11 Best Teeth Whitening Gels For A Bright Smile – 2024
Attain dazzling white teeth with effective gels that are easy to apply and worth the cost!
Dr. Farayi Shakespeare MoyanaPhD, BDS, MPH, MPhil, MBA, BEd 
Dr. Farayi (Shakespeare) Moyana is a Zimbabwe-based dentist with 18 years of experience. He is the founder and director of the Zimbabwe Academy of Dental Nursing, a board member of Sunshine Kids Musha Vana, a not-for-profit organization in ... more
sakshi bahalMA (English Literature) Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her ... more
medha debIntegrated MA Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
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Beauty trends keep coming and going, but when it comes to your teeth, you won’t hear anyone saying, ‘Yellow is the new white.’ The best teeth whitening gel can come to your rescue when regular oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing fail to give you pearly white teeth. The gel can also help remove the stains that things like wine, coffee, or smoking might leave on your teeth. Dr. Farayi (Shakespeare) Moyana, a dentist with 18 years of experience says, “Regular brushing and flossing are never meant to give you pearly white teeth but to make your teeth clean rather than white. There is a difference between being clean and being white. Teeth whitening gels do not remove stains but can even go through or penetrate stains to work on your tooth dentine. This is where they ‘rearrange the protein molecules’ to give you an appearance of white teeth. Remember the color of our teeth comes from dentine which shows through tooth enamel.” In this article, we have listed the best and most effective teeth whitening gel you can try for deep cleaning and achieve radiant teeth in no time. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
How Do Whitening Gels Work?
Whitening gels usually contain a whitening ingredient, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This active ingredient penetrates the tooth’s enamel and reaches discolored molecules inside dentine that give your teeth their non-white color. The oxygen molecules in the whitening agent react with the discolored molecules and change their chemical structure. This way, whitening gels bleach your teeth effectively and remove surface stains and deep-seated discoloration while providing enamel restoration as well. Surface stains are not removed by bleaching but by a scale and polish procedure by your dentist or oral hygienist.
A dentist most commonly administers whitening treatments at their clinic. However, you may find these appointments expensive, time-consuming, or cumbersome. In such cases, teeth whitening gels are an easy and affordable solution. However, keep the following precautions in mind before using a tooth whitening gel at home.
How To Safely Use A Tooth Whitening Gel At Home
- Applying a whitening gel requires a teeth whitening tray –you put the required dose on the tray and fit it into your mouth. For best results, you can get a custom tray made for your mouth by consulting your dentist. They will also advise you on the best practices for using a tooth whitening gel at home.
- Remember to brush your teeth properly before applying the gel.
- Be careful not to put too much product on the tray as it may leak while wearing and burn your gums.
- Do not exceed the recommended duration for wearing the gel, as it may cause burns, irritation, or sensitivity.
- If there is any residue on your gums or teeth after application, remove it with a cloth or tissue. Be careful not to swallow the product and rinse your mouth thoroughly after the treatment.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything that stains for a while after the treatment.
Now that you know how to use a teeth whitening gel at home, here are the 11 best teeth whitening gels to make your smile beautiful.
Best For Stain Removal:Zero Glow Teeth Whitening Gel
The Zero Glow Teeth Whitening Gel is available in a set of 4 large syringes of 3 ml each. These syringes are compatible with teeth whitening trays from most brands, so you do not have to worry about purchasing a separate tray from the same brand. This thick gel stays in place on the tray and your teeth. This teeth whitening gel has a strong formula with 44% carbamide peroxide that shows visible results within 10 minutes. Click here to check out a detailed in-depth review of this product based on the tester’s experience.
- Stain-removing formula
- Compatible with any whitening tray
- Contains 44% carbamide peroxide
- Does not increase sensitivity
- Value for money
- No chemical aftertaste
- Can be used with or without blue light
None
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,137 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Best User-Friendly:SmileActives Power Whitening Gel
The SmileActives Power Whitening Gel does not require teeth whitening trays or strips. You can pair it with your toothpaste, and it will whiten your teeth as you brush them. The gel-based formula penetrates the pores of the enamel for effective stain removal without the hassle of extra time or effort. There is no messy leaking that gets on your gums. It uses a polyclean technology to create an ultra-fine foam that reaches all surfaces for a thorough whitening. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review.
- Does not require whitening trays or lights
- Easy to use
- No artificial colors
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Detergent-free
- Takes time to show visible results.
Best For Sensitive Teeth:Cali White Teeth Whitening Gel
The Cali Teeth Whitening Gel is made of 35% carbamide peroxide and is ideal for sensitive teeth. The white bleach is a combination of natural botanicals with a few clinical ingredients. It comes with three syringes. It requires a tray and has to be used with an LED or UV light. This whitener makes the teeth nearly eight shades whiter and effectively fills the crevices between teeth. It removes stains caused by smoking, coffee, tea, wine, or food. The formula is safe for the enamel and comes with a serum for low sensitivity.
- Gluten-free
- Peroxide-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- PEG/PPG-free
- Kosher-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- SLS-free
- Fluoride-free
- Triclosan-free
- UV-activated
- Ideal for sensitive teeth
- Watery consistency
Zero Glow Teeth Whitening Gel Best For Stain Removal | SmileActives Power Whitening Gel Best User-Friendly | Cali White Teeth Whitening Gel Best For Sensitive Teeth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,137 | 1,058 | 605 |
| Price | $11.95 | $79.95 | $9.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Best Viscosity:Bleach Pro Whitening Teeth Whitening Gel
The Bleach Pro Whitening Teeth Whitening Gel comes in a hard-to-resist value pack of 10 syringes. It contains a maximum strength formula of 44% carbamide peroxide gel. This concentrated formula ensures quick and effective teeth whitening results. The gel has a high viscosity, which helps to keep it in place on the teeth surfaces for consistent and visible results. It also removes tough stains from coffee, tobacco, red wine, or aging.
- Has 44% carbamide peroxide strength
- Easy to use
- Quick and effective stain removal
- High viscosity
- Mint-flavored
- Value for money
- High strength may burn sensitive teeth.
Best Clinically Proven Formula:Auraglow Teeth Whitening Gel
The Auraglow Teeth Whitening Gel is enriched with 35% carbamide peroxide that lifts wine, coffee, and soda stains from your teeth and visibly whitens them even after just one treatment. The enamel-safe formula does not trigger your teeth sensitivity. It comes in a set of three 5 ml syringes that contain 10 whitening treatments each. Each syringe is marked with dosage lines for accurate product application. Dispense the whitening gel into your dental trays or LED light and let it sit on your teeth for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it out. Reviewers have also mentioned getting visible results after single usage. This clinically-proven whitening gel is ideal for those who want to incorporate a safe deep-cleaning formula in their weekly oral care routine to combat yellow tooth stains.
- Dental-grade treatment
- Quick-acting formula
- Enamel-safe
- Non-sensitizing
- Easy to apply
- Cruelty-free
- May cause a temporary burning sensation in the gums.
Quick TipBest Travel-Friendly:MySmile Teeth Whitening Gel
The My Smile Teeth Whitening Gel Kit has a set of 3 teeth whitening gel refills. It is a safe and effective solution for removing stains from coffee, wine, food, or smoking. It whitens your teeth, making them up to 10 shades whiter with regular use and displays long-lasting results as well. In a clinical study, the product demonstrated expertise by whitening teeth in just 10 minutes of use. For best results, this gel is recommended to be used along with the MySmile Teeth Whitening LED Light Accelerator (to be purchased separately). This user experience video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product.
- Safe for sensitive teeth
- Suitable for stain removal
- Easy to use
- Shows results in 10 minutes
- Lasts up to 9 treatments
- Travel-friendly
- May irritate sensitive gums.
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 603 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Best Enamel-Safe Ingredients:Ultra White 22% Teeth Whitening Gel
The Ultra White 22% Teeth Whitening Gel is securely packaged in 5 large tubes of 3.8 ml each. The product is gentle and does not damage your gums. It is competent enough to remove coffee stains as old as 20 years old and is trusted by healthcare specialists. The Ultra-White formula provides professional teeth whitening and visible results within a few days of use.
- Gentle formula
- Tooth enamel-safe ingredients
- Value for money
- Professional-grade
- Easy to use
- Pleasant taste
- May cause sensitivity
Best For Braces:Go SMiLE Teeth Whitening Gel
The Go SMiLE Teeth Whitening Gel fits into your daily oral care routine conveniently. This teeth whitening gel pairs well with your toothpaste to whiten your teeth as you brush them. You can use it with manual or electric toothbrushes. It has a proven expertise in whitening 10 times better than leading whitening toothpastes. User experience also proves the product to be safe for daily whitening and maintenance routines. Your teeth can appear several shades whiter in a couple of days and up to 7 shades whiter in a month.
- Can be used manual/electric toothbrush
- Sensitivity-free
- Safe to use on braces, fillings,and veneers
- Provides effective stain removal
- Clinically proven
- TSA-friendly
- Not strong enough for immediate results.
Best For Veneers:ProDental Teeth Whitening Gel
The ProDental Teeth Whitening Gel uses a potent formula of 35% carbamide peroxide strength. It leaves you with a dazzlingly bright smile in 7-10 days of use. The package includes 8 syringes of 3 ml each, which will last for 48 treatments. The dental-grade formula is potent to bleach your teeth and remove stubborn stains of coffee, wine, or smoking. This gel has a neutral pH that is safe to use on veneers and caps.
- Contains 35% carbamide peroxide
- Lasts for 48 treatments
- High viscosity
- Easy to use
- pH neutral gel
- Non-sensitivity formula
- Unpleasant aftertaste
- Inconsistent results
Best Sensitivity-Relief Formula:Philips Zoom DayWhite Teeth Whitening Gel
The Philips Zoom DayWhite Teeth Whitening Gel has a maximum sensitivity-relief formula and is available in 3 gel syringes of 2.4 ml each. The 14% hydrogen peroxide achieves visible results with minimum wearing time. If you are looking for dramatic whitening and do not want to wear your tray for a long time, the Zoom Daywhite gel is what you need.
- Contains 14% hydrogen peroxide
- Reduced sensitivity
- Quick results
- Mint-flavored
- Expensive
- Contains alcohol
Best In Budget:Expert Whitening Maximum Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
This teeth whitening gel from Expert Whitening comes in a value pack of 6 extra-large syringes. It promises extreme whitening results with its maximum strength formula.It is made of 35% carbamideperoxide and glycerine, without fillers, and is one of the strongest teeth whitening gels available on the market. Each syringe delivers up to 3 whitening treatments, and the whole pack will last for 18 treatments.
- Contains 35% carbamide peroxide
- Does not contain fillers
- Metal tip for easy application
- 2-year shelf life
- Trays need to be purchased separately.
- High strength may burn sensitive teeth.
Unfortunately keeping your teeth shining bright white is not as easy as one would think. So many seemingly harmless foods stain the teeth, from tomato ketchup to even blueberries. Fortunately at-home teeth-whitening products can come to your rescue and deliver extremely satisfactory results. Read on to know what to look for in the best teeth whitening gels for a bright smile.
How To Select The Best Teeth Whitening Gels
- Application Method
Typically teeth whitening gels are applied on the teeth with the help of a tray that fits on to your teeth. The tray needs to be kept in the mouth for a few hours and it is advisable to get a customizable tray to fit your teeth comfortably. Though there are a few that can be paired with your toothbrush which makes them much more convenient. You are able to whiten your teeth as you brush them. Choose according to the time you have to devote to the process.
- Concentration
Carbamide peroxide is the main ingredient most often used in dental bleaching gels. It is a common bleaching agent and is a source of hydrogen peroxide. Look for products with these active agents and in concentrations from 3% to 20% peroxide ideally. Though in-office systems contain from 15% to 44% peroxide, so if you want quicker results choose a stronger concentration. Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. Remember the higher the percentage of peroxide, the shorter duration it should be left on the teeth.
- Ingredients To Look For
For extremely sensitive teeth choose gels that are made from a non-peroxide formula and contain gentle, natural ingredients, such as coconut oil and aloe vera. These have a natural whitening effect that helps pull the stains from discolored teeth. They may not be as effective as peroxide but work as a natural option.
- Time
Consider the time your whitening gel will take to show results. Some work in three to five days and some may take weeks. Depending on your schedule and time at hand, choose your product.
- Ingredients To Avoid
At-home teeth whitening gels can contain harsh or potentially irritating ingredients. Since these will be coming in contact with the skin inside of your mouth, it is extremely important to ensure your gel is free of alcohol and chlorine dioxide, which is a chemical oxidizer that can erode tooth enamel and damage teeth.
While teeth whitening treatments are generally safe, there may be a couple of side effects that you should be aware of
- Sensitivity– Your teeth might become more sensitive after a whitening treatment. This usually happens during the first or second treatment but reduces gradually with time. If needed, your dentist will recommend sodium fluoride gel or potassium nitrate to treat the sensitivity.
- Irritated Gums– Gingival irritation is another common side effect of teeth whitening. It happens when your gums come in contact with the gel. Although unpleasant, the irritation generally subsides after the treatment is over. But be careful with the amount of product you apply to avoid it contacting your gums.
How Long Do Whitening Effects Last?
Depending on the care and maintenance, and your oral hygiene habits, the effects of teeth whitening can last up to 3 years. But if you smoke, eat, and drink coffee, wine, or foods that may stain your teeth, the effect might not be the same. Otherwise, with regular brushing and flossing, your teeth can remain healthy and white for a long time.
The Bottom Line
Teeth may get discolored over time due to various reasons like fluorides in water, drinking coffee, or smoking. Following hygienic oral practices like brushing and flossing regularly can help maintain the whiteness of the teeth. The best teeth whitening gels contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide that penetrate into the teeth to remove the stains. For instant teeth whitening, go for the SmileActives Power Whitening Gel that requires no extra step. However, if you have sensitive teeth, the Cali White Teeth Whitening Gel would be an ideal option, while wine and coffee drinker can go for the Auraglow Teeth Whitening Gel to get rid of yellow tooth stains. These are safer alternatives to expensive teeth whitening treatments. These gels are easy to use, travel-friendly, and suitable for all types of stains. However, some teeth whitening gels may irritate your gums. Closely read through the product reviews before you grab the best whitening gels for an impeccable set of teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best percentage of peroxide for teeth whitening gel?
If you are getting treated at a dental office, 30-40% peroxide concentrations will clean the teeth quickly. At home, whitening gels come in 5-20% concentrations only.
How often can I use teeth whitening gel?
You can use a home teeth whitening gel for around 7-15 days until you get the desired results. Overusing the gel can cause gum problems.
Is teeth whitening gel safe during pregnancy?
Yes, a teeth whitening gel is usually safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Are teeth whitening gels suitable for everyone?
Teeth whitening gels are for people with healthy teeth only. If you have fillings, cavities, or swollen gums, consult your dentist for the best course of treatment.
Can teeth whitening gel cause headaches?
Yes, it can cause mild headaches. These gels can make the gum ache, which will undoubtedly lead to slight headaches.
