Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening kits and DIY teeth whitening solutions have become popular in the last 15 years, encouraged by YouTube and other social media influencers. But do they actually work?

Do Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Kits Really Work?

Some of these cheap teeth whitening products do “work” to an extent, but once you understand how and why, you might be less likely to pursue them as a real, lasting solution to tooth staining and declining teeth brightness. This dentist reveals the shocking truth about store-bought teeth whitening products and all the gimmicks being shared on TikTok.

It is important to note that teeth whitening home kits and devices can cause sensitivity in some people. If you experience sensitivity, it is important to stop using the product and talk to your dentist.

Beware of Abrasive Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

A common misconception is that by buying a teeth-whitening toothpaste, you’ll be whitening your teeth effectively. However, this unfortunately is not true. And in a quest for greater teeth whiteness and brightness, people often turn to some products they’ve probably heard about or seen a couple of brief mentions for on social media.

Popular Teeth Whitening Product Brands

There are lots of popular options out there to choose from:

* Crest 3D Whitestrips: Crest 3D Whitestrips are one of the most popular teeth whitening home kits available. They use a hydrogen peroxide gel that is applied to trays that fit over your teeth. The gel is left on for 30 minutes a day for two weeks.

* Philips Zoom: Philips Zoom is a teeth whitening device that uses a high-intensity light to activate a hydrogen peroxide gel. The treatment takes about 15 minutes and is typically done in a dentist’s office.

* Opalescence Go: Opalescence Go is a teeth whitening gel that is applied to custom-fitted trays. The gel is left on for 30 minutes a day for one week.

* SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit: SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit is a teeth whitening kit that uses a hydrogen peroxide gel and a light-activated accelerator. The treatment takes about 20 minutes a day for two weeks.

* Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen: Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen is a portable teeth whitening pen that uses a hydrogen peroxide gel. The pen is applied to the teeth for 10 minutes a day.

The marketing for these products is pretty convincing, though the ADA recommend consulting with your dentist first.

The Science Behind Teeth Whitening Product Marketing

It is also important to note that teeth whitening home kits and devices will not work for everyone. If you have severe staining, you may need to have professional teeth whitening done in a dentist’s office.

 If you are considering using a teeth whitening home kit or device, it is important to talk to your dentist about professional teeth cleaning and whitening first. They can help you to determine if teeth whitening is right for you and can recommend a product that is safe and effective for you.

It’s important to remember that if an online influencer is telling you that you should buy an LED teeth whitening kit using their link, they’re being compensated for every sale and they may not have your best dental interests in mind, even if it seems fun or that it has some type of positive, albeit temporary, effect on your smile’s appearance.