Best Whitening Toothpaste Review
Dentist Tested and Reviewed
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 90% of patients requested tooth whitening treatment during dental visits.
Teeth whitening is a simple process using active ingredients to lift stains out of the enamel surface safely.
What is the best whitening toothpaste?
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 300+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the Best Whitening Toothpaste from a dentist’s perspective.
Buying Guide
- Best Overall: Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-Step Toothpaste
- Best Sensitivity: Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost Toothpaste
- Best Extended Whitening: Colgate Optic White Renewal Toothpaste
- Best Budget: Colgate Optic White Stain Fighter Toothpaste
- Best Peroxide: Crest 3D White Brilliance Hydrogen Peroxide 4% Toothpaste
Teeth Staining Overview
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two most common active ingredients. Both products are safe and effective; however, they may not correct all types of discoloration. Other whitening ingredients include baking soda, hydrated silica and various bleaching agent.
For example, yellow-shaded teeth are more responsive than brown and gray-shaded ones. Activated charcoal is another added ingredient to whiten teeth.
Common Causes
- Age
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine (chromogens)
- Tobacco use (tar and nicotine)
- Trauma
- Medications
Whitening Treatment Methods
- Stain Removal Toothpaste: Look for ADA-approved whitening toothpaste. It uses mild abrasives to scrub away surface stains.
- In-Office Bleaching: This quick, single-visit treatment involves applying bleach directly to your teeth for fast results.
- At-Home Bleaching: Ideal for sensitive teeth, this method uses custom trays and a whitening agent over several weeks for gradual results.
- Over-the-Counter Options: Easily available, these products include whitening strips and gels for convenient at-home use.
Evaluation Criteria
I tested each product for 7-14 days, detailing its pros and cons, and rate it from 1 to 5 in four key areas.
- Effectiveness: Does the toothpaste treat the advertised need? How effective were the results?
- Comfort: Was the toothpaste comfortable? Was there any burning, stinging or uncomfortable sensation?
- Taste: How was the overall taste? Was it refreshing? Did it alter your sense of taste?
- Likeability: Likeability: Is the toothpaste likeable and enjoyable to use?
Related Reviews
- Best Whitening Electric Toothbrush Review 2024
- Best At-Home Whitening Kit Review 2024
- Best Whitening Trays Review 2024
- Best Whitening Toothpaste Review 2024
1. Best Overall | Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-Step Toothpaste
Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-Step Toothpaste combines anticavity fluoride toothpaste with peroxide whitening gel.
This daily whitening 2-step treatment “keeps your smiles up to 99% as white as a professional polish”. After brushing with step 1 for 1 minute, add step 2 and continue brushing for 1 minute to reveal your 3D white smile.
Dentist Review
Crest Whitening 2-Step Toothpaste combines a refreshing, flavorful toothpaste with an effective whitening gel to check all the boxes.
Step 1 has a great mint flavor and easily brushes away stubborn plaque. Step 2 is applied after 1 minute, and whitening properties take effect.
Also, the peroxide flavor is uniquely masked by the mint-flavored step 1. Its tooth enamel whitening effectiveness was fantastic, and we experienced no sensitivity. Although multiple steps are needed, this product produced excellent results.
Highlights
- Step 1 deep cleaning toothpaste
- Step 2 peroxide whitening gel
- Stannous fluoride 0.45%
- Satisfaction guaranteed or money back
- Gentle foaming action
- Daily whitening 2-step treatment
Results
Best whitening toothpaste with no sensitivity.
2. Best Sensitivity | Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost Toothpaste
For nearly 60 years, Sensodyne has created unique formulations to help people overcome tooth sensitivity pain while still providing the benefits of fluoride, cavity protection, fresh breath, and whitening to maintain healthy teeth.
Sensodyne toothpaste contains either stannous fluoride or potassium nitrate as an active ingredient. Stannous fluoride creates a barrier over sensitive areas, while potassium nitrate works by soothing the nerves inside the teeth.
Sensodyne offers a wide range of products that provide lasting relief for sensitive teeth. For example, Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost Toothpaste improves natural mineral absorption for strong white teeth.
Dentist Review
Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost Toothpaste was very comfortable to brush with, leaving our mouths squeaky clean.
Everything about this toothpaste is gentle, from the refreshing flavor to the whitening action.
We experienced a hydration sensation combined with subtle flavors. Fresh breath wasn’t as lasting as other products, but the tooth enamel whitening was effective. We experienced no sensitivity.
Related: Top 7 Best Sensodyne Toothpaste Review
Highlights
- Potassium nitrate 5%
- Sodium fluoride 0.25%
- Replenishes vital minerals
- Best for sensitive teeth
- Cavity prevention
- Gentle whitening action
- Prevents enamel loss
- No SLS/sulfates
- No artificial dyes and parabens
- No triclosan and peroxide
Results
Best gentle whitening for sensitive teeth.
3. Best Extended Whitening | Colgate Optic White Renewal Toothpaste
Colgate seeks to develop products that promote healthy smiles. They’ve been in the oral health care industry for over 145 years and offer a range of oral care products.
Colgate Optic White Renewal Toothpaste “removes ten years of yellow stains” using a 3% hydrogen peroxide formula.
Colgate claims that this is their best-patented whitening toothpaste while being enamel safe.
Dentist Review
Colgate Optic White Renewal Toothpaste was very effective at removing stains. The smooth toothpaste texture provided great foaming action to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Also, the high-impact flavor was robust, featuring cinnamon-like strength that lasted for many hours.
Considering its effectiveness at removing stains, we were pleasantly surprised that we experienced no sensitivity. The flavor was exceptional and refreshing; however, it may be too spicy for some individuals.
Highlights
- Sodium monofluorophosphate 0.76%
- Hydrogen peroxide 3%
- High-impact white flavor
- Enamel safe
- Sugar-free
- Gluten-free
Results
Best whitening with cinnamon-like flavor.
4. Best Budget | Colgate Optic White Stain Fighter Toothpaste
Colgate Optic White Stain Fighter Toothpaste “removes 6x more surface stains with micro-polishing action”.
It’s enamel-safe like Colgate Optic White Renewal; however, sodium fluoride 0.24% is the active ingredient.
Dentist Review
Colgate Optic White Stain Fighter Toothpaste was less spicy than Colgate Renewal Toothpaste; however, it provided fresh breath for just as many hours.
The toothpaste texture was another noticeable difference as you could feel the micro-polishing grittiness while brushing.
Although gritty, it was still comfortable to use and provided excellent foaming action. It provided effective tooth enamel whitening but slightly less effective than Colgate Renewal Toothpaste.
Highlights
- Sodium fluoride 0.24%
- Clean mint paste
- Micro-polishing action
- Cavity protection
Results
Best micro-polishing toothpaste.
5. Best Peroxide | Crest 3D White Brilliance Hydrogen Peroxide 4% Toothpaste
Crest 3D White Brilliance Hydrogen Peroxide, 4% Toothpaste, features advanced whitening formula and is Crest's highest level of hydrogen peroxide toothpaste.
This revitalizing formula nourishes enamel with fluoride and deeply penetrates surface stains with foaming action.
Dentist Review
Crest Hydrogen Peroxide 4% Toothpaste provided effective whitening without sensitivity.
The peroxide flavor was a bit overwhelming and lacked refreshing qualities. It has a thicker texture but was smooth and gentle to brush with.
The hydrogen peroxide provided great foaming action that left our mouths feeling clean. There is a tradeoff in flavor compared to whitening effectiveness; however, some individuals will have no issues.
Highlights
- Sodium monofluorophosphate 1.14%
- Hydrogen peroxide 4%
- Fresh mint flavor
- Advanced whitening formula
- Anticavity toothpaste
Results
Best foaming action with effective whitening.
Overall Champion | Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-Step Toothpaste*
Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-Step Toothpaste combines anticavity fluoride toothpaste with peroxide whitening gel.
This daily whitening 2-step treatment “keeps your smiles up to 99% as white as a professional polish”. After brushing with step 1 for 1 minute, add step 2 and continue brushing for 1 minute to reveal your 3D white smile.
Final Thoughts
Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-Step Toothpaste is the best whitening toothpaste on the market. It secured the top spot because of its whitening effectiveness, flavor, and freshness.
Besides the steep price, our only concern was patient compliance using the 2-step application process.
Colgate Optic White Renewal Toothpaste is a top-rated toothpaste that provides a refreshing cinnamon-like mint flavor that lasts many hours after use. We were also pleased with this product overall.
Finally, Colgate Stain Fighter and Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost Toothpaste scored 17/20 to round out the top 3. If you struggle with sensitive teeth, Sensodyne is highly recommended.
Final Rankings
- Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-Step Toothpaste 20/20
- Colgate Optic White Renewal Toothpaste 19/20
- Colgate Optic White Stain Fighter Toothpaste 17/20
- Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost Toothpaste 17/20
- Crest 3D White Brilliance Hydrogen Peroxide 4% Toothpaste 16/20
* My Dental Advocate product reviews are based on individual experience and your results with the products may vary.
Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you'll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we'll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hannan, also known as “Dr. Advocate,” is a board-certified dentist on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He attended Baylor University before completing dental school at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He now lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and 4 kids. Dr. Hannan believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.
Connect with Dr. Hannan!
Are Dental X-rays Necessary? (Expert Advice)
Dental X-rays have been discussed in recent years, with patients and professionals alike questioning their necessity and safety. As we dive into this topic, we aim to explore the purpose, types, and potential risks associated with dental X-rays. While dental X-rays have undeniably revolutionized dental care, concerns surrounding their safety have arisen, mainly due to radiation exposure.
Why Are Dental Implants So Expensive? (Dentist Perspective)
Thinking about dental implants but recoiling at the expense? You’re not alone. Dental implants, prized for durability and realism, are costly due to factors like the materials used, required expertise, and possible additional procedures.
Dental Second Opinion | The Ultimate Guide (Content Hub)
Dental second opinions are essential for expert oral health care, clarity and peace of mind. Are you considering a second opinion? My Dental Advocate can help! Read this ultimate guide to learn more…
Gain Clarity with Our FREE Second Opinion Guide
Receive clear, expert second opinions online within 48 hours. Start today!
Product Reviews
Our 250+ dental product reviews (and counting), curated by an experienced dentist, are the most comprehensive online.
Toothbrush Genie
State-of-the-art chatbot designed to help you discover your perfect toothbrush in just a few simple steps!
Cavity Risk Assessment
Cutting-edge digital tool designed to evaluate your individual cavity risk based on your responses to a series of questions.
Gum Disease Assessment
Discover your gum disease risk with our quick and engaging 6-question assessment!