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
Credit: Lisa Fotios/Pexels
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
Credit: lil artsy/Pexels
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
Credit: xFrame.io
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?
Credit: Miriam Alonso/Pexels
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 2022
Colgate Optic White O2 Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate offers plenty of whitening formulas, but the Optic White O2 boasts the power of active oxygen to whiten teeth in merely three days.
The formula uses millions of active oxygen bubbles to lighten stains on the teeth. And it doesn’t just work on the surface – it works from the inside out to remove both extrinsic and intrinsic stains.
As you brush your teeth, you may also experience a unique warming sensation that feels relaxing after a long day.
Colgate Optic White O2 Whitening Toothpaste retails for S$11.95 (85g) at supermarkets, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons, and Guardian.
Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste
This minty formula from one of the top trusted toothpaste brands in Singapore uses stannous fluoride, zinc, and silica to help whiten and brighten teeth without sensitising them.
It even works to nix odours in the mouth, so it could be a great option for those who struggle to get rid of morning breath or mask their nth cup of coffee.
Besides its whitening abilities, the Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste contains antibacterial properties to protect your mouth from gum disease and tooth decay.
Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste retails for S$6.50 (150g) on Watsons and Guardian.
Zenyum ZenyumFresh™ Toothpaste
Instead of peroxide and silica, Zenyum’s whitening toothpaste contains a papaya enzyme that whitens and reduces plaque. Even better, it uses polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to target the most common stubborn stains you get from your favourite beverages.
The best part? It’s water-soluble so there’s no negative impact on the environment. Flouride in the formula shields your enamel and fight tooth decay, while its natural minty flavour promises lasting freshness.
Plus, it’s free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and preservatives – perfect for those who seek a toothpaste that doesn’t contain these.
Zenyum ZenyumFresh™ Toothpaste retails for S$9.90 (100ml) on Zenyum.
Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste
Cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated without artificial dyes, sweeteners, flavours, or preservatives, this toothpaste is a solid option if you prefer a bleach- and fluoride-free whitening toothpaste.
Tom’s of Maine’s contains the mineral zinc citrate, xylitol, a natural sweetener that prevents plaque for healthier gums, as well as silica to whiten teeth.
Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Toothpaste retails for S$10.34 (155.9g) on iHerb.
Jason Natural PowerSmile Whitening Paste
This natural toothpaste is powered by a blend of gentle whiteners, which include bamboo powder, calcium carbonate, and baking soda. They work synergistically to buff away stains without hurting your enamel.
It’s also infused with grapefruit seed and perilla seed extracts to combat damaging sugar acids for a stain-free smile. It even contains a dash of peppermint oil for extra freshness.
Jason Natural PowerSmile Whitening Paste retails for S$7.14 (170g) on iHerb.
Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste
You probably know Arm & Hammer for its baking soda, but the brand’s whitening toothpaste deserves some love too.
This minty formula contains – you guessed it – baking soda, as well as peroxide to lift stains and brighten your smile. Sodium fluoride helps to protect your teeth against cavities too.
Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste retails for S$5.76 (121.9g) on iHerb.
Pearlie White Advanced Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
This toothpaste not only cleans, polishes, and whitens your teeth, but it also strengthens your tooth enamel and actively promotes healthier teeth.
Its triple-action formula uses calcium carbonate, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), papain, and sodium silicate to gently yet effectively buff away stubborn stains, restoring your teeth to their natural whiteness.
Meanwhile, a blend of natural ingredients, including chamomile, cinnamon, echinacea, honeysuckle, licorice, myrrh, sage, and xylitol, fight plaque-forming bacteria for better oral health.
Pearlie White Advanced Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste retails for S$7.90 (130g) on Watsons and Guardian.
Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
This innovative formula has a calcium mineral blend that naturally polishes the teeth. Peppermint and tea tree oil keep bad breath under wraps, while antifungal and antimicrobial coconut oil moisturises.
You can count on it to whiten your teeth naturally and prevent cavities too. The toothpaste even strengthens your enamel with its flouride-rich formula.
Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste retails for S$9.99 (133.2g) on iHerb.
Dentiste Premium & Natural White Toothpaste
A toothpaste that goes above and beyond being a whitening formula is a huge plus in our book, which is why we adore Dentiste’s Premium & Natural White Toothpaste.
Unlike other whitening toothpastes, it combines three powerful ingredients to whiten your teeth naturally and safely as it freshens your breath to boost your confidence. This herbal toothpaste features Micro Silica Complex, a compound that gently scrubs your teeth to remove stubborn stains without hurting your natural tooth enamel.
It’s also powered by remineralising Nano Hydroxyapatite (HAp) to repair and restore the natural gloss of your teeth, strengthening your enamel and reducing overall sensitivity. Even better, PVP Technology prevents new stains from forming, so you’ll see your teeth transform to pearly whites with continued use.
Dentiste’s Premium & Natural White Toothpaste is formulated with 14 proprietary premium natural and organic extracts, which include clove, sage, chamomile, and fennel – just to name a few.
Better yet, these antibacterial and antiseptic extracts have been proven to reduce gingivitis and cavities on top of eradicating bad breath, so you can wake up with a more pleasant morning breath.
The 100% natural toothpaste is vegan and is free of harmful chemicals, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and fluoride (if you’re particular) too, so you can brush away with a peace of mind.
It truly comes as no surprise that Blackpink’s Lisa uses Dentiste’s toothpaste and is even a brand ambassador in Thailand! We hear BTS’ Jungkook is a fan of the toothpaste too, and he recommended it on the South Korean reality series, BTS In the Soop.
Dentiste Premium & Natural Toothpaste retails for S$13.90 (100g tube) and S$16.90 (120g pump) at Guardian, Watsons; Unity; departmental stores such as BHG, Metro, OG, and supermarkets such as Cold Storage, Meidi-Ya; and Japanese specialty stores such as Don Don Donki, Welcia BHG, Tokyu Hands; hospitals and pharmacies. You can also find the toothpaste online at Dentiste’s official website, Shopee, Lazada, Amazon, and NTUC Marketplace.
Burt’s Bees Purely White Zen Peppermint Toothpaste
Another flouride-free pick, Burt’s Bees whitening toothpaste uses silica to remove surface stains. It also fights cavities and freshens your breath for a smile you can feel good about.
It even contains a little stevia for a subtle flavour.
Burt’s Bees Purely White Zen Peppermint Toothpaste retails for S$43.63 (pack of 3) on Amazon.sg.
Crest 3D White Brilliance Vibrant Peppermint Toothpaste
One of the best whitening toothpastes on our list is from one of the top-rated whitening brands around – no surprises there.
The Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste is arguably the brand’s most advanced formula yet. It claims to remove surface stains in just five days.
Plus, it provides 12 hours of stain protection, so it’s perfect for those who like to indulge in numerous cups and glasses of coffee, tea, and red wine. It’s also infused with sodium fluoride to protect your pearly whites against cavities.
Crest 3D White Brilliance Vibrant Peppermint Toothpaste retails for S$35.77 (2 pack) on Amazon.sg and Shopee.
Spotlight Oral Care Toothpaste for Whitening Teeth
Crafted to whiten and strengthen your teeth, this whitening toothpaste from Spotlight breaks down stains in the top layer of the teeth.
The toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide, one of the most effective active whitening agents, which breaks down surface stains while penetrating the top layer of the enamel, leaving you with a whiter smile.
Though it uses hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, reviewers mentioned there was no increased sensitivity to their teeth and gums after using this, making it an ideal option for those with sensitive teeth.
Spotlight Oral Care Toothpaste for Whitening Teeth retails for S$16.50 (100ml) on LookFantastic.
MOON Anticavity with Fluoride Whitening Toothpaste
For a powerful whitening effect, try MOON’s Anticavity with Fluoride Whitening Toothpaste.
The vegan formula uses hydrogen peroxide to bleach the teeth, and it also contains what the brand calls “Elixir X”, a proprietary blend of essential oils and antioxidants that freshen bad breath. It works to fight tooth decay and cavities too.
You’ll notice fresh, minty breath and beaming pearly whites with continued use.
MOON Anticavity with Fluoride Whitening Toothpaste retails for S$14.50 (119g) on Beauty Bay.
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Sensitive Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
There aren’t many whitening toothpastes on the market that are specifically designed with sensitive teeth in mind, which is why Sensodyne’s is a real gem.
Its formula doesn’t contain sensitising peroxide, a bleaching agent that opens the pores of the enamel and alters the colour of the tooth from the inside to make it appear whiter.
Instead, this whitening toothpaste uses gentle silica to polish off surface stains, particularly those that are caused by coffee, tea, and wine.
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Sensitive Teeth Whitening Toothpaste retails for S$14.86 (118ml) on Amazon.sg.
Darlie All Shiny White Supreme Edelweiss Toothpaste
Darlie’s toothpaste is an essential for most, and its All Shiny White Supreme Edelweiss Toothpaste mustn’t be slept on.
This formula uses cutting-edge professional whitening technology that enhances whitening threefold by dissolving stubborn stains on your teeth.
It also contains antioxidative CoQ10 to reduce gum inflammation and edelweiss essence from Switzerland.
Darlie All Shiny White Supreme Edelweiss Toothpaste retails for S$6.30 (120g) on Shopee, Lazada, and Watsons.
