Smoking, drinking red wine and eating the wrong foods are all things you probably know aren’t the best for your health, but they’re also among the top things that teeth-whitening procedures can address. Still, few people are going to give up coffee or never eat another berry again in the name of a brilliant smile. “People have to live,” says Dr. Marc Lowenberg, a cosmetic dentist and partner at LLK Dental in Manhattan.
In fact, more than two-thirds of Americans have whitened their teeth, and a quarter of them have used an over-the-counter product for that purpose, according to a 2022 survey by Mintel/Greenfield Online.
How does teeth whitening work?
At-home tooth-whitening products are generally a lower-strength version of what dentists use, Lowenberg says, which is essentially hydrogen peroxide. This weak acid oxidizes surface stains, causing them to break up (and temporarily making teeth more porous and susceptible to staining, which is why extra caution is needed after treatments to maintain the white color). Ultraviolet (UV) or LED light may also be used to speed up the process.
While perfectly safe to use, and best used along with other oral hygiene products like an electric toothbrush and water flosser, at-home whitening products are not all equally effective. They won’t work on discoloration that comes from genetics or aging, in which dark-colored dentin shows through the white tooth enamel, and they may not be ideal for people with sensitive teeth, so you’ll want to discuss the options with your dentist.
It’s also a good idea to choose products that have been approved by the American Dental Association. The brightest smiles come from the highest concentrations of peroxide (dentists use up to 30% concentrations, while at-home products peak at 10%) that remain in contact with teeth for the longest periods of time, Lowenberg says.
Even then, “There are no miracles in whitening,” he says. Depending on your teeth, habits and level of staining, you’ll have to repeat treatments regularly. Yet, if you’re ready to dazzle, at-home tooth-whitening products can be an easy and cost-effective way to maintain your smile between dental visits. Here are the products experts say are best.
Toothpastes
“I personally always recommend a two-step process with a whitening toothpaste and/or a gel/strips for the best at-home impact,” says Dr. Lauren Becker, a general and cosmetic dentist based in New York City. “This toothpaste is ADA approved and offers ingredients that help to whiten but won’t break down your teeth.”
This whitening toothpaste has 2% hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and fluoride for cavity prevention. “It’s one of the least abrasive on the market, making it gentler on tooth wear and less likely to exacerbate tooth recession and sensitivity,” says Dr. Alice Hoang, a dentist and founder of Brooklyn Mint Dental.
This toothpaste uses microparticles to prevent enamel surface stain from building up, while remaining gentle on enamel, says Dr. Lena Varone, a cosmetic dentist with the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. It also has fluoride which can help prevent cavities and minimize sensitivity if that’s a problem for you.
Though a newer addition to the whitening field, this Vitamin C-infused toothpaste claims no peroxides and no artificial flavors. And though it does claim to remove color from stain molecules, we especially like it for its minty citrus taste. It’s especially good for younger brushers who aren’t ready for more abrasive products.
Mouthwash
Dental experts don’t advise mouthwash or rinses as your sole means of teeth whitening, but they say it can be a great adjunct for other treatments. Becker likes this alcohol-free, mint-flavored mouthwash, which freshens breath, helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel while it whitens.
This minty breath freshener is a great option that cleans and whitens but also protects teeth. Hoang likes that this product started as an oral rinse formulated by dentists, so it has some expertise behind it.
For maintaining a bright white smile, Dr. Kevin Sands, a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California, recommends this mouthwash, which freshens breath and prevents future stains.
Strips
Crest 3D Whitestrips were a unanimous favorite among our experts. They’re easy to use and effective for at-home whitening, mostly due to the amount of time they stay in contact with teeth, Lowenberg says.
If you have tooth sensitivity, this version of the brand favorite is a good option, Becker says. It brightens teeth while protecting enamel for a pain-free experience.
For anyone looking for a natural peroxide-free alternative, these strips are made with plant-based materials and without preservatives, additives, artificial dyes or flavorings, Hoang says.
Pens
Whitening pens can be a great option for treating your teeth on the go, and Hoang likes this one, which has more than 5% hydrogen peroxide. “It has an exceptional combination of portability, ease of use and effectiveness,” she says.
Sands recommends this pen to patients due to the brand’s reputation and the high performance of the product. Its active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, a common and effective teeth-whitening agent that he says can help break down and remove surface stains on teeth, leading to a whiter appearance.
Sands also likes this pen for on-the-go touch-ups. It’s safe for tooth enamel and can be good for sensitive teeth while still removing tough stains easily. The aluminum pen is stylish and makes it easy to apply the whitening gel for a touch up anywhere.
Kits
“This kit is my favorite over-the-counter whitening product that gives patients noticeable results in under a week’s time that also won’t break the bank,” Becker says. The kit includes whitening toothpaste, which helps remove plaque and avoid tooth sensitivity, and a peroxide-based whitening gel to help brighten smiles. The combo is all you need for a dazzling smile, and it’s convenient. “White strips can be bulky, annoying and require consistency and time,” Becker says. “All this requires is the two minutes that you should already be brushing your teeth.”
The dissolving whitening strips in this kit were the pick of our beauty editor, Sophie Shaw, who said they were a “low-maintenance product that actually works.” There’s no need to remove them, as they simply dissolve on your teeth, ideal for using for overnight whitening. Combined with an LED tray to activate the whitening agent faster, this kit is great option.
This easy-to-use kit includes a whitening gel and applicator that you paint on your teeth and a curved LED light that fits over your teeth to activate the gel and increase the whitening power. The prolonged contact with your teeth yields visible results after each use and only takes 30 minutes.
For a comprehensive whitening experience, Sands recommends this kit, which combines LED technology with whitening gel for professional-level results at home. If you have sensitive teeth, the whitening agent in this kit is gentle on enamel. The kit includes an LED mouthpiece and three whitening wands and has a two-year warranty.