The 10 Best Whitening Toothpastes That Dentists Love for Ultra-Clean Teeth
Transform coffee-stained teeth into pearly whites!
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
The key to a million dollar smile? Bright, white teeth, of course. Luckily, achieving that is easier than ever. Nowadays there are plenty of products to help you get whiter teeth, including teeth whitening kits, whitening strips, and whitening pens. But you don’t have to overhaul your entire oral care routine to make your pearly whites sparkle—sometimes it all starts with an effective whitening toothpaste.
Whitening toothpastes are designed to remove surface stains caused by substances like coffee or wine. You'll see hydrogen peroxide on the ingredient list: It's a common, low-concentration whitening agent. These toothpastes may also contain mild abrasives that effectively remove stains without harming enamel, says cosmetic dentist Richard Lipari, D.D.S. Be aware, though, that some ingredients may cause sensitivity.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Colgate Optic White Renewal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
- Best Value: Arm & Hammer Advance White
- Best for Deep Stains: Crest 3D White Deep Stain Remover
- Best Treatment: Crest 3D White Brilliance 2-Step Kit
To find the best whitening toothpaste for your needs, our editors compiled this list of top picks, featuring a mix of recommendations from board-certified dentists and products tested by the Good Housekeeping Beauty and Personal Care Lab.
Pros
- High levels of hydrogen peroxide
- Effectively removes stains
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive teeth
WHY WE LOVE IT: 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.
HOW IT WORKS: After analyzing the brand's data, our chemists 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. However, it may be too intense for those with very sensitive teeth.
| Ingredients | Hydrogen peroxide, hydrated silica, fluoride |
| Size | 3 oz. |
Pros
- Gentle yet effective
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Not the best taste
WHY WE LOVE IT: 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.
HOW IT WORKS: 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, since it doesn't have the best taste.
| Ingredients | Sodium bicarbonate |
| Size | 6 oz. |
Pros
- Works on deep stains
- Strengthens and repairs enamel
Cons
- Some testers didn’t like the flavor
WHY WE LOVE IT: Though it may have taken years to get those deep stains, Crest claims their patented technology starts tackling them in just one day.
HOW IT WORKS: 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 tester shared.
| Ingredients | Sodium monofluorophosphate |
| Size | 3.1 oz. |
Pros
- Contains sensitive teeth-friendly stannous fluoride
- Can provide noticeable results within a week
Cons
- Comes with a cooling sensation that some may not enjoy
WHY WE LOVE IT: 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."
HOW IT WORKS: 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. But keep in mind that some online reviewers didn't like its cooling sensation.
| Ingredients | Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica, hydrogen peroxide |
| Size | 4 oz. and 2.3 oz. |
Pros
- Effectively reduces plaque buildup
- Stannous fluoride helps curb sensitivity
Cons
- Mint flavor can be strong
WHY WE LOVE IT: 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.
HOW IT WORKS: This multitasking 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 online reviewers enjoyed the refreshing feeling, but others found it a bit strong at first.
| Ingredients | Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica |
| Size | 3.4 oz. |
Pros
- Leaves teeth feeling super fresh and clean
- No sensitivity issues
Cons
- Whitening is mild and gradual
WHY WE LOVE IT: 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.
HOW IT WORKS: A great option for everyday, it helps fight bacteria and freshens breath. 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.”
Testers appreciated the practical packaging too. “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.
| Ingredients | Stannous fluoride |
| Size | 5.1 oz. |
Pros
- ADA-approved formula
- Whitens and relieves sensitivity
Cons
- May take longer to see visible results
WHY WE LOVE 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.
HOW IT WORKS: 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.
| Ingredients | Stannous fluoride, hydrated silica |
| Size | 4.1 oz. |
Pros
- Great flavors
- Gentle on sensitivity
- High testing score for leaving clean feeling
Cons
- Whitening could be stronger
WHY WE LOVE IT: 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 and Pina Colada.
HOW IT WORKS: 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. “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. However, the whitening effects weren’t strong. The same tester also noted, “I didn't see a big difference in the appearance of my teeth, so I'm unsure of its whitening properties.” Many testers liked the packaging and fluoride-free formula.
| Ingredients | Glycerin, coconut oil, silica, hydroxyapatite |
| Size | 3.4 oz. |
Pros
- Non-irritating to teeth and gums
- Gentle whitening
Cons
- Lots of air in tube, per reviews
WHY WE LOVE IT: 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.
HOW IT WORKS: 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." However, some online reviewers noted that there is a lot of air in the tube.
| Ingredients | Potassium nitrate, hydrated silica, sodium fluoride |
| Size | 4 oz. |
Pros
- Great for sensitive teeth
- Claims to support gum health
Cons
- More gel-like texture than paste
WHY WE LOVE IT: 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.
HOW IT WORKS: It's made with vitamins A and 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."
| Ingredients | Potassium nitrate, hydrated silica |
| Size | 3.4 oz. |
How we choose the best whitening toothpastes
The GH Beauty Lab rigorously tests oral care products, including whitening treatments. In past tests, scientists have measured tooth color changes under standardized lighting before and after using label-masked products, alongside consumer feedback on ease of use and sensitivity. While the products in this roundup were not part of a single recent Beauty Lab test, our previous testing informs our evaluation.
The picks included here were selected based on dentist recommendations, Beauty Lab chemist analysis, and, in some cases, ADA Acceptance, meaning the product meets the organization’s standards for safety and efficacy.
What to consider when shopping
✔️ Active ingredients: The dentists we spoke with unanimously agreed that bleaching agents hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are key ingredients in whitening toothpaste. For peroxide ingredients, the maximum percentage is 10% for over-the-counter products, says Sharon Huang, D.D.S., M.I.C.O.I., a cosmetic dentist and founder of Les Belles NYC. Hydrated silica acts as a polishing agent to help remove stains. Baking soda also works to that effect while raising oral pH, adds Dr. Levine. Low pH levels mean high acidity, which can lead to demineralization, or the layer of protective enamel wearing down. This can make teeth more prone to cavities and other damage.
✔️ Sensitive-friendly formulas: Those with sensitive teeth may look for a formula with potassium nitrate, which is known to reduce sensitivity. Fluoride also helps prevent sensitivity and hardens the tooth's surface, according to a study. There are also products that don’t contain peroxide and instead are made with ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, which have natural whitening effects that pull stains from the teeth, according to Dr. Huang. "They're not as effective as peroxide, but are a good natural option that’s gentler on the teeth," she notes.
How often can you safely use whitening toothpaste?
You can use whitening toothpaste a few times a week and then switch over to a toothpaste that has fluoride and/or potassium nitrate to help with sensitivity and demineralization, according to Dr. Levine.
Check that the Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA), or the abrasive index, is low, which means it gently removes stains off the surface of teeth. High RDA can strip away your enamel, and it doesn’t grow back, Dr. Levine says. Typically, you won't find these printed on a label. While there are RDA index charts out there, it's best to check in with your dentist to be sure.
Does whitening toothpaste make teeth more sensitive?
Everyone’s teeth are different. Talk to your dentist about what’s best for you. Dr. Lipari notes that at-home whitening products tend to have a lower concentration of whitening agents so it's less likely to cause sensitivity. However, whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that can strip the enamel over time, so it's best not to use long term. Also, if you’re finding your teeth to be more sensitive, look for formulas that have stannous fluoride or potassium nitrate.
How long does it take to see results?
Typically within two to six weeks of use, though that all varies based on which toothpaste is used and how much staining there is, according to Dr. Becker.
How can you prevent teeth from getting stained?
Technically, darker beverages like wine or coffee stain your teeth. While lessening that habit may be ideal, Dr. Becker simply advises to take proper care of your teeth to avoid erosion and staining. That means brushing twice daily, flossing frequently, and regular dental checkups.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Lauren Becker, D.D.S., is a general and cosmetic dentist in NYC. Dr. Becker received her Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Binghamton University and she received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from NYU College of Dentistry.
- Dr. Jonathan Levine, D.M.D., is a board-certified dentist and an associate professor at NYU College of Dentistry who has practiced for more than 30 years.
- Dr. Grace Yum, D.D.S., is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Chicago and the founder of Mommy Dentists in Business.
- Dr. Richard Lipari, D.D.S., is a board-certified cosmetic dentist and a graduate of NYU College of Dentistry. He practices exclusively in Chappaqua, NY, focusing on cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry.
- Dr. Sharon Huang, D.D.S., M.I.C.O.I., is a cosmetic dentist and founder of Les Belles NYC in NYC. She received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jacqueline Saguin was a commerce editor at the GH Institute where she covers all things beauty. Through collaboration with the scientists and chemists at the GH Beauty Lab, Saguin has a finger on the pulse of top-tested makeup, skincare, and health products in order to make informed picks for our readers. To round out this guide, she interviewed several board-certified dentists for their recommendations and expert advice.
Celia Shatzman is the temporary beauty editor at Good Housekeeping, and most recently worked with the Beauty Lab to update this story with new tested products. She has covered beauty and health for 20 years.
The Best Water Flossers
The Best Electric Toothbrushes
Best Teeth Whitening Products That Actually Work
7 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids
