12 Best Teeth-Whitening Products, According to Dentists

Similar to facial exfoliators, “at-home whitening products fall into two broad categories: abrasive (a.k.a. mechanical) whitening and chemical whitening,” says Dr. Rubinshtein. Both have their place in a whitening routine, but there is one important factor to keep in mind. While the abrasive whitening method is used by many whitening toothpastes and can be effective, it can only remove surface stains and is unable to penetrate deeper into the pores of teeth. “If the product you are using doesn’t contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, it won’t be as effective,” Dr. Rubinshtein says.

Over time, abrasive whitening products can also erode tooth enamel, leading to damage and sensitivity, so check with your dentist to see if an abrasive toothpaste is safe for you.

More on the ingredients: The best teeth-whitening products available over the counter typically contain one of two chemicals—hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, both bleaching agents that “react with the molecules causing stains on the teeth,” explains Dr. Sands. “This reaction helps break down the stains into smaller, less visible particles, leading to a brighter and whiter appearance of the teeth.”

Another at-home teeth-whitening method is to use a product that works via gentle abrasion (think charcoal toothpaste), literally buffing surface stains off of teeth, though these tend to be less effective than those with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, says Dr. Rubinshtein.

The best teeth-whitening kits can be very effective when used correctly, according to the experts we spoke to. Just don’t expect an immediate transformation or miracle results. “In-office whitening is always the most effective and impactful,” says Dr. Hoang.

“All teeth are made out of tubes, like pores, and richly colored foods or drinks penetrate those pores, entering the structure of the enamel, making them difficult to remove with normal brushing,” she says. That’s why in-office treatments that use professional-grade whitening gels with a higher percentage of an active bleaching ingredient can be more effective.

The freshness of at-home teeth-whitening kits will also impact their effectiveness, Dr. Hoang adds. “The active ingredient for most bleaching products oxidizes, meaning it loses effectiveness quickly when not kept refrigerated,” she explains. When you purchase whitening strips or a gel pen, there’s no way to be sure how long it’s been on shelf or whether temperature fluctuations during transit may have impacted it. Be mindful of expiration dates on packaging, and don’t leave your whitening kit languishing in your medicine cabinet—for best results, use it right away.

Remember that any teeth whitening, whether done by a professional or with an at-home whitening kit, is only temporary. “If you have habits such as smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, or eating food with heavy sauces, your teeth-whitening procedure won’t last long,” says Dr. Rubinshtein. “An over-the-counter at-home teeth-whitening product with a bad diet and habits can last up to a week. If you stay away from those foods, drinks, and habits, and also brush and floss two times a day, you can prolong the brightness of your teeth.”

Whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, whitening gels, and LED whitening treatments can all be effective when used properly. In terms of which one works best, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, says Dr. Rubinshtein. Here’s what you can and can’t expect from the best teeth-whitening products in each category.

Whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes are most useful for extending the results of more potent whitening treatments. “At-home whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from your teeth. However, they cannot go beyond that to remove the yellow and grayness of teeth,” says Dr. Becker. “I personally always recommend a two-step process with a whitening toothpaste and a whitening gel or strips for the best at-home impact.”

Whitening strips

“Whitening strips act as a ‘tape’ applied to teeth that has a film of whitening gel. The strip secures the chemicals to the tooth surface so that the whitening gel can penetrate the tooth’s surface, allowing it to whiten the teeth,” explains Dr. Hoang. Strips are convenient but typically contain a lower concentration of the bleaching agent than gels, she says, “so gels will generally be more effective than strips.”

Whitening gels

“A whitening gel is a viscous fluid with an active whitening ingredient that erases stains and brightens enamel,” says Dr. Hoang. Gels come in the form of whitening pens, squeezable tubes with a paintbrush-like tip, and formulas intended to be used with whitening trays. All are effective, but Dr. Rubinshtein prefers whitening pens, which are portable and can be used anywhere, anytime. Plus, “whitening pens often give visible results quickly and are ideal if you want to add a last-minute touch-up on the go,” he says.

Blue LED light

“Teeth-whitening kits that include blue-light devices aim to enhance the whitening process by using LED or UV lights,” says Dr. Sands. “The idea is that the light activates the whitening agents in the gel, potentially speeding up the results.” The effectiveness of blue-light devices, however, is a subject of debate among dentists, he says, and there isn’t conclusive evidence that the light actually makes a noticeable impact on the end result.

“The two most important factors in getting good results with a chemical whitening kit are the amount of bleach you use and the amount of time it’s sitting there,” says Dr. Hoang, light or no light.

It is possible to overdo it with at-home whitening, causing permanent enamel damage and sensitivity.

“Generally, it’s safe to use whitening toothpastes twice daily as part of your regular oral hygiene routine,” says Dr. Sands. Designed for daily use, toothpastes contain the lowest concentration of bleach.

The exception to this rule is abrasive whitening toothpastes, which polish off stains “at the expense of your enamel,” says Dr. Rubinshtein. “Over time the abrasive ingredients can strip your teeth and can give them a grayer appearance.” This can also cause sensitivity, our experts caution. “For patients with gum recession or tooth sensitivity, I advise avoiding whitening toothpastes because they often worsen recession and sensitivity,” says Dr. Hoang.

Overusing whitening strips and gels can also cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel damage. “If your teeth start to feel sensitive with cold water, breathing in air, eating ice cream, or even brushing your teeth, those are indications that the teeth whitening is exacerbating your teeth sensitivity,” Dr. Rubinshtein says.

Always follow the instructions on the package, making sure not to leave the product on longer than recommended. “If you have sensitivity concerns, be mindful and always consult with your dentist before using,” says Dr. Hoang.

“Tooth sensitivity in general is the most common side effect from teeth whitening,” says Jon Marashi, DDS. “If you do have sensitive teeth, you’ll want to look for a lower percentage of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, around 6%.” But since at-home kits, in general, use a lower concentration of whitening agents compared to professional whitening, the incidence of sensitivity is relatively low.

And if it does occur, it’s generally short-term. “Sensitivity happens from dehydration, which can resolve within a day or two,” says Dr. Veytsman. She recommends using a toothpaste that’s designed to help with sensitivity, and taking a few days off before trying the product again.

If you follow the instructions on the packaging, then you shouldn’t have any issues. What’s more important, however, is the state of your teeth before you try whitening them. Dr. Veytsman says it’s crucial to stay on top of all your dental appointments and make sure your mouth is healthy (no cavities, etc.) before using any kind of whitening product.

“Watch out for poorly fitting products and products with a high abrasive index,” says Jamie Sands, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles. This is measured as relative dentine abrasivity (RDA). “If the product fits poorly the whitening product is merely washed away by saliva or inactivated.”

To be extra diligent, Dr. Marashi recommends looking for products approved by the American Dental Association and that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

The biggest difference between at-home and professional treatments is that the latter uses a higher concentration of whitening agents that are only safe to use under the care of a dentist, says Dr. Veytsman.

As a result, at-home whitening treatments will generally take longer to take effect. “Used regularly, it will typically take up to two weeks until you begin to see the results,” says Dr. Marashi, whereas, “a professional in-office teeth-whitening treatment can lighten your teeth several shades in an hour.”