toothpaste

toothpaste won't make a major difference in whitening your teeth (that's what gels and strips are for). if a toothpaste does whiten significantly, it's probably destroying your enamel to do it. but the wrong toothpaste can literally make your teeth yellow by scrubbing away your enamel. so yeah, this matters.

why we list bad toothpastes:

this list includes toothpastes with extremely high RDA values (150+) that can seriously damage your enamel. we're not recommending them - we're listing them so you can check if you're currently using one and STOP. if your toothpaste is in the high RDA range, switch to something safer (71-100 RDA) before you wreck your teeth permanently.

RDA Scale

0-70

Low

71-100

Medium

100+

High

RDA 71-100 is ideal for daily use—effective for maintaining whiteness without compromising enamel integrity.

what is RDA?

RDA = how scratchy your toothpaste is. think of it like sandpaper grit.

0-70 (low)gentle. won't scratch enamel. good for sensitive teeth or if you already have thin enamel.

71-100 (medium)sweet spot. removes stains without wrecking your teeth. use this daily.

100+ (high)basically sandpaper. might remove stains faster but will destroy your enamel. use 2-3x per week MAX.

Important Caution

High RDA formulations (100+) should not be used for daily oral care, as prolonged use may compromise enamel integrity. Reserve these products for occasional use only.

don't be dumb:

• using high RDA toothpaste every day = you're literally sanding down your teeth
• once enamel is gone, it's gone forever. then your teeth look yellow and hurt.
• "whitening toothpaste" just means higher RDA. it removes surface stains but won't change your actual tooth color.
• stick to 71-100 RDA for daily use. save the high stuff for occasional deep cleaning.
• if a toothpaste doesn't list RDA, it's probably hiding something.

bottom line:

pick something in the 71-100 RDA range for daily use. look for the ADA seal. toothpaste won't make a major difference in whitening, but it WILL keep them from getting MORE yellow.

Common Questions

custom range

71 - 100

gentle

optimal

high abrasive

071100200

toothpaste

RDA Scale

what is RDA?

don't be dumb:

Common Questions

What is RDA and why does it matter?

What RDA level should I look for?

Are whitening toothpastes safe for daily use?

Can whitening toothpaste make my teeth more yellow?

What if I have sensitive teeth?

Tooth Builder Squiggle

Sensodyne Iso-active Whitening

Biotene

Sensodyne

Tom's of Maine Children's Toothpaste

Close Up

AIM

Pepsodent Complete Care Original Flavor

Arm & Hammer Complete Care Extra Whitening

Under the Gum

Colgate Sensitive Max Strength

Arm & Hammer Complete Care Intense Freshening

Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Alpine Breeze

Tooth & Gum Care

Tom's of Maine

Dentisse

Rembrandt Intense Stain

Biotene Sensitive

Nature's Gate

Mentadent Advanced Breath Freshening

Sensodyne Fresh Mint

Aquafresh Sensitive

Sensodyne Cool Gel

Rembrandt Plus

Sensodyne Fresh Impact

Plus White

Oxyfresh with Fluoride

Kid's Crest

Aim Cavity Protection

Tom's of Maine Regular

Oxyfresh Powder

Crest Regular

Sensodyne Tartar Control Whitening

Arm & Hammer Advanced White Brilliant Sparkle Gel

Sensodyne ProNamel Iso-active Gentle Whitening

Close-Up Cinnamon Red Gel with Mouthwash

Sensodyne Original