As someone who is practically the poster child for “but first, coffee,” my teeth are constantly in need of a little brightening, and using the best whitening toothpaste (plus a great electric toothbrush) is one way I fight stains daily.
It’s completely normal for teeth to get discolored, especially if you’re a lover of coffee, red wine, or even tea. But rather than relying on costly (and even harsh) in-office treatments, incorporating a whitening toothpaste into your routine can be a gentler alternative. According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Lauren Becker, whitening toothpaste works by removing surface stains with abrasive particles that target those stubborn extrinsic stains.
Below, we asked Dr. Becker, along with other board-certified dentists, what to look for in a whitening toothpaste, how they compare to whitening strips, how long they take to work, and rounded up seven of our favorites on the market.
Vogue’s Favorite Whitening Toothpastes:
In This Story:
Best Overall: Crest 3D White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: You may have grown up with Crest, but the brand continues to innovate year after year. This whitening toothpaste, in particular, has the stamp of approval from board-certified dentist Dr. Jaskaren Randhawa. She says, “It effectively removes surface stains and provides a noticeable brightening effect without damaging enamel, making it a reliable option for regular use. It also contains safe levels of fluoride, which prevents cavities by strengthening enamel, resisting acid attacks, and promoting remineralization, helping maintain strong, healthy teeth.” Dr. Becker agrees, adding, “My patients mention they’ve seen a noticeable difference after just a few days.”
- Key Ingredients: Sodium hexametaphosphate
- Size: 4.6 oz
Best Fluoride-Free Formula: Boka Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: According to Dr. Randhawa, this toothpaste is a great option for those who prefer a fluoride-free formula. “It uses nano hydroxyapatite, which can help repair and remineralize enamel, preventing cavities and strengthening teeth,” she adds. It’s also safe for sensitive teeth and free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial flavors and colors, meaning you and your kids can use it with peace of mind. On top of that, there’s a wide range of elevated flavors to choose from, including Elemint, which features a touch of cardamom, yuzu mint, lemon lavender, and more.
- Key Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate (natural baking soda), nano-hydroxyapatite
- Size: 4 oz
Best for Deeper Stains: Colgate Optic White Advanced Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: Another brand you’re surely familiar with, Colgate Optic White Advanced Hydrogen Peroxide Toothpaste, contains 2% hydrogen peroxide, which effectively removes both surface and deeper stains while brightening teeth, explains Dr. Randhawa. “This concentration is safe for enamel when used as directed, providing gentle whitening without significant damage. Combined with fluoride, it helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, making it an excellent choice for both whitening and long-term oral health.” Plus, the brand’s studies cite that when brushing twice daily for two weeks, you can remove up to five years of stains—so many bad decisions erased!
- Key Ingredients: Sodium monofluorophosphate
- Size: 3.2 oz
Best with Natural Ingredients: Lumineux Whitening Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: Lumineux, a relatively new brand founded by Beverly Hills’s premier cosmetic dentist Dr. Kourosh Maddahi in 2015, has been a go-to recommendation for Dr. Becker ever since its launch. “This toothpaste caters to people with sensitivity, which feels like a major breakthrough in the teeth-whitening world,” she says. And if you’re worried about those dreaded zingers, she adds, “I like that it whitens teeth without any discomfort.” The secret sauce (or paste) lies in its simple ingredient list, which features recognizable pantry staples like coconut oil, sage oil, lemon peel, and Dead Sea salt. I love pairing it with the brand’s whitening mouthwash to feel extra confident heading out the door.
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil, lemon peel, dead sea salt
- Size: 3.75 Fl. oz
Best for Professional-Grade Whitening: Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Lilya Horowitz, if you’ve never heard of the brand, there’s little need to be wary: “Opalescence White is a product by Ultradent, which also manufactures many professional dental products that we use in our office.” It’s a great alternative to the brand’s more intense take-home bleaching gels. “It contains fluoride to strengthen your enamel and promises an effective whitening experience with minimal sensitivity.” The key is to use it daily, as the brand claims it can remove surface stains and lighten teeth by up to two shades in just one month.
- Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride
- Size: 4.7 oz
Best for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Clinical White Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: Who among us hasn’t been recommended Sensodyne after using dental products that were just too harsh? Free from hydrogen peroxide, which often triggers sensitivity, this toothpaste is gentle enough for daily use. It’s especially effective on surface stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco. As highlighted in the brand’s clinical studies, its whitening ingredients polish teeth and lift stains, making them two shades whiter in just eight weeks with twice-daily use. Dr. Horowitz adds, “Whitening can be especially harsh on sensitive teeth, so this product offers a well-rounded option for those who might typically steer clear of whitening products.” I find that the toothpaste foams up nicely when I use it, which feels incredibly satisfying on the taste buds.
- Key Ingredients: Alumina, silica, potassium nitrate
- Size: 3.4 oz
Best for Fresh Breath: Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: If aesthetics matter to you (Tauruses, welcome), you’ve probably already been drawn to Marvis. But beyond its aesthetically-pleasing packaging, this toothpaste works wonders by whitening teeth and helping prevent tooth decay, tartar, and plaque. Each tube is made in Florence, Italy, and is fluoride-free, paraben-free, and vegan. Plus, it has a refreshing cool mint scent, so you can enjoy both brighter teeth and fresher breath. The brand also offers a mini version that’s super easy to travel with—and a perfect excuse to brag that you’ve got your life extra-together, unlike those who have to rush to the drugstore as soon as they land because they forgot to pack their toothpaste.
- Key Ingredients: 3.8 oz
- Size: 3.8 oz
Everything You Need to Know
Does whitening toothpaste actually work?
Yes, but Dr. Randhawa advises keeping expectations realistic. She explains that whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains caused by food, drinks, and lifestyle habits like smoking. However, they aren’t as effective at deeply whitening teeth as professional treatments or strips with stronger bleaching agents. “Whitening toothpastes primarily polish teeth and can result in a brighter smile over time, but they may not significantly alter the natural color of your teeth.”
Whitening also depends on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in the toothpaste and the exposure time to the enamel. For example, toothpastes typically contain 2-5% hydrogen peroxide, while whitening strips range from 7-14%, and in-office treatments can use up to 25% hydrogen peroxide. “Higher concentrations and longer exposure times generally lead to more noticeable results, especially when combined with LED lights that accelerate and enhance the effectiveness of whitening agents,” says Dr. Randhawa.
What to Look For in a Whitening Toothpaste
When choosing a whitening toothpaste, Dr. Randhawa recommends looking for ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which helps with stain removal and polishing. Dr. Becker agrees, adding, “Continuous use of this toothpaste will give you a whiter, brighter smile from the comfort of your own home, at a fraction of the price of in-office whitening!”
They also emphasize the importance of selecting a toothpaste that is enamel-safe and gentle to prevent damage from overuse.
As for what to avoid, if you’ve been dyeing your sink black with no success, Dr. Becker advises steering clear of whitening toothpastes that contain charcoal. “This ingredient has gained a lot of popularity in the media, but it can actually cause damage to your teeth. The whitening properties of charcoal have been scientifically proven to be ineffective, and it’s too abrasive, which can wear away enamel and increase sensitivity.”
Is whitening toothpaste better for your teeth than whitening strips?
Not necessarily, says Dr. Becker, adding that it depends on the specific toothpaste and whitening strips being used. “Both can be beneficial and yield good results when used correctly.” However, Dr. Randhawa explains that whitening toothpaste is generally milder than whitening strips and can be used daily without causing significant sensitivity. “While whitening strips often provide more noticeable results, they are more aggressive and should be used less frequently. Whitening toothpaste is a good option for maintaining a white smile or for people with more sensitive teeth.”
How long does whitening toothpaste take to work?
Dr. Randhawa explains that whitening toothpastes typically take two to four weeks to show visible results. The timeline depends on the level of staining and the product used, with consistency being key. Regular brushing is required to see improvements. Dr. Becker adds that the timeline can also depend on what you’re consuming. Foods and drinks that easily stain, like turmeric, dark liquids, coffee, or tea, can make it more challenging to remove stains or see immediate results.
Dr. Horowitz reminds us that when switching to a new whitening toothpaste, it’s important to start by incorporating it once a day and monitor the results, as everyone may experience different reactions. “Keep an eye out for any changes or inflammation. If you notice any, stop using it and consult your dentist for advice.”
