The 7 Best Whitening Products For Sensitive Teeth, According To Experts

Product type: Strips | Active ingredient: 5.25% hydrogen peroxide | Frequency of use: 30 minutes daily

Crest is a household name in oral care, and the Forbes Vetted team ranked the original version of these Crest 3D strips one of the best teeth whitening products. With roughly half the peroxide content of the original, Crest’s 3D White Strips Sensitive is a more gentle approach to brighter teeth. Like the other version, these strips are inexpensive and simple to use, with no trays or gels. The no-slip strips stay put for the full 30-minute treatment window and help to gently lift up to 15 years’ worth of stains, according to the brand.

What the reviews say: “I’ve used regular Crest Whitestrips in the past and I can normally only stand them for a couple of days because my teeth are sensitive,” says one Amazon customer. “That was never long enough so my teeth would never get white. I was able to continue using these strips until I got the desired whiteness.”

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Longer treatment time

Product type: Strips | Active ingredient: 7% hydrogen peroxide | Frequency of use: Daily for 15-30 minutes

These whitening strips are enamel-safe and made for sensitive teeth. The dry film clings to wet teeth and starts dissolving as soon as it’s applied, so there’s no need to remove anything. The strips are flavored with peppermint for a pleasing minty taste, and the foil packaging is recyclable too. According to the brand, you can expect results within the first couple of days, with full results within a few weeks.

What the reviews say: “I absolutely love these whitening masks. They’re so easy to use, and you forget you have them on because they dissolve and work their magic when you apply them. After only a week of use, I can already tell a difference—my teeth are super white with no coffee stains,” says one customer. “Whitening strips usually cause me to have weird sensations in my teeth, but not these. They’re what you’re looking for if you have sensitive teeth.”

Pros:

• Dissolves within 15 minutes
• Minty flavor

Cons:

• Dry film can be a little tricky to apply

Product type: Toothpaste | Active ingredients: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride | Frequency of use: Twice daily

For sensitive teeth, Sensodyne is a dentist favorite. This extra whitening toothpaste combines enamel protection, cavity prevention and strengthening benefits with gentle stain removal to brighten your smile. When it comes to whitening, toothpaste is going to have far less dramatic results than strips or trays because it’s only on your teeth for a short time. Think of toothpaste as a supplement to whitening treatments and not the main event. In this formula, potassium nitrate and fluoride can help ease sensitivity from other whitening treatments.

What the reviews say: “Great whitening and still get the sensitivity protection. Exactly what my teeth need,” says one Amazon customer. “This toothpaste is great for those with sensitive teeth and gums, but the major bonus is the whitening element,” says another. “I drink occasional coffee and red wine and my teeth are still pearly white.”

Pros:

• Gently whitens
• Protects enamel and strengthens teeth to minimize sensitivity 

Cons:

• Results aren’t dramatic

Product type: Gel | Active ingredient: 6% hydrogen peroxide | Frequency of use: Three times per day

This whitening gel comes in small, squeezable vials that have a brush tip for easy and precise application. The gel has a low peroxide concentration for gentle whitening, and doesn’t require rinsing. Each Glo vial has three to four applications apiece, and an airtight seal keeps the gel contained. By itself, the Glo gel can brighten teeth up to three to five shades in 14 days, according to the brand. It can also be used with the Glo mouthpiece for faster results.

What the reviews say: “It’s the only whitening system I can use that doesn’t hurt my teeth. I can’t use white strips for more than 45 seconds before regretting it. Love the convenience of these and seriously no sensitivity,” says one Amazon customer. Another writes, “I wasn’t sure if this was going to work but I’m just in my fourth day and I’ve already seen amazing results. I also have very sensitive teeth and I was concerned that it would irritate me, but I’ve had no issues.”

Pros:

• Mess-free
• No-rinse application

Cons:

• Can be difficult to get all the product out

Product type: Strips | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil, citrus lemon peel oil, Dead Sea salt | Frequency of use: 30 minutes daily for one week

These peroxide-free strips are made with plant-based ingredients designed to not only brighten your smile, but keep your teeth feeling fresh and clean. In lieu of peroxide, which is associated with sensitivity in higher percentages, this enamel-safe set uses coconut oil and lemon peel oil to gently remove stains.

What the reviews say: “Literally in shock at how amazing this product works. And with no sensitivity to my teeth after use,” says one Amazon customer.

Pros:

• Peroxide free
• Microbiome safe

Cons:

• Strips can be messy

Product type: LED mouthpiece | Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide | Frequency of use: Daily for 9 minutes

The Diamond Whitening Kit from Snow uses LED technology for professional results at home. The whitening gel is made with carbamide peroxide, “a compound derived from hydrogen peroxide and urea, making it roughly a third as potent as hydrogen peroxide,” says Khan. “Carbamide peroxide gradually releases hydrogen peroxide at a slower rate,” she says, making it a better option for people with oral sensitivity.

The gel is applied directly to your teeth and covered by the USB-powered LED mouthpiece for a nine-minute treatment. The kit includes a shade guide so you can track your whitening progress throughout the 3-week treatment process.

What the reviews say: “I’ve had issues with my gums and sensitive teeth and this has completely changed the game for me. My sensitive teeth have been minimal now that I started using this and my gums have never felt better. I’ve seen a huge change in whiteness after just a few weeks, too,” says one customer.

Pros: 

• Active ingredient is less potent for less sensitivity
• Fast treatment time (nine minutes)

Cons:

• Some found the mouthpiece oversized

Product type: Gel | Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide | Frequency of use: Twice daily

This whitening pen has an instant brightening effect thanks to light-reflecting pigments. Carbamide peroxide and an antioxidant blend of lavender oil and extracts of strawberry fruit and honeysuckle gently whiten with regular daily use in two weeks. The pen is designed for convenience, too, so you can take it with you on the go. To apply, shake, twist and brush the gel onto the teeth.

What the reviews say: “I don’t usually like whitening products because they can be tacky, taste funny and hard to apply, but this pen is so easy to use. The flavor is subtle, not overpowering. I’ve only used it a few days and my teeth already look brighter. I have sensitive teeth and haven’t had any issues. Finally, a whitening product that checks all the boxes,” says one Amazon customer.

Pros:

• Instantly brightens with light-reflecting pigments
• Easy application
• Portable

Cons:

• Can’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after application