How to use: Step 1: Peel the strip from its backing liner. Step 2: Apply the strip to your upper and lower teeth, aligning it with your gum line. Step 3: Wear for 30 minutes, then remove and discard. No need to rinse. You may see results after just a few treatments; full results are typically visible after 14 days of daily use.
Best Whitening Toothpaste: Sensodyne Pronamel Active Shield Whitening Toothpaste
This is one of those teeth whitening treatments that both Dr. Sands and Dr. Rajpal recommend to their patients with sensitive teeth. “This pick contains fluoride and potassium nitrate, which helps calm nerve sensitivity while removing surface stains gradually,” explains Dr. Rajpal. “Anyone with sensitive teeth should use potassium nitrate in combination with any form of teeth whitening.”
Dr. Sands says that this toothpaste is arguably his favorite teeth whitening toothpaste for sensitivity. “Not only is it formulated with gentle whitening agents that help brighten the appearance of your teeth, but it also works to strengthen your enamel and prevent tooth erosion by building up your teeth’s resistance to acids,” he explains.
How to use: Step 1: Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Step 2: Brush thoroughly for two minutes, twice daily, morning and night. Step 3: Spit out after brushing; do not swallow. For best results, use consistently as part of your daily oral care routine. Gentle enough for everyday use on sensitive teeth.
Best Natural Whitening Strips: Lumineux Whitening Strips
If you’re looking for a more natural whitening product for your sensitive teeth, Dr. Sands recommends this pick. “Formulated with coconut oil and dead sea salt, these whitening strips are perfect for those with sensitive teeth,” he says. “These strips are peroxide-free, making them a very gentle alternative.”
How to use: Step 1: Remove the upper and lower strips from the backing. Step 2: Apply to top and bottom teeth, aligning with the gumline. Step 3: Leave on for 30 minutes. Step 4: Remove strips and rinse or brush away any residue. Use once daily for 7 days; maintain results with 1–2 uses per week.
Best Whitening Mouthwash for Sensitive Gums: TheraBreath Whitening Mouthwash
Dealing with delicate gums? Dr. Sands likes this pick for sensitive gums because it’s an alcohol-free, peroxide-free mouthwash that is a fantastic whitening solution for those who also have sensitive teeth, too. Unfortunately, both alcohol and peroxide can irritate gums and cause gum sensitivity—this formulation uses a combination of natural enzymes and gentle oxidizers to lift surface stains on the teeth and prevent new ones from forming. “Though results take a bit longer compared to when using other whitening products, I still strongly recommend this product since it does a great job at gently whitening teeth,” he says.
How to use: Step 1: Pour 1–2 capfuls into a cup (about 15 mL). Step 2: Rinse mouth thoroughly for 1 minute. Step 3: Spit out; do not swallow. Step 4: For best results, use twice daily after brushing.
Best High-Tech Whitening Kit: Snow Wireless Teeth Whitening Kit
Dr. Sands recommends this LED whitening kit for two reasons. First, it’s formulated with a lower concentration of peroxide, making it less aggressive on sensitive teeth. Secondly, the formulation is boosted by the brand’s signature LED accelerator, which helps activate and accelerate the whitening process without relying on high-intensity ingredients.The LED light doesn’t necessarily magnify the formula per se, but it does support a more efficient reaction—delivering visible brightening through a gentler, sensitivity-considerate process. “Although it is a bit on the pricier side, this product is a quick way to obtain a brighter smile at home without compromising comfort and causing any sensitivity.”
“I’ve never used an LED mouthpiece whitener before, and I’m now totally obsessed. I was really impressed with how easy this kit was to use. All you have to do is charge the mouthpiece, brush your teeth, apply the whitening pen gel to your teeth, and then put the LED mouthpiece in your mouth for 9-30 minutes. I tried to use it almost everyday while testing, and I definitely noticed a difference in the whiteness of my teeth after the testing process was done (about three weeks).
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