2023's 8 Best Teeth Whitening Products (2024)

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

We reviewed some of the best teeth whitening strips, toothpastes, and pens from brands like Crest, Sensodyne, and Philips.

2023's 8 Best Teeth Whitening Products (1)Share on Pinterest

At-home teeth whitening products may not always be as effective as treatments you get at the dentist’s office, but these over-the-counter (OTC) picks may help you come closer to your whitest teeth.

We looked at ingredients and claims to provide you with this list of great whitening products. We also looked at features, such as comfort, cost, and ability to dazzle yellow or stained teeth.

Whitening products come in a variety of forms for you to choose from. Here are 8 of the best options to consider.

The products on this list come from trusted, transparent companies with solid track records for manufacturing quality and reliability.

We chose products with ingredients that are safe as well as effective. We read scores of customer reviews to gauge issues, such as whitening speed and oral comfort. We took product taste and texture into account. We also kept an eye on the price.

Each product on our list has passed our strict vetting standards.

Price guide

The products on this list are priced as follows:

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$25
  • $$$ = over $25
PriceProduct typeFrequency of useDuration of useActive ingredients
Crest 3D White Glamorous White Whitestrips$$$stripsonce daily14 dayshydrogen peroxide
Lumineux Whitening Strips$$$stripsonce daily for 7 days followed by 1 to 2 times a week continual, use as neededcoconut oil, Dead Sea salt, lemon peel oil
Crest 3D Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit, Sensitive$$$stripsonce daily14 dayshydrogen peroxide
Tom’s of Maine Simply White Fluoride Toothpaste$$toothpastetwice dailycontinual, use as neededhydrated silica, sodium fluoride
Colgate Optic White Advanced Toothpaste$$toothpastetwice daily4 weeksPVP, silica, hydrogen peroxide, sodium monofluorophosphate
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste$toothpastetwice dailycontinual, use as neededpotassium nitrate, hydrated silica, sodium fluoride
Bite Fresh Mint Toothpaste Bits$$$toothtpaste bitstwice dailycontinual, use as neededcalcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, erythritol, nano-hydroxyapatite
Philips Zoom Whitening Pen$$pentwice daily2 weekshydrogen peroxide

If you’re looking for the right type of product to whiten your teeth, there are a few important questions to ask yourself, including:

  • How stained are my teeth?
  • Do I have existing dental work, such as crowns or veneers?
  • How sensitive are my teeth?
  • What’s my budget?
  • How fast does the product work?

Many whitening products can become uncomfortable for teeth over time. For maximum results with whitening strips, you’ll need to use the entire box, so gauge your sensitivity level before buying.

Whitening products won’t work on veneers and other types of dental work. If you have these, talk with your dentist about the best whitening solution for you.

If you have deep stains, look for a product that removes intrinsic and extrinsic (surface) stains.

If budget is an issue, keep your eye on the manufacturer’s website for coupons and promotions. These come up more frequently than you might expect.

There are many teeth whitening products you can try. While many don’t have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, they may still be safe and effective.

Whitening mouthwashes

These may be a good option for people with tooth sensitivity. Many whitening mouthwashes contain the same active ingredient as whitening strips — hydrogen peroxide. It may take 3 months to see a whitening effect from mouthwashes or rinses.

Pros

  • good for sensitive teeth
  • won’t harm gums or oral tissue
  • budget-friendly way to whiten teeth

Cons

  • may take several months before you see results
  • only removes surface stains
  • can be used by multiple people within the household

Was this helpful?

Teeth whitening gels

Teeth whitening gels contain the same active ingredients as whitening strips. They’re available in several forms, including:

  • Pre-filled trays: You leave these in your mouth for 30 minutes or longer, based on your level of tooth sensitivity.
  • Brush-on gels: These are different from tooth paint. Tooth paint, which is applied on each tooth with a brush, doesn’t contain whitening ingredients. Tooth paint coats teeth, covering up stains, but it doesn’t remove them. Brush-on gels contain ingredients designed to lighten teeth.
  • Teeth whitening pens: These pens are designed for on-the-go use.

Pros

  • pens are easily transportable for use while traveling
  • available in multiple forms
  • easy to find in stores and online

Cons

  • don’t whiten as well as strips
  • pre-filled trays can be uncomfortable to use
  • may be uncomfortable for sensitive teeth and gums

Was this helpful?

LED whitening kits

LED on its own doesn’t whiten teeth. When LED is added to a whitening kit, it accelerates the whitening process by speeding up the chemical reactions produced by whiteners like hydrogen peroxide.

Whitening kits that use LED may be harsh or damaging to teeth if they’re used too often or for too long.

Pros

  • results vary, but many people report whiter teeth after using LED kits than from other at-home whitening products
  • less expensive than professional whitening
  • does not require the use of UV radiation

Cons

  • overuse can damage teeth
  • tooth and gum sensitivity are common
  • when used incorrectly, the whitening agent can burn the tongue or gums during treatment

Was this helpful?

Teeth whitening strips

Whitening strips contain a thin layer of hydrogen peroxide or another active ingredient, adhered to a pliable, plastic strip. The active ingredients in whitening strips vary, but many use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

Whitening strips bleach surface stains. They also penetrate tooth enamel and dentin to remove intrinsic stains from deep within the tooth. If not used correctly, they can be harmful to your teeth.

Keep the following in mind when using whitening strips:

  • Avoid any products that use chlorine dioxide as the active ingredient.
  • Don’t use products for longer or more often than directed.

Pros

  • easy to use
  • less expensive than in-office dental procedures

Cons

  • can cause tooth and gum sensitivity

Was this helpful?

Whitening toothpastes

In order to use whitening toothpaste effectively, brush your teeth at least twice a day for around 2 minutes. Whitening toothpastes usually contain abrasives that work to scrub off surface stains. They also may contain active ingredients that lighten teeth by several shades.

Keep in mind that whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that might increase tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Using a soft bristle brush may help lessen these effects for some people.

Make sure to use proper brushing techniques, such as keeping your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to gums and using short strokes about the width of a tooth.

It’s also important to be patient. Whitening toothpastes can be very effective, but they don’t work quickly.

Pros

  • easy to use daily
  • one of the most affordable options

Cons

  • take longer to work
  • can lead to tooth sensitivity

Was this helpful?

Your teeth can have both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains are caused by things in your environment that come into contact with your teeth. These include foods and drinks that contain tannins (such as red wine), beer, coffee, and tea. Colas and cigarette smoke also cause extrinsic stains to occur.

Intrinsic stains occur inside the tooth and can be seen on the outside. This type of staining can be caused by certain types of medications or illnesses. Aging, trauma to the tooth, and infections can also cause intrinsic staining to occur.

Intrinsic stains can also be caused by overexposure to fluoride when teeth are developing in childhood.

Luckily, there are many products that remove stains from teeth, giving you a brighter smile.

How do teeth whitening products work?

Most whitening products rely on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. These substances work by penetrating tooth enamel to reach the inner layer of dentin. Within the dentin layer, they oxidize and lighten stains by breaking down the deeply-pigmented molecules that make teeth look darker.

Light therapy in whitening kits doesn’t add whitening power. Rather, it quickens oxidation, so you get more dramatic results in a shorter period of time.

Are teeth whitening products safe?

When used as directed, teeth whitening products from trusted manufacturers, such as the ones on this list, are considered safe for teeth and gums. It’s possible to overuse whitening strips, however. This practice may make whitening strips less safe for tooth enamel, and irritating to gums.

How often should I use teeth whitening products?

It’s important to follow the directions provided for use. Some white strips should only be used twice a year. Others are gentle enough to use monthly. If your teeth become sensitive or your gums get irritated, stop using the whitening product, at least temporarily.

Can teeth whitening products fix yellow teeth?

The cause, extent, and severity of staining are all important variables to consider. Whitening products can reduce a significant amount of yellowing on teeth but may not be enough for everyone.

If your teeth are very yellow or strongly discolored, talk with your dentist about viable solutions that will be best for you. These may include whitening products or professional treatments.

How long does teeth whitening last?

How long whitening will last depends on the product. Some whitening strips can keep teeth white for 6 months or longer. You may have less dramatic results with whitening toothpastes.

Yellow or stained teeth can be made significantly whiter with the use of OTC products. These products include teeth whitening strips and whitening toothpaste.

Teeth whitening products are typically safe to use, as long as you follow package directions. There are even options for people with highly sensitive teeth.

It’s important to note that teeth whitening products aren’t meant for use by children. It may also be wise to consult with your dentist before using whitening products as some ingredients in these products can be harmful to your teeth.

2023's 8 Best Teeth Whitening Products (2024)

FAQs

What is the highest rated teeth whitening system? ›

The Best Teeth Whitening Kits, According to Dentists
  • OpalescenceGo Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays, Set of 10. ...
  • Burst Prefilled Whitening Trays, Set of 3. ...
  • PhilipsZoom NiteWhite Kit, Set of 3. ...
  • Dr. ...
  • Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
  • Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
  • Crest3D Whitestrips, Pack of 22.
Sep 20, 2023

Are there any teeth whitening products that actually work? ›

Crest 3D Whitestrips are currently the only ADA-approved whitening strips — they also won an NBC Select Wellness Award. The Classic Vivid strips come in a pack of 24, which is enough for 12 treatments.

What is the number one teeth whitening method? ›

Laser Teeth Whitening. Currently, the preferred choice of tooth-whitening treatment is Philips' Zoom! laser teeth whitening. For laser teeth whitening, a patient will typically come in for an hour-long session and then use formulated take-home teeth-whitening trays for lasting results.

Which teeth whitening products do dentists recommend? ›

The best teeth-whitening products, at a glance:
  • Best Overall: Smile Brilliant Custom Whitening Trays, $149.
  • Best Whitening Strips: Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects, $46.
  • Best Whitening Pen: Philips Zoom Whitening Pen, $25.
  • Best Whitening Toothpaste: Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Toothpaste, $13.
Feb 29, 2024

What whitens teeth really fast? ›

A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide has been proven to work in some cases for instant results in a pinch. Combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda. Mix it until it becomes a paste and use it to brush your teeth.

How to whiten teeth over 60? ›

If you want to whiten aging yellow teeth, you should make an appointment and head to your dentist's office. This option is a bit more expensive than purchasing tubes of toothpaste and packages of whitening trays from the store, but it is safer and more effective overall.

Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›

As you age, your teeth can naturally become discolored and stained. While most teeth whitening commercials feature younger people, most seniors are left to wonder if they, too, can achieve a brighter smile. You'll be happy to know that teeth whitening can be just as effective for our older loved ones.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Do home teeth whitening kits really work? ›

Although home teeth whitening kits can be effective in whitening teeth, they can only really whiten teeth by a few shades. If you want a drastic change in teeth whiteness (i.e. you have severe teeth staining), home teeth whitening kits may not be enough.

How to whiten teeth at home in one day? ›

10 Ways to Whiten Teeth in a Day and Keep Healthy Gums
  1. Brush with Baking Soda. ...
  2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  3. Activated Charcoal. ...
  4. Powdered milk and toothpaste. ...
  5. Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking soda. ...
  6. Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  7. Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  8. Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste.
Mar 27, 2019

What teeth whitening do the Kardashians use? ›

As global marketing campaigns go, getting Kim Kardashian to trigger a TikTok tidal wave of hype is probably about as good as it gets. Australian teeth whitening brand HiSmile, dubbed 'purple shampoo for teeth', posted a video to its own TikTok page featuring the US reality star earlier this year.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.

What is the best over the counter teeth whitener? ›

“Over the counter, I recommend Crest 3D White Whitestrips,” Dr. Hadaegh says. “A lot of my patients who naturally have whiter teeth or slightly discolored teeth are happy with the results.”

What teeth whitening doesn't ruin teeth? ›

Oral Essentials Lumineux Whitening Kit

These whitening strips offer the benefits of Crest's whitening strips but without harsh ingredients like peroxide. Instead, these strips break up and lift stains using ingredients like sage oil, coconut oil, sea salt, and lemon peel oil.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 6147

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.