Best Overall

Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

$2

$2 at Amazon$14 at Target

$29

$13 at Walmart

Key Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 4 oz

The Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste from Sensodyne not only performed well during our test but New York-based dentist and dental professor Dr. Carla Tornatore, DDS, recommends it. The unique formula removes stains, prevents cavities, and decreases sensitivity at the same time. “It’s important for whitening toothpaste to be gentle on enamel (the thin outer layer of a tooth); this toothpaste actually helps strengthen enamel, improving the overall health of your teeth in addition to brightening your smile,” she explains. That’s a win-win-win in our book.

During testing, we noticed that the toothpaste brightened teeth, yet it didn’t produce permanent whitening results. However, that’s to be expected since toothpaste is only on the teeth for a short period. We never experienced any stinging, burning, or discomfort while using the product. The only thing we didn’t love was the taste. It wasn’t horrible, per se; it’s just potent. It does leave breath nice and minty, but reminds us more of the toothpaste you get at a dentist’s office.

RJ, tester: “It didn’t dramatically whiten my teeth, but it did a little bit, so it’s a good option for people with sensitive teeth who want a little whitening without any pain whatsoever.”

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

$15

$14 at AmazonView on Walmart

Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, potassium nitrate, hydrated silica | Size: 4.7 oz

This toothpaste from Opalescence is a stain buster but still gentle on enamel; it’s no wonder that Dr. Tornatore and Dr. Gonchar recommend it. “This formula in particular is a great option for those who have experienced tooth sensitivity while whitening. It contains silica, an abrasive that removes external stains, along with potassium nitrate, which is an excellent desensitizer,” says Dr. Gonchar. “Plus, the addition of sodium fluoride helps maintain the strength of the enamel.” Dr. Tornatore agrees, adding that it does a really good job removing surface stains and maintaining whiteness after an in-office bleaching treatment.

During testing, it was effective within the first few days of use, with teeth appearing two shades brighter than before. While we love how quickly it works, the results stay stagnant after the initial whitening.

Clare, tester: “The Opalescence Toothpaste was effective after the first few days using it, as my teeth began to look brighter. The longer I used it, though, the effects became stagnant. There was no additional increase in brightness as time went on.”

Best With Hydrogen Peroxide

Colgate Optic White Advanced Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

$15

$13 at Amazon$13 at Target

$18

$11 at Walmart

Key Ingredients: Sodium monofluorophosphate, hydrogen peroxide, silica | Size: 3.2 oz

Many teeth-whitening toothpastes contain peroxide of some sort because it’s an effective bleaching agent. “Peroxide opens the pores of the enamel in your teeth and changes their color from the inside out, making them appear whiter,” says registered dental hygienist Monica Salerno. While that may sound a little scary, we promise you, it’s not. This toothpaste from Colgate is one that Dr. Gonchar swears by. She uses it on patients to avoid damaging the enamel that can otherwise happen with grittier formulas. She says it’s even a great pick for those looking to avoid discomfort since it includes desensitizing agents—just don’t use it for more than a few weeks at a time, as sensitivity can develop.

Dentist Dr. Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, explains that the length of contact with the teeth matters most when using peroxide. He recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Following his instructions, it took about two weeks to really see a difference. Whitening aside, we enjoyed the minty flavor while testing and appreciated that it wiped away even the most garlicky of meals.

Cecily, tester: “This toothpaste feels nice and fresh in the mouth, and I definitely feel cleaner for a while after using it. I have moderately sensitive teeth, and I didn’t notice any issues with hot or cold things while I was using it.”

Best for Gum Health

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Whitening Toothpaste

$9 at TargetView on Walmart

Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 4.8 oz

People with sensitive gums are often hesitant to try a whitening toothpaste since most formulas have a reputation for being irritating. But the Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore Whitening Toothpaste is different—it’s easy on sensitive gums. We love that it leaves the teeth and mouth clean and refreshed, sans itching and burning. The formula has no grittiness (another win for sensitive mouths) and it foams slightly upon contact with water, making your mouth feel extra clean. Best of all, it’s ADA-accepted and contains sodium fluoride (an ingredient that prevents tooth decay), which Dr. Tornatore says is key when picking a formula that whitens and protects teeth.

There’s just a hint of mint flavoring, which is great for those who aren’t crazy about an overpowering taste. Instead, it just leaves behind a fresh finish. Our results weren’t super drastic, but with daily use, it made a difference in the appearance of dark beverage-induced surface stains.

Jessica, tester: “It was very comfortable to use. I have very sensitive teeth and gum recession, so I often opt for toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This one is not labeled as for sensitive teeth, but it didn’t cause any pain or irritation.”

Best With Baking Soda

Colgate Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Bubbles Toothpaste

View on WalmartView on Colgate.comView on Herbspro.com

Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride, potassium nitrate, baking soda, peroxide, hydrated silica | Size: 6 oz

Boosted by baking soda and peroxide, this toothpaste promises to lift surface stains and help maintain a brighter smile. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it can remove stains from the surface of your teeth. It’s alkaline and salty, which is especially useful for lifting stains from food and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, says Dr. Tornatore.

With all that scrubbing power, we were surprised to find the peroxide and baking soda combination feels comfortable on teeth and gums, imparting a subtle minty feeling that doesn’t burn or tingle. It’s important to note, however, that these ingredients might cause a reaction for ultrasensitive teeth or gums.

Elie, tester: “Over time, this toothpaste was effective in whitening my teeth. Don’t expect to see results after one or even two uses, but after weeks of twice-daily use, I definitely see a difference.”

Best for Maintaining Whitening

Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste

$9

$5 at Walmart$16 at WalgreensView on CVS

Key Ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride, hydrated silica | Size: 4 oz

The Extra Whitening Sensitive Teeth Whitening Toothpaste from Sensodyne is a favorite of Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, DDS. “I recommend Sensodyne because it utilizes pentasodium triphosphate, an ingredient that removes surface stains without being too abrasive on enamel,” she explains. “It’s perfect for maintaining whitened teeth at home—just brush two to three times daily with this toothpaste and floss.”

You shouldn’t expect pearly white teeth overnight (toothpaste can’t do that, given it’s only on the teeth for a short amount of time), but every little bit counts, especially when mitigating the effects of regular dark beverages.