Does Whitening Toothpaste Actually Work? Here are the 4 Best Ingredients to Look for

With so many whitening toothpaste options available in stores, it can be hard to know which one to choose. And you might wonder if using whitening toothpaste is even worth it. 

If you’re looking for whiter teeth, there are some ingredients you should look for. Let’s explore how to pick a whitening toothpaste and which ones work best. 

Does whitening toothpaste really work?

Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains from your teeth. Surface stains are commonly caused by food and drinks like:

• Coffee

• Tea

• Red wine

• Berries

• Grapes

• Tomato-based sauces

While whitening toothpaste can be helpful, it may not work for everyone. If your stains are really deep (intrinsic stains), you may need professional whitening from your dentist. These deeper stains can’t be removed with whitening toothpaste alone. Intrinsic stains are caused by factors like:

• Age: With age, the outer enamel layer of your teeth begins to thin. This allows for the yellowish color of the inner layer to show through. This will cause your teeth to appear more yellow.

• Medications: Some medications can cause tooth discoloration. This can happen with certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and antihistamines, as well as antipsychotics. 

What ingredients should you look for in whitening toothpastes?

When choosing a whitening toothpaste, pick one with ingredients that are proven to be effective. Here are the four best ingredients in whitening toothpaste that you should look out for.

1. Carbamide or hydrogen peroxides

The most common ingredients used to whiten teeth are carbamide and hydrogen peroxides. These peroxide agents work in whitening products as an acid to lift up stains from your teeth. 

Make sure to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on whitening products bought in the store. These products will have the proper amount of peroxide mixed in to keep your teeth as safe as possible.

2. Baking soda

This is an abrasive ingredient included in some toothpastes that helps to scrub away surface stains. It also shows promising results for oral health. Baking soda may be helpful in reducing plaque and gingivitis (bleeding in and around the gums).

3. Fluoride

Fluoride can’t whiten your teeth when used by itself. But it’s very useful when combined with other whitening ingredients. Fluoride helps strengthen the outer enamel layer of your tooth. This helps reduce tooth discoloration. The regular use of fluoride also helps limit teeth sensitivity that whitening can cause. 

4. Potassium nitrate

This ingredient has been clinically proven to help reduce tooth sensitivity. Potassium nitrate releases potassium ions into the channels leading to the nerve canal of each tooth. These ions help to block pain signals going from your tooth to your brain. This will help you feel less sensitivity after whitening. 

What are the best whitening toothpastes?

There are several options for whitening toothpaste on the market. So, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. Some of the best whitening toothpaste options include:

• Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste: This toothpaste has both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients make it effective in removing surface stains.

• Colgate Optic White: The main ingredient in this toothpaste is hydrogen peroxide. It has been known to whiten teeth up to three shades when used as directed.

• Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste: This contains baking soda and is an excellent option for removing surface stains.

• Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste: This toothpaste has both fluoride and potassium nitrate. And lab data shows it’s effective at strengthening the enamel. This makes it a great choice if you have sensitive teeth.

How often should you brush with whitening toothpastes?

It’s recommended to brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Overuse of whitening toothpaste can lead to tooth sensitivity and the breakdown of your tooth enamel. So, it’s important to use it as directed. 

If major sensitivity does occur, speak with your dentist about the proper way to reduce sensitivity. They will most likely suggest that you stop using whitening toothpaste until the symptoms improve. 

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Written by:

Zack Youngblood, DMD

Zack Youngblood, DMD, is a dentist who strives to change the general look of dentistry. Before stepping into the clinical field, he authored multiple works that helped dental students and dentists find their unique path in dentistry.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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