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Most people would jump at the chance to look more successful, friendly and attractive. One relatively effortless way to achieve this, research shows, is having whiter teeth. Unfortunately, everyday habits like drinking coffee or red wine and eating tomato sauce contribute to tooth discoloration. Aging also affects tooth color, as tooth enamel gradually thins, exposing more of the naturally yellow dentin beneath.
Achieving that ideal smile becomes even more challenging when you factor in the cost of expensive veneers or professional laser treatments. Luckily, plenty of at-home teeth whitening products can help you brighten your smile without breaking the bank. Best of all, these at-home teeth whiteners often work just as well as pricey, in-office sessions, says Dr. Tera Poole, a board-certified orthodontist. "Even with tough extrinsic stains, when a good peroxide-based teeth whitening product is used on a consistent basis, you can brighten your smile several shades," she explains.
Whether you have deep stains or just want a quick confidence booster, there's something out there for everyone. To learn more about how whitening products work and what to look for, we spoke to several cosmetic dentistry experts. We then researched over 25 different teeth whitening products, evaluating each one based on convenience and effectiveness. Here are our top 9 Yahoo-tested picks to help you get a whiter, brighter smile.
Table of contents
Related: If you're serious about improving your oral hygiene but aren't quite sure where to start, check out our list of the best water flossers and the best electric toothbrushes.
Update, April 15, 2025: We checked all prices and availability. Our pick for the number one teeth whitening product remains unchanged.
Best overall teeth whitening product
More teeth whitening products we love
What to consider when buying teeth whitening products
When choosing teeth whitening products, keep these three factors in mind:
Ingredients: The most crucial aspect to consider is the active ingredients. Understanding how these ingredients work helps determine the best option for you.
"The whitening gold standard is carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide," says Khan. "These ingredients go beyond surface-level cleaning; they trigger a chemical reaction that's capable of changing the tooth's intrinsic color."
Pay attention to the percentage used. "Carbamide peroxide is a compound derived from hydrogen peroxide and urea, making it roughly a third as potent as hydrogen peroxide," she explains. "It can be less aggressive, though, and minimize the risk of sensitivity, making it a better option for those with sensitive teeth."
Of course, any peroxide-based whitening agent could cause some sensitivity, and higher peroxide percentages equal more sensitivity risks. "Natural peroxide-free strips are gentler for sensitive teeth, but expect less dramatic results," Khan adds.
Type: At-home teeth whitening products come in various forms, including gels, pens, strips and LED-based kits. Whitening toothpastes are also available. Each type has its pros and cons, so choose what works best for you.
Duration and frequency: The time needed for daily application and to see results varies widely. Some products require only a few minutes, while others take several hours over a few weeks. Consider how much time you can realistically devote to whitening and what's practical for your schedule.
Other teeth whitening products we tested
Snow Diamond Wireless Teeth Whitening Kit: This is another easy-to-use LED whitening kit that provides visible results. However, the mouthpiece breaks more easily than other brands.
Hismile v34 Colour Corrector Toothpaste: Purple toothpaste definitely works to neutralize yellow undertones and help teeth appear whiter, but the results don't last.
How we chose the best teeth whitening products
To choose the best at-home teeth-whitening products, we turned to the pros. We spoke to a number of dentistry experts to learn how these products work and what to look for. After that, we researched over 25 different whitening products, considering factors such as cost, convenience and effectiveness. We then tested 12 options before selecting our 9 favorites.
FAQs
Is it safe to whiten your teeth at home?
According to Kahng, it's generally safe to use teeth-whitening products if your dental health is up to date. "As long as you've had a dental checkup in the last six months to a year and have been cleared of cavities, it's safe," she says. "You shouldn't whiten your teeth, though, if you have cavities or any dental disease."
Khan agrees but cautions against some viral trends, which are typically unfounded and may even be harmful. "Avoid certain DIY trends like baking soda and peroxide in a boil and bite guard," she says. "Baking soda can be pretty abrasive, and if you use it too often or in high concentrations, it can actually damage your enamel."
Other than that, be sure to follow the directions carefully and choose products from reputable brands.
How do teeth whitening kits work?
These products utilize bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel and break down the molecules responsible for stains.
The most effective teeth whitening kits "are made from a custom mold of [a person's] mouth," says Perlman. "The strength and ingredients of the whitening gel then play a pivotal role in the success of the [treatment]."
How do you remove tough stains from teeth?
According to Mackie, really deep, tough stains may require the big guns. "Professional teeth whitening from a board-certified dentist," she says.
Some at-home whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide may be beneficial depending on the level of discoloration, but she also encourages trying to make certain lifestyle changes. "Simple adjustments like reducing the intake of teeth-staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce and dark-colored sodas) can significantly enhance the whiteness of your smile," she explains.
Another tip: "Always rinse your mouth with water after meals or drinking dark beverages, particularly coffee."
How often can I use teeth whitening products?
It depends on the product and your needs, but in general, you shouldn't use whitening kits more than two to four times per year.
"Use a whitening toothpaste daily," says dentist Dr. Lawrence Fung, who practices in Southern California. "Add white strips or custom bleaching trays with prescription-strength whitening gel [up to] once a quarter." He also advises using an electric toothbrush for more effective daily cleanings.
Khan, on the other hand, typically tells her patients to use whitening strips every 6 months or so to maintain a bright smile.
How long does teeth whitening last?
It depends on the product as well as your specific needs.
"Whitening strips can last up to 6 months whereas in-office whitening results can last up to 2 years if you take proper care of your teeth," says Khan. That last part — taking proper care — is the most crucial.
"Results depend on your habits," says Kahng. "If you drink a lot of coffee, the results won't last as long as someone who only drinks water. You need to maintain the results to keep your teeth from reverting to their original color."
However, she notes it's important to remember that "teeth whitening is an ongoing process."
Meet our experts
Dr. Lawrence Fung, DDS, dentist and founder of Silicon Beach Dental, Culver City, CA
Dr. Joyce Kahng, DDS, cosmetic dentist and owner of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio, Costa Mesa, CA
Dr. Fatima Khan, DMD, general dentist and co-founder of Riven Oral Care
Dr. Nicole Mackie, DDS, prosthodontist and owner of Dr. Nicole Mackie Dental Implant Specialty Center, Las Vegas, NV
Dr. Joshua Perlman, DMD, general and cosmetic dentist and owner of NYC Smile Spa, NY
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