Weeks of family gatherings, festivities and late nights spent gift-wrapping mean coffee and red wine consumption tick up around the holidays. ‘Tis the season, but an increase in the aforementioned beverages can also do a number on your smile in the form of unsightly stains. It’s completely normal for teeth to get discolored or develop a natural yellowish hue as we age, but if you’re looking to brighten your smile this season (or be proactive any time of year), a squeeze of whitening toothpaste (twice a day!) is the first place to start.
While toothpaste formulated to brighten won’t give you the dramatic results of a professional teeth whitening treatment, it can gradually remove surface stains at a fraction of the cost. Luckily, the options are plentiful, and we spoke with two board-certified dentists to help us navigate how to pick the best formulas and the products they endorse.
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Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work?
Good news, whitening toothpastes do work, but how they work may cause some to proceed with caution or avoid them altogether—it all comes down to your teeth’s enamel. Whitening toothpastes rely on abrasive particles to remove surface stains and make teeth appear whiter, but over time, this abrasiveness can wear down enamel, which doesn’t grow back, explains New York cosmetic dentist Husam Almunajed, DDS. If your enamel is thick and healthy, a gentle brushing routine with a whitening toothpaste is a safe option for long-term care. Dr. Almunajed’s pro tip: Use a gentle touch. “Scrubbing harder won’t make your teeth whiter, but it can make them weaker.”
It’s also important to keep expectations realistic. Whitening toothpastes are not as effective as professional whitening treatments that use stronger agents, like bleach, for a pearly white smile. “It’s best to give a whitening toothpaste at least two weeks of consistent use before expecting visible results,” says Dr. Almunajed. Dallas cosmetic dentist Salvator J. La Mastra, DMD adds that results from your whitening toothpaste can take up to a month, and even then, results can depend on lifestyle habits such as how often you drink coffee, tea, red wine and certain juices, or eat foods with specific spices, like turmeric. Other factors, such as medications, age and smoking, can affect how quickly you can lighten discoloration with toothpaste alone.
How Should You Choose Whitening Toothpaste?
Dr. La Mastra recommends looking for hydrogen peroxide, which can help with stain removal and polishing. Dr. Almunajed prefers a formula with hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel and also has whitening properties. “Unlike many whitening products that rely on abrasive ingredients or harsh chemicals, hydroxyapatite works by filling in microscopic surface irregularities on the teeth, creating a smoother, brighter and more reflective surface.” He adds: “Instead of stripping enamel, hydroxyapatite helps rebuild and protect it…so you’re not only whitening safely, but strengthening your smile at the same time.”
One type of toothpaste both dentists agree you should avoid: charcoal. “Charcoal may be great for exfoliating skin, which renews itself, but teeth are different—once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back,” says Dr. Almunajed. “It will erode your enamel,” agrees Dr. La Mastra.
How Long After Eating or Drinking Should You Use Whitening Toothpaste?
“We usually recommend waiting about 20 minutes before brushing with any toothpaste, especially a whitening formula. Right after meals, your mouth is more acidic, and brushing too soon can increase the risk of enamel wear,” says Dr. Almunajed. “In that waiting period, sip or rinse with water—it helps wash away food particles and neutralize acidity. After about 20 minutes, your mouth is in a safer, more neutral environment, so you can brush comfortably and effectively without risking enamel damage.”
Is a Whitening Toothpaste Better to Use Than Whitening Strips?
“You will get more ‘instant’ results with whitening strips or gel,” says Dr. La Mastra. “I always tell patients to start with whitening strips, gel, or in-office whitening and then use toothpaste to maintain their look.” Dr. Almunajed agrees: “Strips are best for a boost, while whitening toothpaste is ideal for long-term care,” agrees Dr. Almunajed. The key takeaway? Neither is necessary, and whitening strips should be used less frequently, but for an extra touch-up during holiday celebrations, strips provide more noticeable results.
Dentist-Recommended Whitening Toothpastes
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