Plastic toothbrush with white toothpaste on a blue table and green soap background. While looking through my recent holiday photos, I realized that I wasn’t as happy with my smile as I used to be. Long days of too much coffee and soda have taken their toll on my smile! I wanted to bring a bit of luster back to my teeth, but expensive treatments seem like more than I’m comfortable with. Digging into it, I found out quite a bit about whitening toothpastes and how they work, so I thought I’d share here!

Do whitening toothpastes work?

Yes! Whitening toothpaste uses similar chemicals and methods as professional systems but in milder and safer amounts.

Results won’t be as quick and dramatic as more focused whitening systems, like whitening strips or in-office treatments. Though this is a slower process than professional methods, whitening toothpaste is by far the cheapest and most convenient option.

Make sure to only use toothpastes that have the seal of approval of the American Dental Association (ADA) or a similar authority on the subject. This guarantees that the toothpaste will have the best and safest effect. Most of our top picks are ADA approved whitening toothpastes, but all are approved in some manner.

How Does Whitening Toothpaste Work?

The most common way whitening toothpaste works just normal toothpaste with a bit of grit to it. The exact make up depends on the brand, but silica is the most common additive. This works as an exfoliating scrub for your teeth, whitening and removing stains accrued on the surface of your teeth over time.

The other way whitening toothpastes will remove stains is by using very small – and safe! – amounts of peroxides to dissolve stains. These chemicals will pierce a bit beyond the surface but take a bit longer to see a full effect. Though the amount is very slight, just a tiny bit can go a long way if you brush twice a day!

If your whitening toothpaste has a chemical called ‘blue covarine,’ it will adhere to your teeth and provide a hint of blue that will balance out the natural yellowing of your teeth, making your teeth appear whiter right away!

Because there are so many ways for toothpaste to help whiten your teeth, you may want to try a few different brands out.

Is It Safe to Use Whitening Toothpaste Every Day

Whitening toothpastes are typically safe for daily use. In general, they are not so different from the average that you should be cautious with them, but it’s always wise to check the directions provided on the box/tube, just in case that specific formula is out of the ordinary.

Are There Natural Ingredients Options for Whitening Toothpaste?

There are many ‘natural’ whitening toothpaste which utilizes more ‘homemade’ ingredients. Baking soda is a common toothpaste alternative and provides a bit of ‘grit’ to your toothbrush. Apple cider vinegar is incredibly popular as a natural remedy. It may be able to provide a bit more oomph to your baking soda. Lastly, coconut oil has some acidic and anti-bacterial properties which seem to be good for dental health.

I have not personally tried these methods, but if you are more interested in natural and home-made methods, these are certainly safe enough to try out for yourself!