Toothpastes have different levels of relative dentin abrasion (RDA), which can give you an idea of how abrasive your toothpaste is or how safely you can use it regularly without risking damage to your enamel. In general, it's also good to look for products that contain fluoride or hydroxyapatite to help prevent your teeth from weakening.
If you're looking into whitening products for a specific reason or event coming soon, whitening toothpaste will most likely not cut it. If you can swing the price, consider an in-office whitening procedure with your dentist for effective results. You can also consider buying whitening strips or other at-home products.
How fast you want your teeth to be white
Teeth whitening is mostly a cosmetic concern, meaning brightening your smile won't fix underlying oral health issues like cavities, gingivitis or pain in or around your teeth. As you look for a home-whitening product, check your books to make sure you're on top of your regular teeth cleanings. Also, take note of whether you practice habits that can prevent staining, like swishing with water after drinking coffee.
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Professional teeth whitening can cost up to $1,000 per session, depending on where you go. That's a significant expense, especially compared to a tube of whitening toothpaste, which is usually under $15. They aren't exactly comparable, though, as dentist Dr. Sandip Sachar emphasized that it can take time to see results with whitening toothpaste, and it won't give you the same effect as in-office whitening.
If you want to find the best whitening toothpaste for your teeth, this is what dentists recommend. Jacob Wackerhausen/ Getty Images
"It should be noted that while whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains and maintain brightness, they have limitations -- most won’t change the natural color of your teeth or treat deep discoloration," Sachar says.
With that in mind, if you're looking for the best whitening toothpaste, these are the products dentists recommend to their patients.
What is the best whitening toothpaste overall?
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