There are various types of teeth whitening strips on the market, from dissolvable options to those that leave your mouth minty or fruity fresh. Some options, like the Moon Teeth Whitening Kit, have accessories to supercharge the whitening process, but if you want to keep it simple, there are plenty of teeth whitening strips to combat stains simply and effectively. Alqahtani, M. Q. (2014). Tooth-bleaching procedures and their controversial effects: A literature review. Instead, it’s a better idea to grab your toothbrush before using whitening strips. “Brushing your teeth before you place the strips is recommended so that plaque will not interfere with a close fit for the strips,” says Dr. Klein. The typical ingredients in teeth whitening—including the ones used in a dental office—are either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both cut through stains; however, they can also cause teeth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, opt for a natural product or one with low levels of peroxide, like the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips. For those less concerned with sensitivity, hydrogen peroxide whitening strips are a tried-and-true option for your pearly whites. Ease of Use Some people prefer to use natural products to remove stains, but most reports of effectiveness are anecdotal at best. However, evidence does suggest that baking soda can help whiten teeth. A 2017 review concludes that brushing with baking soda-based toothpaste or powder is an effective and safe way to remove stains and whiten teeth.

Brush and floss as normal after bleaching. A whitening toothpaste will help keep surface stains at bay once you’ve achieved your desired level of whiteness. Look for products containing gentle natural abrasives such as bicarbonate of soda or charcoal, which can’t penetrate the enamel of the tooth in the way that bleach in your whitening product does, but can be very useful after bleaching to help maintain whiteness. It is best not to brush your teeth immediately after removing the strips,” says Dr. Klein. “Wait a few hours to do so. Rinsing with water right after is recommended.” It is not advised to use the strips if you have any of the above as the formula will not be as effective.verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ If your current brushing and flossing routine isn’t enough to remove stains and discoloration, it might be time to consider teeth whitening strips that return your smile to its former luster. But when all teeth whitening strips promise a brighter smile and pearlier whites, how do you choose? Dr. Klein also says you risk harming the protective enamel on your teeth if you overdo it with whitening strips. “Most are safe and effective, but not all products follow the same safety protocols,” she says. “Be informed, read about the products that you are looking into, and note some of the side effects. Not all people can tolerate the same chemicals, and allergies can be product specific.” There are two categories of dental whitening products: those available through a dentist and those for sale OTC.

Apply the strips to the upper and lower teeth, then insert the LED whitening device and press the power button. The device automatically shuts off after five minutes. Your strips will dissolve 10 minutes later and no rinsing is required, so you can go about the rest of your day. The kit comes with peppermint-flavored dissolving strips, an LED whitening device, a small USB charger, and a sleek travel case. The manufacturer recommends using it daily for two weeks to brighten your smile. We get it—sometimes 30 minutes is too much to ask for, even if it does mean a dazzling white smile. That’s why the Moon Teeth Whitening Kit is our recommendation for the best teeth whitening kit. Not only does it have everything you need in one box, including an LED whitening device, but you only need five minutes to use it.Vilhena, K. F. B., et al. (2019). Dental enamel bleached for a prolonged and excessive time: Morphological changes. READ NEXT: The best toothpaste to buy Will I get the same results at home as I would at the dentist? To help determine the best teeth whitening strips, we consulted Diane Klein, DDS, co-owner of Dynamic Dental P.L.L.C. in Staten Island, NY, for advice on what to look for when choosing from the many teeth whitening strips and kits on the market. She recommends looking for products with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. She also advises carefully following the instructions on how to apply the strips and how long to leave them on to reduce sensitivity and avoid irritation. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.