If there’s one thing the beauty community can agree on, it’s that a brighter, whiter set of teeth can instantly boost your self-esteem. But ain’t no denying that we’ve collectively missed millions of dentist appointments due to the current lockdown situation. And now that we’re stuck at home, we spent more of our day staring at our own face and examining our teeth. 

OFC, the fastest way to fix the current state of your teeth and to get rid of those yellow-ish stains is to get a professional whitening treatment at the dentist’s office. But those sessions can be costly $$$. Enter: whitening toothpaste. 

Though they won’t make your teeth instantly jump several shades brighter like an in-office treatment would, whitening toothpastes are a good at-home measure that can help removing stains, diminishing the appearance of yellowness, and overall improving oral health. Scroll down to see Beauty Insider’s pick of the best whitening toothpaste!

(Source: Unspalsh)

What Is Whitening Toothpaste? 

They’re just like regular toothpaste, but better. Whitening toothpaste specializes in helping remove surface stains to the deeper roots. These toothpastes typically contain more abrasive ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, silica and blue covarine—which scrub the surface of the teeth and create an optical illusion that can make teeth appear less dirty.

Although whitening toothpastes are typically designed to maximize cleaning and minimize wear on tooth enamel, be careful to follow manufacturer recommendations. Carefully evaluate a toothpaste’s ingredients and discuss it with your dentists to make sure you’re making the right choices. Otherwise, there could be negative, long-term effects that go against the goal you’re working toward—for example, you could experience damaged enamel and discoloration with the wrong ingredients.

So, Whitening Toothpaste Can *Actually* Ruin Our Teeth? 

Teeth whitening toothpaste is safe! But, some options may cause more of a sensitivity and irritation to the gums than others because of the percentage of hydrogen peroxide and silica that is used in the whitening treatment. If done properly, there are no harmful long-lasting effects to the teeth and gums. 

If you’re still having doubts it’s best to speak to your dentist before using it, follow professional instructions, and always always always read the ingredients at the back of the product. 

(Source: Unsplash)

How To Choose The Right Whitening Toothpaste

With so many whitening toothpaste available on the market, which one should you choose? Do note that not all of them are created equally. Becoming familiar with the ingredients, specifically the active ingredients, used in them is crucial in determining the kind of whitening toothpaste that will suit you. The formula will usually include the following:

  • Mild abrasives – These include magnesium carbonate, hydrated aluminum oxides and calcium carbonate – which are usually used to remove surface stains that cause yellowing of the teeth.
  • The amount of fluoride – Aside from stain removal, fluoride in toothpaste is equally important since it helps strengthen and protect the enamel
  • Hydrogen peroxide – A low dosage of this ingredient is usually found in most whitening toothpaste, compared to single-use products. It is known to show effective results after long use. However, since it is considered a bleaching agent, it may cause mild sensitivity on the teeth, but is generally safe to use everyday.
  • Carbamide peroxide – This whitening agent helps break down into hydrogen peroxide. Studies have shown that this ingredient showed quicker results compared to hydrogen peroxide.

Things To Avoid When You Start Using Whitening Toothpaste 

‘’I have been using whitening toothpaste for quite some time, but I am yet to see the result that  I want,’’. Hmm, that’s because you’re still ‘’actively’’ doing things that contribute to staining your teeth. Here are some of those things that can actually restrain you from getting the cleaner teeth you desire:

• Drinking coffee

• Drinking red wine

• Smoking or use smokeless tobacco products

• Eating an excessive amounts beets or blueberries

Yeah yeah, we get it. You don’t want to give up things you love for whiter teeth. Instead of avoiding those things (except for tobacco, you should consider quitting that. It’s bad), remember to brush after eating and drink plenty of water during your meal to rinse your mouth. It’s good to brush after coffee and wine too!

The Bottom Line…

Whitening toothpaste is an inexpensive, easy way to remove stains. It will take a little time, and you may need to make some lifestyle changes (like how much coffee you drink per day), but you can get good results. If you want to make your smile even brighter, have a conversation with your dental professional about options. A white bright smile is a great way to boost self-esteem. Who wouldn’t want that? 

15 Best Whitening Toothpaste In Malaysia 

1. Chacology NATURAL TOOTH POLISH 

This Fluoride-Free treatment toothpaste from Chacology works effectively in removing tough stains on the surface of teeth. Acts as a mask and scrub to polish and remove stubborn coffee, tea, wine and tobacco stains. Also contains additional healing ingredients like Clove Oil and Vitamin C that can help with mouth sores and bleeding gum issues.

Why we love it: 

  • Malaysian-based products
  • Made 100% with natural ingredients 
  • Effective in remove tough stains on the surface of teeth

Price: RM 50.00

Where to buy: Chacology 

2. Colgate Optic White Sparkling White Toothpaste

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste is a cult favourite that is specially designed to help you get a white smile while refreshing your breath at the same time. It goes beyond the surface to remove the stain that stuck in between your teeth. Its enamel-safe, anticavity fluoride formula helps protect teeth from cavities while removing stains for the white, fresh smile you’ve always wanted.

Why we love it: 

  • A high-impact whitening toothpaste
  • Whitens teeth more than 3 shades
  • Suitable for all ages

Price: RM 10.49

Where to buy: Watsons

3. SENSODYNE Gentle Whitening

The best selling whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth! Sensodyne Gentle Whitening contains potassium nitrate to quickly help relieve sensitivity, restore whiteness and deliver comfort of your tooth. While you’re getting your perk of having pearly whites teeth, you’ll also get your cavity protection.

Why we love it: 

  • Formulated with sorbitol (a moisturizing, naturally-occurring sugar-alcohol)
  • Leaves a non-drying effect
  • Best for sensitive teeth

Price: RM 14.85

Where to buy: Watsons

4. ORAL-B 3DW Luxe Perfection

Oral-B 3D White Perfection toothpaste gently removes up to 100% of surface stains on teeth in just few days to give you a whiter and shinier smile you desire. With the advanced whitening technology, this powerful toothpaste formula unlocks surface stains on teeth while delivering long-lasting freshness.

Why we love it: 

  • Whitens your teeth by unlocking trapped surface stains
  • Protects against new stains
  • Enamel safe toothpaste

Price: RM 11.36

Where to buy: Watsons

5. Colgate Total Professional Clean Gel Toothpaste

This toothpaste keeps breath super fresh for up to a whopping 12 ​hours and will fight germs for that timeframe, too. It tastes good, too: The formula contains an added flavor booster. Over time, it will help prevent plaque, gingivitis, tartar build-up, bad breath, and cavities. 

Why we love it: 

  • Reduces bacteria on teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums
  • Helps prevent cavities
  • Suitable for all ages

Price: RM 11.53

Where to buy: Shopee

6. KOPARI Coconut Charcoal Toothpaste

This toothpaste from KOPARI works wonder to help restore lost enamel, whiten your teeth and freshen breath. What we love about it, is that this minty-flavoured toothpaste is not only vegan but also fluoride-free. Formulated with activated charcoal for extra whitening, it works to capture toxins that cause staining and bad breath.

Why we love it: 

  • 100% vegan
  • Made without the harsh chemicals known to cause dry mouth
  • Safe for sensitive teeth

Price: RM 63.00

Where to buy: Sephora

7. Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Hello’s charcoal toothpaste is formulated with sustainable bamboo, which naturally detoxes and removes oral odors. Leaving you with a fresh, minty breats. This amazing toothpaste formula also contains coconut oil, mint, spearmint, and peppermint. It is free of fluoride, sulfates, artificial sweeteners and flavors, microbeads, parabens, gluten, and triclosan.

Why we love it: 

  • Vegan 
  • No peroxide, no fluoride, no artificial sweeteners
  • Remove surface stains and freshen breath

Price: RM 55.00

Where to buy: Shopee

8. Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening Toothpaste

Bring out your smile’s brilliance with Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening Toothpaste! It features micro-cleansing whiteners to remove surface stains while leaving your mouth feeling fresh and cool. Using its Illuminating Complex, it effectively cleans into hard-to-reach areas of the mouth that whitens with its gentle foaming formula.

Why we love it: 

  • Enamel safe
  • Has an added anti-cavity protection
  • Unlocks trapped surface stains

Price: RM 19.06

Where to buy: Shopee

9. Nu Skin AP24 Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste

Whiten the teeth effectively while keeping them clean and smooth! It uses a combination of mild abrasives and their patented AP24 – which fights off plague and keeps your mouth feeling fresher throughout the day.

Why we love it: 

  • Unique vanilla-mint flavour
  • Smoothens the teeth without eroding the enamel
  • Made without harmful peroxides

Price: RM 40.00

Where to buy: NU SKIN

10. Pepsodent Action 123 Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste

If your main concern is sensitivity and yellow teeth, try the Action 123 Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste from Pepsodent. It combines charcoal and lemon extract to effectively whiten the teeth over time. Aside from that, it also contains zinc to prevent bacteria build-up.

Why we love it: 

  • Halal-certified
  • Can be safely used by kids
  • Naturally whitens

Price: RM 6.90

Where to buy: Lazada

11. Fresh & White Fresh Blast Toothpaste Whitening Gel

For stubborn teeth stains and even more stubborn bad breath, this toothpaste from Fresh & White is a great option. It contains twice the fluoride and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate to help protect against sugar acid, prevent cavities, and protect the natural enamel.

Why we love it: 

  • Freshens breath instantly
  • Strong prevention of bad breath
  • Prevents surface stains

Price: RM 6.30

Where to buy: Shopee

12. Pearl Drops Professional Intensive Whitening

Lighten up to 4 shades within 3 weeks! The Pearl Drops Professional Intensive Whitening Toothpaste uses Perlite, a whitening agent used by dentists, to whiten and smoothen the teeth with every brush. It’s mild enough for daily use.

Why we love it: 

  • Effective against wine, smoking, and coffee stains
  • Concentrated but gentle formula
  • Recommended by dentists

Price: RM 36.86

Where to buy: Shopee

13. ZenyumFresh Day + Night Toothpaste

Customise your oral routine from day to night with ZenyumFresh! From DAY to NIGHT, the ZenyumFresh promises a brighter, whiter smile over continuous use. The Day Toothpaste contains papaya enzyme to brighten the teeth, meanwhile, the Night Toothpaste contains activated charcoal to remove stains and prevent further yellowing of the teeth.

Why we love it: 

  • Repairs teeth and freshens the breath
  • Free from parabens, preservatives, and harmful ingredients
  • Sensitive-teeth friendly

Price: Starts at RM 23.90

Where to buy: Zenyum

14. ARM & HAMMER Advanced White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste

Naturally powered by baking soda, this toothpaste from Arm & Hammer is effective against preventing new stains while it whitens the teeth. Its powerful formula doesn’t damage the teeth, while leaving the teeth spotless and smooth.

Why we love it: 

  • Neutralizes acid and prevents bacteria buildup
  • Strengthens teeth and gums
  • Controls tartar

Price: RM 42.50

Where to buy: Shopee

15. SYSTEMA Advance Toothpaste Deep Clean Whitening

Keep both your teeth and gums healthy, so the whitening effects of the toothpaste will show up more effectively. As the SYSTEMA toothpaste whitens the teeth, it also strengthens the gums while preventing plague from surrounding the teeth.

Why we love it: 

  • Fights tooth-decaying bacteria
  • Protects against gum diseases
  • Prevents yellowing of teeth

Price: RM 9.20

Where to buy: Lazada

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