According to the NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fluoride , fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that occurs naturally on earth. Brushing your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay as it helps to rebuild and strengthen the tooth’s surface and enamel.

You’re paying extra for a paste that has good evidence to support it, but you could get similar effects using a cheaper product that contains similar ingredients. Another shopper added: "I have been using this toothpaste for around 3 weeks now and I can account for the claims of instant results. The luminous pink paste is quite runny but the taste is pleasant and the effect is instant whilst also being long lasting. Charcoal toothpastes are now a common sight on supermarket shelves, with claims that the natural properties of charcoal will have a whitening effect on the teeth. However, either there is some witchcraft in this marvellous little mix or its the pink colour dyeing my lips/gums darker so my teeth look brighter. Ps it is messy and be careful if you're like me and end up with a toothpaste beard because it will stain your face pink. But overall, AMAZING. I've spent fortunes (literal, fortunes!) on teeth whitening and this little gem is the best I've ever tried!"They were in broad agreement that this toothpaste would whiten your teeth by removing surface stains - and help prevent future staining - thanks to ingredients such as sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium fluoride.

The Parla tabs, on the other hand, do contain fluoride (considered by experts as essential for good dental health), as well as hydrated silica and other ingredients that help to remove surface stains. However, our experts did flag that studies have raised questions over whether fluoride, when applied via a tablet instead of in a paste, is as effective. Toothpaste tablets are gaining popularity as a plastic-free alternative to toothpaste tubes. They typically come in glass jars and are designed to be chewed to form a paste in the mouth. Our experts felt that optical enhancement was stretching the boundaries of what whitening traditionally means, but if a temporary fix appeals, just be aware that any improvements may be short-lived. A whiter, brighter smile is always a coveted goal and some Superdrug shoppers think they've found the answer with Pearl Drops Luminous Bright White Toothpolish.

More From Pearl Drops

Colgate emphasised the temporary nature of optical enhancement when we asked, but couldn’t tell us exactly how long it lasted. Both this and the Pearl Drops toothpaste also contain traditional whitening ingredients, such as mild abrasives which remove stains, but you'll find these in other basic whitening toothpastes too.

Another reviewer said: "A difference from the 1st use, being a coffee drinker my teeth are not the whitest so Pearl Drops are helping remove staining.... would I recommend? Yes indeed."

Where To Buy

The formula also effectively cleans teeth while taking care of enamel needs too - reports the ECHO. Whitening toothpastes typically work by removing surface stains caused by food and drink, and restoring teeth to their natural colour, but some products promise whiter teeth after one brush, including two our experts analysed.