Our experts doubted the concentration of bleaching enzymes possible in an over-the-counter toothpaste could offer a clinical effect - this is the same for any whitening toothpaste. Colgate said evidence for this formulation was also commercially sensitive, but there is evidence that the zinc oxide and zinc citrate combination used has antibacterial properties, which our experts said should give this product advantages in reducing gum inflammation vs basic fluoride toothpastes. Stain removal should be reasonable with this toothpaste (better than regular fluoride toothpaste), thanks to abrasives such as silica, and surfactants (foaming agents) including sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine, plus the addition of phosphates for tartar reduction. Zendium gave us evidence from clinical studies that support the combination of antibacterial enzymes in this toothpaste (amyloglucosidase, lysozyme, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin) for plaque control and to reduce gum inflammation and bleeding.

If you don't have any particular dental issues, a standard fluoride toothpaste will do the job just fine. Whitening It doesn’t contain SLS (sodium lauryth sulfate , a surfactant), which Zendium claims makes it more suitable for ‘vulnerable’ mouths. Evidence for this is mixed; SLS may irritate some, but is mostly well tolerated. For serious whitening (aka a celebrity-level 'Hollywood smile'), you need to get professional bleaching treatment. Beware of attempting to DIY it and buying whitening products online - in an investigation earlier in 2022 we found some that contained dangerous levels of hydrogen peroxide. Gum health Eugenol and ginseng root extract may have antibacterial properties that help reduce gum swelling or bleeding, but we didn’t see robust evidence about their concentration or action in this specific toothpaste.

Hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching agent) is commonly used in whitening toothpastes, but it's a bit of a red herring as the legal limit for over-the-counter toothpastes is too low to actually affect the colour of your teeth.

We asked a panel of dental experts to examine the evidence behind claims on six premium toothpastes and give their verdict on when it's worth spending more. How to choose the right toothpaste - which ingredients really work, and what to consider before you buy

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Zendium's marketing based on oral bacteria and enzymes instead of minerals is unique, but again, while it will be better than conventional toothpastes at reducing gingivitis, cavity protection should be similar.