There are now a significant number of products that market themselves on their eco, vegan or sustainable credentials. https://post.healthline.com/wp-json/wp-offload-ses/v1/c/ZW1haWxfaWQ9MjA2NDYmZW1haWxfY2xpY2tfaWQ9MzE1MTUmZW1haWxfY2xpY2tfdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmFkYS5vcmclMkZlbiUyRnNjaWVuY2UtcmVzZWFyY2glMkZhZGEtc2VhbC1vZi1hY2NlcHRhbmNlJTJGYWRhLXNlYWwtc2hvcHBpbmctbGlzdCZoYXNoPTIxYjdlNDVmMGJmMTY5MDUwMjJiZjk3MmQwMGM5NjU1ODliODY4OTRhODVjMDg2NmMwYjVmZTE1ZmEzNzE1M2E= But, bear in mind all fluoride toothpastes provide some protection against enamel erosion, and fluoride is the basis of many an enamel repair claim, as it works to harden or ‘remineralise’ enamel. Even cheap toothpastes contain this, so you don't necessarily need to splash out. Here's a rundown of the evidence behind typical ingredients found in whitening toothpastes: Hydrogen peroxide

Warning: beware teeth whitening products from online marketplaces - our investigation uncovered potentially unsafe products for sale

Fresh Mint

Dentine sensitivity is believed to be caused by fluid moving up the tiny tubules connecting tooth dentine to the nerve. Temperature changes, pressure, or sweet or acidic food can influence the fluid’s movement. Tablets - the majority of scientific research has been done into how pastes work in combination with brushing, not tablets, so there is no guarantee that these will offer the same protection. Watch out for ones that are also fluoride-free (see above). The higher the hydrogen peroxide content, the more effective the toothpaste will be at whitening. Keep in mind that this could make the product more likely to irritate your teeth and gums.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Toothpaste tablets that you chew aim to cut down on the plastic waste generated by toothpaste tubes. While it wasn't always the case, many toothpaste tubes are now recyclable, as they're manufactured from plastic alone, as opposed to a mix of plastic and metal.

Think about your needs. Many people – especially those who brush well – don’t need extra active ingredients apart from fluoride. If you have specific concerns around things such as whitening, sensitivity or enamel wear, see our ingredients guide (below) to understand the claims made about a particular toothpaste, and whether the evidence supports them. Fluoride-free formulas - some products making natural claims are also fluoride free. This puts you at increased risk of dental caries, no matter how carefully you brush. Fluoride is considered to be safe and effective by dental experts. There are three types of fluoride: sodium fluoride, sodium monoflurophosphate and stannous fluoride. You can also buy vegan toothpastes which means they don't contain animal products, but are also cruelty free (have not been tested on animals). Some toothpastes advertise their natural ingredients such as coconut oil or charcoal, or the absence of palm oil. What to watch out for Be sure to follow instructions carefully, some stronger whitening toothpastes may not be intended for daily use.

White and Shine

These might have an immediate whitening effect, but won’t last as saliva washes away most paste quite rapidly. Look carefully and you'll see the claims have small print to this effect. When we challenged Colgate about its Purple Reveal toothpaste, it couldn't tell us exactly how long the effect would last. Sodium bicarbonate