Not dental advice. This is general information and doesn't replace an exam. For pain, swelling, bleeding gums, a loose tooth or any change in your mouth, see a dentist.
A brighter smile is the most common cosmetic dental request. Whitening works, but only on some kinds of discoloration, and it can cause sensitivity. Here’s how to do it sensibly.
What whitening can and can’t do
- It can lighten natural tooth color and remove many stains from coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco.
- It can’t whiten crowns, veneers, fillings or dentures. If you have front-tooth dental work, the natural teeth may end up lighter than the work.
- Gray or brownish teeth from medication or injury often respond poorly to over-the-counter whitening. A dentist can advise.
Your options
| Method | Strength | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitening toothpaste | Mild | Everyday | Mostly removes surface stains |
| Whitening strips | Moderate | Days to weeks | Affordable; sensitivity is common |
| Custom trays | Moderate to strong | Days to weeks | Better fit, less gum contact |
| In-office whitening | Strongest | One or few visits | Most expensive; dentist supervises |
Before you start
- See a dentist first if you have cavities, gum disease, worn enamel or lots of dental work. Whitening over untreated problems can hurt.
- Start gently. Begin with a lower-strength product or shorter wear time to see how your teeth react.
- Follow the directions exactly. More gel or more time doesn’t give better results, only more sensitivity.
- Look for the ADA Seal on over-the-counter whitening products when you can.
Managing sensitivity
Temporary sensitivity is common. Space out sessions, use a desensitizing toothpaste (see our sensitivity guide), and avoid very hot or cold drinks for a day or two. If you get sharp pain or gum irritation, stop and ask a dentist.
Keeping them white
- Rinse or brush after coffee, tea and red wine, or use a straw.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. See how to choose a toothpaste.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco, which stains teeth and harms your gums.
- Touch up once or twice a year if you like. Results fade with time.
Skip the gimmicks
Charcoal powders, lemon juice, baking soda scrubs and DIY hydrogen peroxide mixtures can be abrasive or acidic and may damage enamel. Stick with products designed and tested for the job.
Our picks
Picks marked Research pick are chosen from spec comparisons and large-sample owner reviews. We switch a pick to Tested by us only after we've used it. Prices change, so check the current one.
1.Crest 3D Whitestrips
Peroxide-based strips you wear for a set time each day for a couple of weeks. A well-known, low-cost way to lighten surface and some deeper stains. Follow the directions and stop if your teeth or gums become very sensitive.
- Affordable
- Easy to use at home
- Can cause sensitivity
- Strips don't always fit evenly around crowded teeth
2.Smile Brilliant custom whitening trays
A direct-to-consumer kit where you take impressions of your teeth and receive custom-fit whitening trays with whitening gel. A custom fit can keep gel off the gums better than one-size strips. A dentist-made tray is an alternative, and talk to a dentist first if you have dental work.
- Custom fit means less gel on the gums
- Reusable trays
- Costs more than strips
- Impression-taking takes some care to get right