While whitening toothpastes won’t provide you with same level of results as a professional treatment – or one of these teeth whitening products – they’ll still make a noticeable difference. Especially when paired with one of the best electric toothbrushes. Designed for daily use, top whitening toothpastes are packed with key ingredients like peroxide and carbamide peroxide that work to remove surface stains, deal with discolouration, and leave you with a Hollywood-worthy smile.
Clearly, trying out some trusty at-home teeth whitening kits is also a great way to brighten your smile without blowing your whole budget on your next visit to the dentist or hygienist. Alongside mastering at home manicures, and learning how to shape our brows ourselves, wearing teeth whitening strips just feels like a pretty easy treatment to add into your regular DIY beauty maintenance days.
Whether you’re after a colour-correcting toothpaste that provides an instant whitening effect, a formula that’ll strengthen and protect the enamel and tackle deep-set stains, or something that’s been specifically designed with sensitive teeth and gums in mind, these are the best toothpastes we’ve found for those seeking a whiter smile.
SKIP TO: What is the main cause of yellow teeth? | How do whitening toothpastes actually work? | Are they safe for your teeth? | How we tested best whitening toothpastes | Our full reviews
What is the main cause of yellow teeth?
“Some of the most common causes of discoloured teeth are lifestyle habits,” explains cosmetic dentist, Dr Krystyna Wilczynski. “These include eating and drinking foods that cause staining, such as red wine, coffee, tea, cola and curry.” She adds that smoking is the biggest culprit for turning teeth yellow very quickly. “Certain foods and drinks high in acidity, such as berries, tomatoes, fruit juices and alcohol, can also soften the enamel and make your teeth more likely to pick up stains from other foods.”
Wilczynski stresses how important it is to brush your teeth morning and night, and have frequent hygienist appointments (every 6 months, ideally). “The dentine on your teeth absorbs food colour, and stains also latch onto plaque and tartar build up on and between teeth, as they find anchorage in crevices.” Which brings us back to the importance of a good teeth-transforming toothpaste.
How do whitening toothpastes actually work?
Typically slightly abrasive, most whitening toothpastes contain ingredients like silica that work to scrub the surface of the teeth, and deeply clean the outside layer. “Some also contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which are bleaching agents,” adds Wilczynski. “Although these will be at a very low level compared to professional whitening products — so they’re so safe for home use.” Activated charcoal is another popular scrubbing ingredient — but it isn’t endorsed by all dental professionals, as it can be known to wear away enamel.
Some whitening toothpastes also contain the chemical ‘blue covarine’, which adheres to the surface of the teeth and creates an optical illusion that can make teeth appear less yellow. Others are boosted by enzymes that help to gently break down plaque and staining.
Whichever whitening technology you reach for, Wilczynski recommends always choosing a toothpaste containing fluoride: “It’s the essential ingredient for protecting and fighting against tooth decay.”
Are they safe for your teeth?
Yes. The majority of shop-bought, FDA-approved whitening toothpastes offer gentle yet effective results and should be suitable for most. But the health of everyone’s teeth and gums varies greatly, so it’s always advisable to speak to your dentist before investing in any new at-home dental care.
How we tested the best whitening toothpastes:
Big on bright and white smiles, the GLAMOUR team has been lucky enough to try hundreds of whitening toothpastes over the years — from a range of both big and small oral care brands. Clearly, we use these experiences to help inform our reviews — but we also scrutinise everything from the key ingredients used and clinical trial results, to the specific taste of the paste and customer reviews, in order to make sure we’re only suggesting products that we truly believe to be great value for money.
