Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (2024)

While I'll always love the natural shade of my teeth, to me, taking their brightness up a few watts has made a subtle yet impactful difference in my overall appearance. A few weeks after having my smile professionally upgraded with an in-office whitening treatment, I turned to one of the best whitening toothpastes to help maintain their luminance.

"Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are typically the two main whitening ingredients found in toothpaste," Rich Lipari of Lipari and Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York, tells Bazaar.com. "Additionally, many whitening toothpastes contain a variation of hydrated silica, which acts as a polishing agent to help remove extrinsic stains."

Shop the Best Whitening Toothpastes

Dealing with sensitive teeth and gums? According to Lipari, you can still opt for a whitening toothpaste as long as its formula features a range of natural or gentler ingredients to remove stubborn stains without added pain or irritation. "The most common symptom or issue with whitening products whether it be a whitening toothpaste or strips is tooth sensitivity," he explains. "This doesn't necessarily mean you won’t be able to whiten your teeth again, but it does mean you should reduce the amount of whitening products you’re using on your teeth until the sensitivity subsides."

Lipari suggests those with sensitive teeth keep their eyes peeled for whitening toothpastes powered by the ingredient potassium nitrate, which helps reduce overall sensitivity. While using one of the best whitening toothpastes makes it a breeze to brighten or maintain your desired smile shade, experts advise staying patient, as noticeable results can take up to a month to see with consistent brushing.

If you're ready to swap your tried-and-true tube with a formula that helps your teeth really sparkle, read on for some of the most popular toothpastes available from Colgate, Dr. Apa, and more, that are worth adding to your daily (and nightly) routine.

Related: The 14 Best Teeth Whitening Kits for a Brighter Smile

Colgate

Optic White Pro Series Whitening Toothpaste

Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (11)

Colgate

Optic White Pro Series Whitening Toothpaste

Pros
  • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (12)Vegan
Cons

    When it comes to his top whitening toothpaste of choice, Lipari often reaches for this one from Colgate to brush morning and night. "I typically recommend Colgate Optic White, since I personally think I've had the best results with it."

    Star rating:4.4/5
    Key ingredient:Hydrogen peroxide

    Marvis

    Whitening Mint Toothpaste

    Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (13)

    Marvis

    Whitening Mint Toothpaste

    Pros
    • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (14)Fluoride-free
    Cons

      I've tested a number of whitening toothpastes as a beauty editor, but this one from Marvis is one of my favorites—and over 5,000 Amazon shoppers agree. Not only does its vintage-inspired tube look stylish on my bathroom countertop, but its minty flavor always leaves my mouth feeling more refreshed after brushing.

      Star rating:4.6/5
      Key ingredientsHydrated silica, titanium dioxide, limonene
      One satisfied customer writes:"I made the switch! My favorite fluoride-free toothpaste so far. Definitely whitens very well." —Amazon Customer

      Sensodyne

      Extra Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth (3-Pack)

      Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (15)

      Sensodyne

      Extra Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth (3-Pack)

      Pros
      • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (16)Sulfate-free
      Cons

        For patients with sensitive teeth, Lipari often recommends Sensodyne's Extra Whitening toothpaste. It contains an anti-cavity formula that provides up to 24-hours of gum and enamel protection while getting your pearly whites their brightest.

        Star rating4.7/5
        Key ingredient:Sodium lauryl

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        Crest

        3D White Radiant Mint Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

        Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (17)

        Crest

        3D White Radiant Mint Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

        Crest 3D Whitestrips are a cult-favorite product for a number of beauty lovers, which is why it's no surprise the brand's Radiant Mint Teeth Whitening Toothpaste is also a hit.

        Star rating:4.6/5
        Key ingredients:Sodium fluoride, fluoride ion
        One satisfied customer writes:"Omg talk about best toothpaste ever! I have been using this nearly five years now, and I have gotten so many compliments on my teeth and continuously get asked how I keep them so white. I am an avid coffee drinker as well and using this everyday certainly curves the coffee stains." —sarahh691

        Apa Beauty

        White Toothpaste

        Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (18)

        Apa Beauty

        White Toothpaste

        Pros
        • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (19)Flouride-free
        • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (20)Safe for sensitive teeth
        Cons

          This flouride-free toothpaste from cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Apa scrubs off surface stains to brighten teeth, along with hydroxyapatite—one of the foundations of tooth enamel—to help rebuild them as you brush. And since it's is formulated with carbamide peroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide, it's safe for sensitive teeth.

          Key ingredients:Hydroxyapatite, peppermint oil, carbamide peroxide

          Before

          Before Whitening

          Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (21)

          Before

          Before Whitening

          Pros
          • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (22)Best for sensitive gums
          • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (23)Budget-friendly
          Cons

            If you suffer from sensitive teeth or gums, opt for Before's minty toothpaste. It's made with gentle, soothing ingredients like aloe vera and refreshing mint oil, yet thoroughly cleans with sodium fluoride.

            Key ingredients:Sodium fluoride, aloe extract

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            Opalescence

            Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

            Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (24)

            Opalescence

            Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

            Pros
            • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (25)Great for sensitive teeth
            Cons

              Opalescence's flouride toothpaste is another of Lipari's favorites specifically for sensitive teeth. It uses low-abrasion silica to polish away surface stains, along with potassium nitrate to minimize tooth pain and gum irritation.

              Star rating:4.4/5
              Key ingredient:Potassium nitrate, xylitol, silica, flouride
              One satisfied customer writes:"Nice light, minty taste. Did not hurt my teeth like some other whiteners." —Sbhuskins

              Arm & Hammer

              Advance White Breath Freshening Toothpaste

              Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (26)

              Arm & Hammer

              Advance White Breath Freshening Toothpaste

              Pros
              • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (27)Top-rated
              Cons

                Baking soda works as the main ingredient in this popular toothpaste to gently lift surface stains and neutralize enamel-weakening acids.

                Star rating:4.6/5
                Key ingredient:Baking soda
                One satisfied customer writes:"I am 63 years-old and have the whitest teeth thanks to Arm and Hammer. My dental hygienist is amazed how little she has to clean on my teeth every six months, and I am a total tea-aholic!" —Nana

                Hello

                Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste (3-Pack)

                Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (28)

                Hello

                Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste (3-Pack)

                Pros
                • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (29)Paraben-free
                Cons

                  Here's a three-pack of minty toothpastes from Hello that uses a calcium mineral blend to get teeth whiter while strengthening enamel naturally.

                  Star rating:4.7/5
                  Key ingredientsPeppermint, calcium mineral blend, tea tree oil, coconut oil
                  One satisfied customer writes:"Leaves teeth so clean feels like I just went to the dentist!!" —G Sancho

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                  RiseWell

                  Natural Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

                  Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (30)

                  RiseWell

                  Natural Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

                  Pros
                  • Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (31)Flouride-free
                  Cons

                    "Risewell makes a hydroxyapatite based toothpaste which has natural whitening properties," Lipari continues. "Although hydroxyapatite based toothpastes are a newer product here in the United States, there are numerous studies showing that they may be a great alternative to traditional fluoride-based toothpastes."

                    Star rating:4.8/5
                    Key ingredientsEssential oils

                    What are the benefits of using whitening toothpastes?

                    Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (32)

                    Whitening toothpastes make it easy to enhance the hue of your smile with little to no effort, with noticeable results after about a month of use. "These options are a great way to maintain your teeth and achieve a more minor whitening result on a daily basis," Lipari says.

                    How should I use whitening toothpaste?

                    Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (33)

                    Brushing your teeth with one of the best whitening toothpastes is no different than the process of using a regular tube. Those already brightening their smile with a teeth whitening kit can still use a whitening toothpaste. However, experts advise being mindful that the more whitening products used on your teeth may increase risk for future enamel sensitivity.

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                    Meet the Experts

                    Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (34)

                    • Dr. Rich Lipari is a cosmetic dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York.

                    Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?

                    Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (35)

                    For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

                    Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (36)

                    Tiffany Dodson

                    Associate Beauty Commerce Editor

                    Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

                    Looking for a Brighter Smile? Try These 10 Dentist-Approved Toothpastes (2024)

                    FAQs

                    What is the #1 dentist recommended toothpaste? ›

                    Consumer Experience
                    CategoryToothpaste Product
                    Best for General UseCrest Pro-Health Toothpaste
                    Best for Sensitive TeethSensodyne ProNamel Toothpaste
                    Best for WhiteningTom's of Maine Simply White Natural Fluoride Toothpaste
                    Best for Natural PickThe Natural Dentist All In One SLS FREE Aloe Toothpaste
                    Nov 30, 2023

                    What is the #1 recommended whitening toothpaste? ›

                    Best Crest

                    Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste is our favorite whitening pick from the trusted brand. It has a gentle feeling and a mild mint flavor that isn't overpowering. This toothpaste features hydrated silica to remove stains and sodium fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel.

                    What commercial toothpaste actually whitens teeth? ›

                    Among the several Crest brand toothpastes on this list, the Crest 3D White Brilliance performed the best during our testing. The toothpaste uses sodium fluoride to strengthen your enamel and foaming ingredients to help loosen and lift surface stains. When used twice daily, it can help prevent new stains.

                    What toothpaste do dentists not recommend? ›

                    Be sure to avoid any toothpastes that contain activated charcoal. Too often, unregulated toothpastes containing extremely harsh particles end up causing serious enamel damage and permanent discoloration.

                    What is the best toothpaste to remove plaque from teeth? ›

                    Choose an anti-plaque fluoride toothpaste like Crest® PRO-HEALTH Advanced Toothpaste. Make sure to floss daily with a product like Oral-B Glide Deep Clean or Oral-B Glide Comfort Plus. Pair it with an Oral-B Water Flosser to further remove food particles and plaque between teeth.

                    What toothpaste do dental hygienists use? ›

                    Dental hygienists use a flavored polishing toothpaste made of pumice, flavoring, and usually a tiny amount of fluoride. This normally follows the scaling process, which is when hygienists use metal tools to scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth. The polishing toothpaste is much more coarse than regular toothpaste.

                    What whitens teeth without damaging them? ›

                    Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

                    Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

                    Do any toothpastes really whiten teeth? ›

                    Indeed, no toothpaste actually whitens. All toothpaste can do is remove stains from the surface of a tooth. And according to a recent survey by Consumer's Union, the best toothpaste for removing stains was one of the cheapest on the market.

                    What do celebrities use to get their teeth so white? ›

                    If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.

                    Why is fluoride banned in Europe? ›

                    All other treatment chemicals are added to treat the water (i.e. to improve the water's quality and safety - which fluoride does not do). This is one of the reasons why much of Europe has rejected fluoridation.

                    What toothpaste do gum surgeons recommend? ›

                    Here are some popular brands and types often recommended: Oral-B Pro-Expert Deep Clean Toothpaste. Crest Gum Detoxify and Pro-Health Advanced Crest's Gum Detoxify Toothpastes. Paradontax Active Gum Repair.

                    Why shouldn't you use fluoride? ›

                    A 2019 CDC study found that fluoride is linked to the development of dental fluorosis. This is a dental defect that causes tooth enamel to become hypomineralized. While mostly cosmetic — causing unsightly discoloration of the teeth — in severe cases, it may also weaken the tooth's structure and lead to physical damage.

                    Is Arm and Hammer toothpaste Dentist recommended? ›

                    The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' Acceptance of Arm & Hammer Dental Care Toothpaste is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping prevent tooth decay when used as directed. Directions: Adults and children 2 years of age and older: Brush teeth thoroughly.

                    Is Colgate or Crest better? ›

                    Crest vs Colgate: Which Is the Better Toothpaste? So either of these two options appears to be the best, and both Colgate Total and Crest Pro-Health have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

                    Why avoid fluoride in toothpaste? ›

                    The reason for these recommendations is because when too much fluoride is ingested, it is toxic. Excess fluoride ingestion is linked to dental fluorosis, a condition that causes tooth enamel to become discoloured and which when present can indicate that the rest of your body has been overexposed to fluoride as well.

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