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Written by 

Anna Gragert

Article updated on August 12, 2025 at 1:26 AM PDT Jessica Rendall Former Wellness Reporter
Jessica was a writer on the Wellness team, with a focus on health technology, eye care, nutrition and finding new approaches to chronic health problems.
Expertise Public health, new wellness technology and health hacks that don’t cost money Credentials

  • Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.

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Health of your mouth

Teeth whitening is mostly a cosmetic concern, meaning brightening your smile won’t fix underlying oral health issues like cavities, gingivitis or pain in or around your teeth. As you look for a home-whitening product, check your books to make sure you’re on top of your regular teeth cleanings. Also, take note of whether you practice habits that can prevent staining, like swishing with water after drinking coffee.

Whether your toothpaste is safe for long-term use

Toothpastes have different levels of relative dentin abrasion (RDA), which can give you an idea of how abrasive your toothpaste is or how safely you can use it regularly without risking damage to your enamel. In general, it’s also good to look for products that contain fluoride or hydroxyapatite to help prevent your teeth from weakening.

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What is the best whitening toothpaste overall?

We did not choose a single best whitening toothpaste because the ideal option depends on individual preferences and needs. Below, we have listed various types of whitening toothpaste based on dentist recommendations. However, if you have any questions, it’s best to consult your dental provider for personalized advice.

Best whitening toothpaste of 2025

Toothpaste Superlative Main whitening agent Contains sodium lauryl sulfate Contains fluoride Price Colgate Optic White Pro Series Best whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide, 5% Yes Yes $8 Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening toothpaste Most affordable whitening toothpaste Hydrated silica Yes Yes $4 Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Best whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth Hydrated silica No Yes $7 Lumineux Whitening toothpaste Best whitening toothpaste with essential oils Hydrated silica No No $7 Boka Ela Mint n-Ha toothpaste Best natural whitening toothpaste Hydrated silica No No $12 Crest 3D White Brilliance Pro Enamel Protect Toothpaste Best whitening toothpaste for daily use Hydrogen peroxide, 4% Yes Yes $9 RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste Best natural, low‑abrasive whitening toothpaste Hydroxyapatite No No $12

Most whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from teeth by using abrasives. While all toothpaste can be abrasive, too much scrubbing can harm your enamel, a protective outer coating that shields your teeth. Dr. Sarah Tavares, a dentist at Bentway Dental in Toronto, says whitening ingredients like silica and calcium carbonate can be especially rough. Other abrasives, such as baking soda and charcoal, can be more damaging.

Other whitening agents in some toothpastes or whitening strips contain chemical agents that bleach the teeth, such as hydrogen peroxide. These may be “generally safer” for your teeth than more abrasive ingredients, but Tavares said, “they can still cause gum irritation or sensitivity if overused or used improperly.

“To reduce the risk of enamel damage, limit the frequency of whitening treatments to a week at a time with good intervals in between,” she said.

Khan says that you should pick a whitening toothpaste that’s relatively less abrasive and less likely to damage your enamel. One way to do that is to look for the relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) value, if the product or brand provides it.

The American Dental Association recommends using toothpaste that contains fluoride, and most whitening toothpastes on the market will contain it. However, a newer ingredient called hydroxyapatite has also been shown to help with the health of teeth by working to “remineralize” the enamel, potentially assisting with appearance as well. People should choose a toothpaste with either fluoride or hydroxyapatite, Khan said.

“It restores mineral density, and therefore makes teeth appear whiter and less translucent,” Khan said, referring to hydroxyapatite.

According to Tolmie, “Today’s pastes prioritize low‑abrasion particles, safer nano‑hydroxyapatite or peroxide‑free whitening ingredients, plus anti-sensitivity ingredients like potassium citrate.” While professional whitening treatments prvoide faster results, today’s whitening toothpastes cost less while still being gentle, strengthening enamel and brightening your smile about a shade or two in around a month.

Best whitening toothpaste FAQ

Can I prevent my teeth from getting yellow?

It’s important to keep in mind a little discoloration is normal and inevitable — teeth may be white-ish in color, but that doesn’t mean they have to be white white. It’s also important to note that having white teeth doesn’t necessarily mean your oral health is in tip-top shape.

That being said, there are some things you can do to minimize your teeth taking on a tint:

Stay on top of regular, professional cleanings. That’s preferably twice a year, but at least once a year, and maybe more often, as they may effectively and safely remove some surface stains. Also, make sure your regular oral care routine is solid, complete with regular flossing and an electric toothbrush.

Swish with water after drinking coffee or wine. Fraundorf recommends taking a swish of flat water (not sparkling) between sips of coffee or wine, which are two major culprits of staining teeth. Drinking water often, and moving it around your mouth, will also help with the acidity of certain foods and beverages.

Chew sugar-free gum. Another suggestion from Fraundrof, as chewing sugar-free gum after meals has been shown to help reduce the likelihood of cavities.


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