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Fact: we all want whiter teeth. A set of shiny, pearly whites gives us that confidence boost we need, and it lets us smile and enjoy the moment without feeling self-conscious.

Luckily for us, we’ve been blessed with plenty of options to get a dazzling smile, such as teeth whitening strips and in-clinic treatments. Lately, whitening toothpastes have also come leaps and bounds, making it possible to reap excellent results from something as simple as brushing your teeth.

To help you find the cream of the crop, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best whitening toothpastes in Singapore. Before we reveal them, let’s first learn about what causes surface stains and how whitening toothpastes work to remove them.

What Causes Surface Stains on Our Teeth?

There are many reasons why our teeth start to yellow. Some of them are things we simply can’t control, such as age or accidents that may disturb our tooth enamel’s development.

Medications and diseases can also affect the enamel (a.k.a. the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the material under the enamel), leading to discolouration.

However, there’s also plenty that we can control. Keep reading to discover some of the most common causes of tooth discolouration.

Food and Drinks

best whitening toothpastes food

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Unfortunately, what goes into our mouths has a likelihood of staining our teeth.

Food and drinks like coffee, tea, soft drinks, wines, and even certain fruits and veggies like apples and potatoes can stain your teeth. Some starchy foods like pasta can also create conditions that lead to staining.

Smoking

best whitening toothpastes smoking

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Smoking exposes your teeth to both tobacco and nicotine, which doesn’t only cause yellow teeth, but also give you bad breath.

Pssst! Read on, because we’ve got a whitening toothpaste on our list that also works to nix morning breath.

Poor Dental Hygiene

best whitening toothpastes oral hygiene

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This should go without saying, but if you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, you’re creating the perfect environment for plaque and stain-producing substances to call home. This is why practising proper daily dental hygiene is so important.

How Do Whitening Toothpastes Work?

best whitening toothpastes how it works

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Whitening toothpaste generally works by using enamel-safe abrasives to buff away surface stains. It targets the enamel and often uses a combination of methods to maximise its whitening effects.

Optical

One of the few methods used in whitening toothpastes, the optical approach uses blue-toned brighteners that coat your teeth as you brush. This blue pigment is what gives you that instant whiteness and provides an immediate result.

Buffers

Also known as abrasives or polishers, the buffing method works by using tiny scrubbing agents, such as silica or activated charcoal, to remove stains and plaque from the teeth.

A word of caution: prolonged use may wear down your tooth enamel, which can lead to sensitivity down the road, so you may want to reach for whitening toothpastes with these agents a little less often.

Enzymes

This particular method employs the help of enzymes derived from fruit to gently break down and dissolve proteins on the teeth that are linked to staining.

Chemical

Whitening toothpastes may sometimes use a chemical, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These agents help to bleach and lighten stains on the enamel for a brighter, whiter smile.

Best Whitening Toothpastes in 2024