There’s no end to the myriad whitening toothpastes available right now. They can be highly effective when it comes to brightening yellowed or stained teeth, and it’s a relatively simple way to incorporate a whitening component into your dental health routine without having to drop beaucoup bucks on pricey treatments. But as with most things, not all whitening toothpastes are made equal. The right ingredients can make or break a formula, and the experts agree. Dr. Yev Davydov, general dentist and owner of Chroma Dental NYC, explained that most whitening toothpastes rely on mild abrasive ingredients like hydrated silica and calcium carbonate that physically buff away surface stains. These are fine for maintenance, but he cautioned that “they’re polishing the surface, not changing the color of the tooth.” He suggests looking for toothpastes that also contain peroxide and true whitening agents, which can actually oxidize stains on your teeth.According to Dr. Lauren Becker, general and cosmetic dentist and owner of Dr. Lauren Becker in New York City, “A whitening toothpaste should contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.” Davydov agrees, saying, “They’re the only ingredients that actually penetrate the enamel and break down stain molecules through oxidation instead of just scrubbing the surface.” He recommends toothpastes with 1-2% hydrogen peroxide paired with fluoride, “so you’re getting whitening and cavity protection together.”Davydov added that a newer ingredient called phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, or PAP, is an oxidizer that doesn’t release free radicals the way peroxide can, and “does a solid job on surface staining while being far gentler on sensitive teeth and exposed gumlines.” They’re also a great alternative for people who have veneers or bonding and can’t use peroxide. Becker also said that people who have sensitive teeth should “look for formulas that have stannous fluoride or a hydroxyapatite.”She warned that there are a few ingredients that claim to whiten and do not, like charcoal, which all our experts recommend avoiding. Dr. Alice Hoang, family dentist and owner of Brooklyn Mint Dental in Park Slope, Brooklyn, reminded HuffPost that “maintaining a good routine for consistent brushing after you eat foods or drinks with lots of colors” can help you avoid staining, thereby reducing the need and desire to constantly whiten your teeth. Below, we’ve curated a selection of whitening toothpastes recommended by our experts, along with editors’ recommendations that align with their suggestions. Keep reading and pick up a tube or two for yourself and enjoy a gleaming smile in no time.The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.AmazonArm & Hammer Peroxicare ToothpasteAll of our experts spoke to the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide, and this toothpaste from Arm & Hammer banks on this ingredient’s success. It’s formulated to help kill bacteria, reduce redness and bleeding and promote healthier gums. Baking soda helps to neutralize acids and gently deep clean teeth, while hydrogen peroxide whitens and brightens teeth. It’s a wonderful option that won’t break the bank and has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating at Amazon, and a whopping 18,600 5-star reviews.AmazonCrest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-StepThis Crest two-step cleaning kit includes one tube of deep cleansing toothpaste (step one) and a tube of whitening gel (step two), and reviewers swear it works wonders. “My teeth are sparkling and my confidence is through the roof,” one happy user says. “After just one use, I’m pretty sure I could blind a small army with how white my teeth are now.”This is dentist Dr. Lauren Becker’s favorite over-the-counter whitening product because it gives patients noticeable results in under a week’s time that also won’t break the bank. “White strips can be bulky, annoying and require consistency and time while all this requires is the two minutes that you should already be brushing your teeth. The Step 1 cleanser helps remove plaque while helping prevent sensitivity. Step 2 contains peroxide (the active bleaching agent in any whitening product) and helps whiten and brighten,” she said.AmazonCrest Pro-Health Advanced ToothpasteBecker recommends this four-pack of Crest toothpaste because it is “ADA-approved and offers ingredients that help to whiten but won’t break down your teeth.” It works to deep clean and protect against plaque while also providing a pretty significant amount of whitening and even supporting enamel repair. It’s a great option for people with sensitive teeth. AmazonColgate Optic White ToothpasteDr. Alice Hoang, family dentist and owner of Brooklyn Mint Dental in Park Slope, Brooklyn, said, “I routinely recommend Colgate Optic White Toothpaste as an option for patients looking for a whitening dentifrice. It’s one of the least abrasive on the market, making it gentler on tooth wear and less likely to exacerbate tooth recession and sensitivity. ”Boasting an astonishing 4.7 out of 5 stars and over 41,600 5-star ratings at Amazon, it would appear that many people agree. AmazonMouthology Fluoride Free ToothpasteMade with a generous 10% nano-hydroxyapatite, a government-studied calcium-based compound for restoring and protecting teeth, this fluoride-free, mint toothpaste from Mouthology may be your next dental purchase. The magic comes from nano-hydroxyapatite, an engineered compound that mimics the natural material found in your teeth. The substance has been studied a ton and is often used in dentistry, specifically for its ability to restore enamel, fill in tiny holes, reduce sensitivity, ward off plaque, and generally strengthen teeth.“After using it consistently, I’ve noticed a real difference in my teeth,” one reviewer wrote. “They feel noticeably stronger, look whiter, and my sensitivity has gone down significantly, especially with hot and cold foods. It’s rare to find one toothpaste that checks all three boxes.”Becker recommends toothpastes with nano-hydroxyapatite like this one for people with sensitive teeth.AmazonRembrandt Whitening Toothpaste With FluorideThis Rembrandt toothpaste is incredibly popular, which might be surprising for those of us who remember it as a “fancy brand” from our childhoods in the late 80s and early ‘90s. It has endured! This whitening toothpaste is formulated with micro-polishers, stain fighters and fluoride that can help to reduce stains without being overly harsh for your teeth. It’s safe to use daily and can even help to strengthen and restore your teeth’s enamel. Becker recommends it because it has a fairly neutral pH.