Internet searches, ads, and store shelves are all packed with products that claim to be the best way to whiten your teeth. Have you ever wondered, however, if they’re safe? Have you wondered why there are so many, and what the difference is?

Well, here’s a resource that can help answer those questions. With this you can make a confident choice that won’t upset your dentist.

Some of the homebrews floating around Pinterest and TikTok are ineffective (at best) or cause permanent damage (at worst).

So, here are a few key factors you should look for in an at-home teeth whitening treatment:

  • Effective ingredients (and any potential risks associated with them)
  • Treatments that will be convenient for your lifestyle
  • Controlled-release gels with good pH balance
  • Instructions and tips to manage sensitive teeth

Which Formula is Safest?

Quality teeth whitening treatments starts with the formula.

First, you’ll want to look for teeth whitening toothpaste that has a safe level of abrasiveness (to get rid of surface stains). Once you’ve taken care of surface stains, you’ll know if the whitening needs to go any deeper into your teeth.

Beware of highly abrasive teeth whitening treatments like charcoal. It can get stuck between your teeth (to the point where a hygienist will have to get it out for you), and worst of all it can damage your tooth enamel.

For chemical teeth whitening that goes beneath the tooth surface, look for the following:

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High Water Content

Why? Because moist teeth mean less dehydration (for longer lasting results).

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pH Balance

Why? Too much acid corrodes your beautiful enamel, plus stable pH helps the gel to have a controlled release (for even longer lasting results).

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Between 3–15% Hydrogen Peroxide and/or 10–45% Carbamide Peroxide

Why? It’s the part that whitens and nothing does it better.

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Potassium Nitrate, Fluoride, and Xylitol

Why? How does a comfortable teeth whitening experience (safely sweetened for improved taste) sound?

Going rogue with the amount of time that you use any teeth whitening product (or which concentration of teeth whitening gel you use) can lead to botched shade results, injury to your gums, and a mouth full of pain.

Dr. Susan McMahon, DDS, is a leading cosmetic dentist. She advises which teeth whitening products and treatment can cause tooth sensitivity, irritated gums, increased potential for demineralization, roughening or softening tooth surfaces, and unwanted affects to the color of previous restorations.

For elements you want to avoid, make sure to also pay attention to:

  • Products that don’t include water (aka anhydrous products). When your teeth are dehydrated it might cause shade relapse, so you wouldn’t get a reliable result.
  • Ignore claims that teeth whitening lights will whiten your teeth more effectively. Many clinical trials repeatedly show that teeth whitening lights do not increase the effectiveness of whitening treatments. Some studies suggest that bleaching lights may even be harmful to tissues in your mouth.
  • Keep in mind that studies about safety and effectiveness are not required by a lot of producers of these products. So, if you see a brand that can provide proof to back their claims, they’re all the more reliable. Choose a responsible brand.
  • Non-peroxide products will rarely have any evidence that they’re more effective than peroxide products. If you want a safe and effective treatment that gives you the most for your money, peroxide is the way to go.

Teeth Whitening For Sensitive Teeth

One of the most common concerns around chemical teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. You can manage and minimize the possibility of getting sensitive teeth, and reduce the effects if it does happen.

Step 1:

Talk to your dentist. If there are any areas on your teeth that should be checked before starting your teeth whitening treatment, he or she can treat areas (such as cavities) that might make your teeth more sensitive.

Step 2:

Several weeks prior to starting your teeth whitening treatment, brush every day with a sensitivity relief toothpaste. Look for the ingredient potassium nitrate.

Step 3:

Get a fluoride treatment from your dentist at least one day before starting your teeth whitening treatment. This is because a fluoride varnish thinly coats your teeth, which reduces tooth sensitivity. Don’t worry, you’ll brush it off before it affects the whitening treatment.

Step 4:

Start with a low concentration teeth whitening gel and work your way up. If your teeth begin to ache (or if your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures), then pick a lower concentration or wear the same concentration for less time. Look for products that will let you be flexible until you find a good balance.

Remember: Leaving chemicals on your teeth longer than the recommended time frame is a direct route to sensitive teeth.

Step 5:

If your tooth sensitivity is particularly bad, supplement your teeth whitening treatment with a desensitizing gel, along with the sensitivity relief toothpaste. Using these during a teeth whitening treatment can make a big difference. Your dentist can help recommend a safe product if you’re not sure.

Teeth Whitening Process

Choose A Routine You Know You Can Finish

Length of treatment usually depends on level of color change.

If you want quick teeth whitening with a drastic change:

Higher concentrations of chemical teeth whitening can speed up the process. If you want results as quickly as possible, a professional dental office has options that can supplement your at-home teeth whitening kit.

If you’re not sure how it’s affecting your tooth shades:

Keep your color guide nearby. Changes in color can happen so gradually the eye doesn’t detect them at first. Each tooth is unique, and so may whiten differently. Comparing your teeth to the color guide will let you be subtle with your teeth whitening. It will also encourage you to finish your regimen.

Some of the different teeth whitening options:

Do you want something disposable, while you drive to work? Or would you rather whiten your teeth at home and watch TV? There are also teeth whitening tray you can wear overnight. Teeth whitening gels will take days, possibly even weeks. Teeth whitening strips will also take weeks.

For surface stains that are covering healthy teeth below, a teeth whitening toothpaste or mouthwash may be all you need. Or, try a low concentration gel.

Are you currently using orthodontic aligners? There are teeth whitening gels made specifically to use with orthodontic aligners.

Now that you’re armed with the basics, you can feel confident in your choice! Happy smiles!

If you’d like to know more about some of these teeth whitening options (or want a recommendation for a safe teeth whitening brand) here’s a great place to start: Teeth Whitening FAQs.