July 9, 2025 lori
Whitening Toothpastes: Are They Safe and Do They Actually Work?
If you’re thinking about brightening your smile, you’ve probably stood in the toothpaste aisle staring at dozens of “whitening” toothpastes. As a Registered Dental Hygienist specializing in professional teeth whitening and in-office whitening treatments like BOOST Opalescence Whitening, I get asked about whitening toothpastes every single day.
Here’s the honest truth:
🔎 Most whitening toothpastes are either ineffective… or too abrasive.
What Makes a Toothpaste Safe and Effective?
A toothpaste should have four key things to keep your teeth healthy and strong:
- Fluoride. This helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Non-abrasive formula. Highly abrasive toothpastes can scratch away your enamel over time.
- Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recognition. This ensures it meets evidence-based safety and effectiveness standards.
- Desensitizing ingredients (optional but ideal). Especially if you’re prone to sensitivity or planning professional whitening.
Why Abrasiveness Matters: Understanding RDA Values
Toothpaste abrasiveness is measured by its Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) value. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| RDA Value | Abrasiveness Level | Recommendation |
| 0-70 | Low Abrasive | Safe for daily use |
| 70-100 | Medium Abrasive | Acceptable, but not ideal long term |
| 100-150 | Highly Abrasive | Can damage enamel over time |
| 150-250 | Harmful, not recommended | Avoid |
✅ Pro Tip: Most whitening toothpastes fall into the highly abrasive category, wearing away enamel and leading to increased sensitivity and yellowing over time as dentin becomes exposed.
My Favourite Toothpaste for Whitening Clients
I never recommend abrasive whitening toothpastes. Instead, I suggest Sensodyne Clinical White for most of my professional whitening clients because:
- ✔️ Non-abrasive formula (RDA of ~62, safe for daily use)
- ✔️ 5% potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity, making it ideal before in-office whitening treatments like BOOST Opalescence Whitening
- ✔️ Contains fluoride to protect enamel
- ✔️ Recognized by the Canadian Dental Association
Studies show that using Sensodyne Clinical White for 2+ weeks before professional whitening treatments can significantly reduce post-whitening sensitivity.
Will Sensodyne Clinical White Whiten Your Teeth?
No toothpaste will truly whiten your teeth like a professional teeth whitening treatment performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. However, Sensodyne Clinical White helps prevent new stains from building up, keeping your smile looking fresher and brighter between your whitening appointments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re whitening your teeth 1-2 times a year, I recommend using Sensodyne Clinical White year-round. It protects your enamel, reduces sensitivity, and prevents new stains without causing damage.
Ready to transform your smile safely and effectively? Book your professional teeth whitening appointment today. Your smile is worth it. 💛
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