long run,” said Hugh Flax, D.D.S, of Flax Dental in Atlanta, in a previous interview with Prevention. This toothpaste contains gentle ingredients like bamboo powder and baking soda to prevent tartar buildup while whitening and brightening your teeth.

Parodontax

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$6.47

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Boosted with both glycerin and fluoride, this toothpaste promises to lift stains and gently whiten the teeth, helping you maintain a brighter smile. It contains fluoride for protection against cavities and at $6 for a tube, it won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

Tom's of Maine

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$14.97

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According to Tom’s, this formula is an excellent choice for sensitive teeth as it doesn’t contain peroxide. Instead, it contains zinc citrate, a naturally occurring mineral, and xylitol, a natural ingredient derived from birch trees or corn. Both ingredients are known to remove surface stains, particularly those that come from tea, coffee, and wine.