10 Whitening Toothpastes That Really Work, According to Experts

Noticeably brighten and whiten teeth with Colgate’s game-changing whitening toothpaste, a past GH Beauty Award winner. The formula contains high levels of bleaching active hydrogen peroxide to brighten teeth one to two shades lighter and faster.

After analyzing the brand's data, our experts in the GH Beauty Lab confirm that this formula can remove up to 10 years of yellow stains on teeth in only four weeks of twice-daily use.

Colgate Optic White is the only American Dental Association-approved bleaching toothpaste that is formulated with fluoride for cavity prevention. It forms a protective layer on teeth, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to continue its whitening action beyond the time spent actively brushing.

This formula harnesses the power of Arm & Hammer baking soda to naturally lift stains. Grace Yum, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist in Chicago, says dentists in her office who treated college kids and parents used this toothpaste to keep their teeth white after professional in-office bleaching.

The brand claims it gently removes up to three times more plaque even in hard-to-brush places. Those who've ever tried baking soda as a teeth whitener know that it comes with a bit of a grimace, though: "Not the greatest-tasting, but that is a small sacrifice for healthy teeth and gums," said one shopper.

Though it may have taken years to get those deep stains, Crest claims their patented technology starts tackling them in just one day. Many whitening toothpastes only remove the top layer of stains, but this is designed to go deep to dissolve the bonds that lock stains onto teeth. The formula also safeguards, strengthens, and repairs enamel during whitening.

Beauty Lab testing revealed that this tube scored the highest for whitening. “I like the convenient pump design, and the fact that this visibly whitened my teeth very quickly,” one tester said. “As a smoker, my teeth have tough stains that can be tough to remove but this worked pretty fantastically!” However, one gripe was the flavor. “I prefer a minty taste in my toothpaste and this one didn't have that. The taste was really off-putting and I found myself mixing it with other toothpaste to neutralize the taste,” another reviewer shared.

Lauren Becker, D.D.S., a general and cosmetic dentist in New York City, names the Crest HD two-step whitening system her favorite over-the-counter whitening product that "gives patients noticeable results in under a week."

Carving out less time than whitening strips, the two-minute application substitutes your normal brushing routine. The first step cleanser helps remove plaque and protects against sensitivity, while the second step contains whitening and brightening hydrogen peroxide, says Dr. Becker. Not to mention, unlike strips, these whiten the back of your teeth, too.

No need to dread the teeth-scraping portion of your next dental cleaning. After switching to the Colgate toothpaste about three months before her dental visit, one of our Beauty Lab analysts heard praise from her own dentist for the significantly less plaque buildup on her teeth. "I am happy I found a toothpaste that can keep plaque under control and has whitening properties at the same time!" she says.

This multi-tasking Colgate toothpaste helps fight cavities, whiten teeth and dissolve plaque, the latter of which may be thanks to its hydrated silica. In addition to whitening power, it also has gentle stannous fluoride that works to offset the sensitivity some people experience when using whitening toothpaste. Many shoppers enjoyed the refreshing feeling, but others found it a bit strong at first.

Those who love that squeaky clean and fresh feeling some toothpastes leave behind will especially enjoy this tube. It earned a top score for cleanliness and overall satisfaction. A great option for everyday, it helps fight bacteria and freshens breath. Testers appreciated the practical packaging.

“The toothpaste has a pleasant minty taste and didn’t cause any sensitivity. I love the design of the tube: It stands up on its own, which makes it easier to use,” a tester said. However, its whitening effects are mild and gradual. One tester shared: “I did not notice a major difference in whitening / brightening after using the product consistently for two weeks, but I was satisfied with the cleaning despite it.”

Catering to both sensitive teeth and gums, the Crest Sensitive & Gum All Day Protection Anticavity Fluoride toothpaste garners accolades for its effective (yet gentle) stain-lifting powers. In fact, it's the only ADA-approved toothpaste that targets both sensitivity relief and whitening, an anomaly in whitening toothpaste. For reference, any ADA-approved item has passed thorough testing by the American Dental Association to confirm it’s both safe and effective for oral health.

The formula goes by route of less aggressive surface stain removers like hydrated silica and stannous fluoride, a known favorable ingredient for sensitive teeth, according to Dr. Becker. This Crest formula offers a light minty-fresh taste that shoppers say tastes great. It also boasts a foamy formula sans grittiness. Most online reviewers reported noticeable whitening effects after about four weeks of use, which is longer than some other picks, but still effective.

Whitening toothpastes aren’t exactly known for their delicious flavors, but Cocofloss bucks that trend with unique options. In addition to Delicious Mint, there’s Lychee Breeze, Pina Colada and Oishii Berry Jam, a limited-edition collaboration with the premium Japanese strawberry brand. In Beauty Lab testing, Cocofloss tied for best flavor and earned high scores for leaving the mouth and teeth clean as well as being gentle on sensitivity. Testers also liked the packaging and fluoride-free formula. However, the whitening effects weren’t strong.

“I loved the pleasant minty flavor of the toothpaste. It left my mouth feel clean as if I just chewed a refreshing piece of minty gum,” one tester said, but also noted, “I didn't see a big difference in the appearance of my teeth, so I'm unsure of its whitening properties.”

Those with sensitive teeth who want pearly whites without that harsh pang from sipping a cold beverage can turn to Sensodyne. Dr. Lipari recommends this extra whitening pick for his patients with sensitive teeth. Rather than focusing on brightening alone, it uses a dose of stannous fluoride, which prevents sensitivity and hardens the tooth surface. The hydrated silica gently scrubs stains while potassium nitrate protects teeth against sensitivity. Its formula claims to decrease sensitivity after two weeks of regular use.

One GH editor and her entire family use Sensodyne. "It's great if you already have sensitive teeth and gums but don't want to slack on the whitening." Amazon reviewers echoed that sentiment, writing: "If you have sensitive gums, please do yourself a favor and try this!"

No need to think twice when reaching for this whitening toothpaste. Jonathan B. Levine, D.M.D., a board-certified dentist and an associate professor at the NYU School of Dentistry, recommends the TWICE toothpaste line because of its "ingredients that are safe and help to remineralize the teeth" with low abrasive index numbers. Translation: It's gentler on teeth.

It's made with vitamins A, E and aloe vera that the brand claims to support gum health and freshen breath. Several online reviewers called it "refreshing" and agreed that it left breath smelling better. "This toothpaste is so good!" an online shopper raved. "I love the taste and the feel: Super clean and very fresh! My teeth are even a little whiter."