Now that mask-wearing is optional for fully vaccinated individuals in many indoor and outdoor settings, many of us are thinking about how we can put our best face forward. The best whitening toothpastes are of course an important part of that equation. Dr. Reena Wadia, a periodontist who runs RW Perio, a specialist private practice in London, recommends Colgate Max White toothpaste. Alongside that, though, she has advice for at-home dental care. “Do not underestimate the value of good brushing and interdental cleaning,” she tells Vogue. “Invest in an electric toothbrush and learn to floss or ideally use interdental brushes.”

Dr. Reena also specifies the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. “Anything that can stain a white T-shirt will generally stain your teeth,” she says, listing tea, coffee, and red wine as a few substances to cut down on. Another option, aside from getting teeth professionally whitened, is to try Airflow polishing. “This aims to remove stains that traditional scaling and polishing may not remove. This system uses a combination of flavored fine powder particles, compressed air, and water,” she says.

To help aid your pursuit of the perfect pearly whites, we’ve rounded up 7 of the best whitening toothpastes for a brighter smile.

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Colgate Max White Ultimate Catalyst Whitening Toothpaste

$14   Colgate

This whitening toothpaste is Dr. Reena’s favorite. “It’s safe, and also contains fluoride which is key to keeping teeth healthy,” she says. It can also aid in reversing 15 years worth of discoloration, thanks to ingredients like hydrogen peroxide.

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Hey Humans Natural Toothpaste Wintermint Chill
$4   HEY HUMANS

Created by Jada Pinkett-Smith, this toothpaste is filled with natural ingredients like coconut oil, which works to fight bacteria and decay in the mouth while also gently whitening teeth. Tea tree reduces plaque and ups the ante on minty freshness. Hey Humans also incorporates Everice technology, which creates a cooling sensation in the mouth for fresh breath that lasts.

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Moon Stain Removal Whitening Gel Toothpaste

$8   MOON ORAL CAR

Moon’s gel toothpaste removes stains from teeth while also leaving them brighter. Mica powder is used in the formula for a sparkly gel that will make you want to brush your teeth even more. Peppermint oil extract is also infused to leave breath feeling fresh all day long.

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Spotlight Oral Care Toothpaste for Whitening Teeth

$7    SPOTLIGHT ORAL CARE

Fluoride and hydrogen peroxide work together to deliver not only teeth whitening benefits, but also teeth-strengthening assistance in this formula.

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Davids Natural Toothpaste

$10   DAVIDS

This toothpaste incorporates peppermint, which is anti-inflammatory and kills bacteria. It also works to strengthen the gums. Meanwhile, spearmint not only freshens the breath but also prevents fungi and viruses from growing in the mouth area.

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Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

$18   HELLO ORAL CARE

For those who love charcoal toothpastes, this one is for you. Charcoal not only naturally decreases yellow stains on teeth, but it also prevents future stains, and keeps bacteria at bay. It restores the mouth’s pH as well, preventing halitosis. Coconut oil and mint tie everything together for a refreshing, natural teeth-whitening experience.

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LINHART Teeth Whitener Gel

$24  LINHART

This whitener gel is great to use in addition to your usual toothpaste. It’s created with mint peroxide for equal parts freshness and whiteness. Be sure to use the gel formula twice a day, before brushing your teeth, for maximum benefits.

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Originally posted from “VOGUE” by Akili King