Anyone who’s been whitening their teeth for long enough knows that, at some point, it can cause sensitivity or, in some cases, pain. Even if you don’t whiten your teeth, time eventually has its way with the erosion of the tooth’s enamel, which can also cause sensitivity and even structural concerns, according to dentists. Experts we’ve previously spoken to have expressed excitement about nano-hydroxyapatite and its potential to support the restoration of tooth enamel — and this “crazy good” whitening toothpaste uses it as one of its main ingredients.
Hiding in plain sight on Amazon, the Boka nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste has gained a steady following, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from 63,200+ reviews. It’s being especially revered for its ability to reduce tooth sensitivity in just one use.
“After falling asleep in teeth whitening strips when I was a teen, my teeth had been overly sensitive since… but it took ONE time brushing with this toothpaste to notice an actual difference in my teeth,” one Amazon shopper wrote. “They feel supported. They feel protected. They feel clean and strengthened.”
More than one oral care expert has even recommended the original non-whitening formula to us for anyone who prefers a fluoride-free toothpaste. (FYI: Fluoride is still considered to be a perfectly safe and highly effective ingredient to prevent cavities.)
In previous coverage, experts explained that nano-hydroxyapatite is a very promising ingredient, as it helps remineralize enamel and smooth microscopic surface irregularities, which can improve both strength and brightness. It works by essentially mimicking the natural building blocks of your teeth, helping to not just make teeth look better, but also reduce sensitivity.
“This toothpaste is crazy good. I have very receded gum lines and exposed nerves. This toothpaste has almost completely eliminated the pain I felt at my gum line due to the exposed nerves,” another reviewer claimed.
As I mentioned earlier, I know from experience how sensitizing whitening strips and other at-home teeth whiteners can be, so many reviewers appreciate how the Boka formula lifts surface stains without the use of traditional removers such as peroxide and sulfates. Instead, this formula uses high-cleaning silica to polish the surface of the tooth and work on some of the most common culprits like coffee and wine.
“I decided to give their whitening toothpaste a try in hopes that it could reverse the yellowing and stains I was experiencing. Well, night one…the stains were completely gone from my front teeth — I was so happy I could have cried,” one reviewer wrote.
This minty fresh paste, which also comes in several other flavors, also contains xylitol, a beloved ingredient by dentists for preventing cavities, and soothing aloe.
Keep reading to see more undeniably convincing reviews for the effective and dentist-recommended Boka toothpaste.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“Wow. I had no idea this type of product even existed… let alone how accessible it is. This toothpaste arrived yesterday and I immediately opened it and used it. After falling asleep in teeth whitening strips when I was a teen, my teeth had been overly sensitive since… but it took ONE time brushing with this toothpaste to notice an actual difference in my teeth. They feel supported. They feel protected. They feel clean and strengthened. I am absolutely shocked how well this product works. I am thrilled to have found something that can semi-fix a mistake from my past. 10/10 recommend. 10/10 taste. 10/10 texture. 10/10 foaming. 10/10 ease of use. 10/10 overall best.“ — J to the Ham
“My favorite toothpaste. The taste. My breath is no longer smells ever. Even when I wake in the mornings.
My teeth remain whiter. I have sensitive teeth an this is one of the only toothpaste that do not bother me. I think it’s a little pricey but still worth every penny. Buy it. You can’t find anything else like this for what it does. I found that it has improved my teeth. Even my kids like it. Good for all ages. Do not need much when putting on your toothbrush. Follow the instructions.” — Kimbree & Johnny“I’ve had issues with sensitive teeth for many years. Many things were painful to eat or drink (hot, cold, sweet, acidic). Sometimes even brushing my teeth would become painful when it was really bad. I tried the ‘sensitive’ toothpastes in the stores, which either helped a little bit, or they just had a placebo effect. Now this product (nano hydroxyapatite) actually works. And it doesn’t just work a little bit, it almost completely eliminated sensitivity. I’ve used two brands, this one (Boka) and another (Davids). Both work the same, the difference seems to be flavor. This one (Boka) has more flavors available, and the mint flavor is a bit milder. The other (Davids) has a strong peppermint flavor, more similar to normal toothpaste. It probably just comes down to preference.” — JOC8778
“I switched to this toothpaste to reduce my tooth sensitivity without using fluoride. Within a week, I noticed a huge difference when drinking cold water, and it leaves my teeth feeling incredibly clean. The mint flavor is very mild and doesn’t sting at all. It is pricier than drugstore brands, but it actually works.” — swetz
“This toothpaste is crazy good. I have very receded gum, lines, and nerves exposed. I have used prescribed Floyd toothpaste for years, which worked better than over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste, but this toothpaste has almost completely eliminated the pain I felt at my gum line due to the exposed nerves. I can brush normally now because I had to brush very lately before because of the pain. It has increased the durability of my teeth. I do not find any messiness with the tube. It’s SLS-free. And a great quantity in the tube. If you have sensitive teeth, get yourself some of this toothpaste. It’s the only one I use now.” — Chrissy
Explore more whitening toothpastes with impressive results below, from a list curated by the HuffPost Shopping team:
A restorative toothpaste that whitens and helps with sensitivity
Made with a generous 10% nano-hydroxyapatite, a government-studied calcium-based compound for restoring and protecting teeth, this fluoride-free, mint toothpaste from Mouthology may be your next dental purchase. The magic comes from nano-hydroxyapatite, an engineered compound that mimics the natural material found in your teeth. The substance has been studied a ton and is often used in dentistry, specifically for its ability to restore enamel, fill in tiny holes, reduce sensitivity, ward off plaque, and generally strengthen teeth.
“After using it consistently, I’ve noticed a real difference in my teeth,” one reviewer wrote. “They feel noticeably stronger, look whiter, and my sensitivity has gone down significantly, especially with hot and cold foods. It’s rare to find one toothpaste that checks all three boxes.”
Promising review: "Love the subtle minty taste, the no foam formula, the whitening properties of this toothpaste and the enamel restoration which is NOT hype. I have older dental work that was becoming noticeable. A few weeks of using this toothpaste day and night is reversing the state of my caps and crowns so that they are looking newer, fresher. Teeth are smooth and whitened. Breath is fresher, gums look healthier. No more bleeding, burning, mouth sores or gum irritation. Best thing we’ve done is switching to this toothpaste for our oral health. Highly recommend!" — Auntie Mel
A two-step cleaning and whitening kit from a dependable brand
This Crest two-step cleaning kit includes one tube of deep cleansing toothpaste (step one) and a tube of whitening gel (step two), and reviewers swear it works wonders. “My teeth are sparkling and my confidence is through the roof,” one happy user says. “After just one use, I’m pretty sure I could blind a small army with how white my teeth are now.”
This two-step whitening system works in tandem to give you a brighter smile. For the first step, you brush with the 4-ounce deep-clean toothpaste tube for about a minute, then spit. Instead of rinsing your mouth with water after step one, you instead start brushing with the 2.3-ounce whitening gel for step two. Then, spit and rinse like normal. It’s fuss-free compared to having to take out Crest whitening strips, carefully place them on your teeth and wait up to 30 minutes for it to do its magic.
Promising review: "Best whitening system I have ever tried. You know how too often you buy the must-have new thing that's "too good to be true"? This ain't one of those times. This stuff is AMAZING. In just 3 applications my teeth are shades whiter. And they don't hurt or anything. So glad I tried it. Seriously."
A vintage-inspired whitening toothpaste that reviewers adore
Euthymol's whitening toothpaste is gaining traction as one of the brand’s most iconic products, packaged in a sleek, fully recyclable aluminum tube with a retro-inspired design that reflects the brand’s more than 125-year history. The formula works as an everyday toothpaste while targeting stains from several fronts.
It contains fluoride to strengthen enamel and help protect against cavities, and sodium hexametaphosphate, which can help to prevent stain-causing particles from sticking to the enamel. The formula also includes hydrated silica, a polishing ingredient that helps lift plaque and surface discoloration as you brush. Together, these ingredients brighten teeth while delivering the ultra-fresh, just-cleaned feeling longtime fans rave about. One reviewer even described the effect as “oven cleaning for your mouth.”