From the Research
Niacinamide toothpaste is not a recommended option for effective tooth whitening due to the lack of strong evidence supporting its efficacy in this area. The most recent and highest quality studies on tooth whitening, such as the one published in 2025 1, focus on the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which are well-established agents for tooth whitening. These studies demonstrate that products containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are more effective for tooth whitening compared to other ingredients like activated charcoal or, by extension, niacinamide.
Some key points to consider:
- Traditional whitening toothpastes rely on mild abrasives, chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide, or blue covarine for their whitening effects, not niacinamide 2, 3.
- Niacinamide is better established in skincare for its anti-inflammatory properties rather than as a dental whitening agent 4.
- Professional dental whitening treatments, which use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide under supervision, remain the most effective option for noticeable tooth whitening results 5, 3.
- The whitening claims of niacinamide toothpastes may be due to other ingredients in the formulation rather than the niacinamide itself, highlighting the importance of looking at the overall formulation of a product rather than a single ingredient.
Given the current state of evidence, for effective tooth whitening, it is recommended to use products containing hydrogen peroxide (typically 1-2% in over-the-counter products) or carbamide peroxide, or to consult a dentist for professional options. This approach prioritizes the use of ingredients with a strong evidence base for tooth whitening, ensuring the best possible outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.