SLS is a foaming agent, that dissolves and disperses dirt, widely used in toothpastes. Its use has been controversial as a number of consumers have voiced concerns over its alleged effects on human health. Joiner A. (2011). A silica toothpaste containing blue covarine: A new technological breakthrough in whitening. This toothpaste may not whiten as fast as some others on our list but protecting your teeth from sensitivity and pain is worth it. Our tester noted that this toothpaste didn't irritate their gums or make their mouth feel dry compared to other whitening toothpastes which is why it earned a five out of five stars for comfort. It also has a light mint taste that isn't too strong, and our tester noted the foam was finer than regular toothpaste, which helped coat teeth better and get into hard-to-reach places. JASÖN, Weleda, Lavera, Kingfisher, Georganics, Truthpaste, Nothing Wasted, A.Vogel*, Green People*, Colgate*

Whitening toothpastes target the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth that protects the sensitive under-layers), using a combination of methods to maximise the effects.There are also many possible variations and additions to this basic recipe. Instead of water, coconut oil or virgin olive oil can be used as the base ingredient. Bicarbonate of soda can be complemented or substituted by calcium carbonate (dental grade chalk, although vegetarians and vegans need to ensure that this is not sourced from animal bone) or bentonite clay. The same ingredients without the addition of liquids can form the basis of a tooth powder.

They cited ‘inconsistent standards, questionable enforcement and non-existent deadlines’ as such problems. Not only was the palm oil industry not working to the 2020 deadline set by brands, but it also did not even have a common timeline for delivering a palm oil supply free from deforestation and other social and environmental harms.” Whitening toothpaste can only accomplish so much when it comes to removing stains from the teeth. “Whitening toothpaste removes superficial staining on the teeth (such as from coffee or red wine) by using an abrasive in the toothpaste,” Dr. Morgano says. “These toothpastes do not make the teeth lighter than their natural shade.” Using whitening kits or professional treatments from a dentist improves the results. “Bleaching can make teeth lighter than their natural shade,” Dr. Morgano says. “There are OTC bleaching kits found at the pharmacy that can be used, and there are professional bleaching kits that can be obtained from a dentist.” People who have shared their experiences with homemade toothpaste in internet posts say that the taste may initially feel excessively bitter and/or salty. However, after a few uses, they note that this is no longer the case although children may not be easily convinced. It’s not just animal testing that you have to look out as many toothpaste can also contain animal ingredients. Many toothpastes list glycerin as an ingredient which, while it can come from vegetable oil, can also be derived from animals. It often appears in the ingredients list simply as ‘glycerin’ and does not say what it is derived from, despite that being important information for both vegetarians and vegans. Abrasive whiteners: Silica is an abrasive whitening agent that removes stains on the teeth's surface. “Generally, the abrasives are silica or chalk, which are harmless to enamel,” Dr. Morgano says.

The baking soda neutralizes the acid in your mouth so it's gentle on your enamel. Our tester noted that this toothpaste was a bit grainy but still comfortable to use and didn't cause any sensitivities. Our tester also noted that the taste was initially slightly bitter, but they got used to it after continued use. Broadly, the dental profession is almost completely in its favour and recommends the use of fluoride especially by young people. There is a small but vociferous lobby against fluoride and they believe that its use is both unnecessary and motivated by business interests. You can find lots of information about both views on the web. Our panel of 278 testers brushed and rinsed their way through 13 brands of the best whitening toothpastes over an eight-week period. They assessed any whitening effects, stain removal and prevention, and whether the toothpaste increased any sensitivity in their teeth or gums. Fluoride: This is the single most important ingredient in conventional toothpaste. “Fluoride is going to be the primary active ingredient,” says Dr. Manz. Dr. Kennedy adds, "[Sodium fluoride] is a safe way to strengthen your teeth and to prevent tooth decay or cavities.”