Having a bright, white smile can do wonders for your confidence and overall appearance. However, many daily habits like drinking coffee, tea, or red wine can cause stains on your teeth over time. Finding the right toothpaste that whitens and removes stains can seem overwhelming with so many options on the market. This article will compare the top stain removing and whitening toothpastes to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Types of Stain Removing Toothpastes
There are a few key active ingredients found in toothpastes that work to remove stains from your teeth:
- Baking soda – Abrasive ingredient that helps scrub stains away
- Hydrogen peroxide – Bleaching agent that whitens teeth
- Sodium hexametaphosphate – Helps loosen staining compounds
- Blue covarine – Blue dye that optically brightens teeth
Some toothpastes focus more on stain removal, while others prioritize whitening effects. When choosing the best toothpaste for you, think about which concerns you want to target most.
Top 5 Whitening Toothpastes for Stain Removal
After extensive research, here are the top 5 whitening toothpastes that also remove stains effectively:
Toothpaste | Key Ingredients | Price |
---|---|---|
Crest 3D White Radiant Mint | Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Hydrogen Peroxide | $5 |
Colgate Optic White Sparkling Mint | Hydrogen Peroxide, Sodium Hexametaphosphate | $4 |
Arm & Hammer Advance White | Baking Soda, Sodium Hexametaphosphate | $4 |
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening | Sodium Bicarbonate, Blue Covarine | $7 |
Tom’s of Maine Simply White Clean Mint | Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | $5 |
1. Crest 3D White Radiant Mint
Crest 3D White Radiant Mint is one of the top whitening toothpastes recommended by dentists. It contains hydrogen peroxide as the main bleaching ingredient, along with sodium hexametaphosphate to help break up surface stains. In studies, this toothpaste has been shown to remove over 90% of surface stains after just 4 weeks of use.
The minty foam helps keep your mouth feeling fresh while also giving you a deep clean. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after brushing to avoid any temporary gum irritation from the hydrogen peroxide. Overall, this is a very effective toothpaste for polish, protection, and stain removal.
2. Colgate Optic White Sparkling Mint
Colgate Optic White Sparkling Mint uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide and sodium hexametaphosphate to dissolve deep set stains and whiten teeth. It helps remove between 88-93% of surface stains when used for 4 weeks.
This toothpaste is made to foam into a bubbly lather that penetrates your teeth. The stannous fluoride and fluoride salts also provide enamel protection and cavity prevention. The refreshing mint flavor leaves your breath feeling clean long after you brush. If you are looking for professional-level whitening at home, Colgate Optic White is a great stain-busting choice.
3. Arm & Hammer Advance White
Arm & Hammer Advance White contains the stain-fighting power of baking soda along with stain-loosening sodium hexametaphosphate. Together, these ingredients work to lift deep set stains without abrasion while whitening the tooth surface.
This toothpaste is specially formulated to cling to teeth, allowing the ingredients more time to break up stains. The flavor is a clean, frosty mint that provides a cooling sensation while you brush. Arm & Hammer Advance White is an affordable option that can remove up to 80% of surface stains over time.
4. Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening is a low-abrasion formula designed for people with tooth sensitivity. It uses a patented blue covarine ingredient that safely optically brightens teeth and makes the surface appear whiter. It also contains baking soda to gently lift stains without irritating sensitive areas.
In addition to whitening, this toothpaste helps strengthen enamel, protect against cavities, and prevent new stains from forming. The mint gel is formulated for a low pH that is gentle on teeth. If you experience any pain from whitening toothpastes, Sensodyne Pronamel is a great option to remove stains while keeping your teeth comfortable.
5. Tom’s of Maine Simply White Clean Mint
Tom’s of Maine Simply White Clean Mint uses natural ingredients like silica and sodium lauryl sulfate to gently remove surface stains without bleaching agents. It also includes fluorides to strengthen enamel and prevent new stains from adhering.
This toothpaste formula is safe for daily use and helps prevent cavities and gingivitis. The gel becomes frothy and cleans thoroughly without detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate. If you prefer natural toothpastes, Tom’s of Maine Simply White is a good option to naturally lift stains over time.
Key Factors in Choosing a Whitening Toothpaste
When researching the many whitening toothpastes available, keep these factors in mind:
Ingredients
Look at the active ingredients list to understand what is actually removing stains vs. just surface whitening. Ingredients like sodium hexametaphosphate, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda are effective at lifting deep set stains.
Flavor
Mint is the most popular flavor for whitening toothpastes, but you can also find options in fresh mint, gel mint, or other variations. Make sure you enjoy the taste so you brush thoroughly and consistently.
Abrasiveness
If you have sensitive teeth, choose low-abrasion toothpastes that use chemical stain removers instead of abrasive particles. Check the relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) rating.
Safety
Certain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide can temporarily irritate gums. Rinse your mouth after brushing to minimize sensitivity.
Effectiveness
Look for clinical study results that prove the toothpaste can actually remove stains, not just cover them up. Most will show results in 4 weeks or less.
Price
Whitening toothpastes range from $3-$10 typically. More expensive doesn’t necessarily mean higher performing. Compare ingredients and reviews, not just price.
Tips for Using Whitening Toothpaste
Once you’ve chosen the best whitening toothpaste for your needs, use these tips to maximize results:
- Brush for a full 2 minutes, focusing on stained areas.
- Let the toothpaste foam in your mouth before rinsing.
- Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing to avoid gum irritation.
- Store your toothpaste in a cool, dark place to maintain active ingredients.
- Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after brushing for best efficacy.
- Use mouthwash and floss in addition to whitening toothpaste.
- Have professional teeth cleanings every 6 months.
Conclusion
While all of the toothpastes covered are highly effective at removing stains, Crest 3D White Radiant Mint stands out as the best overall choice. It combines hydrogen peroxide with sodium hexametaphosphate to penetrate and lift deep stains. Backed by extensive clinical testing, this toothpaste can remove over 90% of surface stains in just 4 weeks while also preventing new discoloration.
The laser-activated blue disc helps amplify the whitening effects, leaving you with whiter teeth beyond what you could achieve with normal brushing alone. While the higher price tag is a drawback, the advanced technology and dramatic results are worth the investment if you want to seriously whiten and brighten your smile.
No matter which toothpaste you choose, be diligent in your daily brushing routine. Combine whitening toothpaste with dental visits, avoiding staining foods and drinks, and other healthy habits to reveal your brightest, most beautiful smile.