If you’re no stranger to the telltale zing of dental sensitivity, the simple truth is that your options for a brighter, whiter smile are a little more limited. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you’re entirely out of luck when looking for the best teeth whitening products for sensitive teeth—we’ve rounded up seven top options that are safe and effective. Our favorite, Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive, is specifically designed to brighten teeth with a lower peroxide percentage. These once-a-day strips can safely remove years of stains without the painful zing.
The best teeth whitening products for sensitive teeth are made with enamel safe ingredients that ... [+] won’t aggravate teeth or gums. Teeth Whitening Gel And Light
“If you suffer from dental sensitivity, it’s critical to know the root cause prior to starting any whitening procedure,” says dentist Dr. Fatima Khan. “Sensitivity can occur when the enamel, the strongest outer layer of your tooth, is worn away and the dentin beneath is exposed, or when your gums start to recede.” Over-the-counter products—while generally safe to use—can really aggravate sensitive teeth, so you want to know which ingredients to avoid. Our recommendations include toothpastes, gels, devices and enhancers for a complete oral care routine. Below, find the best whitening products for sensitive teeth, plus helpful tips from a dentist.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Product type: Strips, toothpaste, mouthwash | Active ingredients: Vegetable glycerol, deionized water, coconut oil, sage oil, citrus lemon oil | Frequency of use: Daily for 30 minutes
This peroxide-free kit includes strips, a toothpaste and mouthwash, plus a soft bristled bamboo toothbrush (which is recommended for sensitive teeth). All three whitening products are made with plant-based ingredients designed to not only brighten your smile, but keep your teeth 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.
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.
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.
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of beauty and grooming stories, relying on our personal expertise as well as thorough insight from qualified professionals. The author of this piece Jessica Timmons is a regular contributor with experience covering a breadth of beauty and lifestyle topics. Senior beauty editor Jane Sung oversaw this article along with other oral care stories like the best teeth whitening kits, and has over a decade’s worth of industry experience and practically a lifetime of product testing.
In addition, Timmons gathered key insight and guidance from four dentists: Dr. Fatima Khan, a dentist at Altus Dental in Texas; Dr. David Hornbrook, a cosmetic dentist, speaker and lecturer; Dr. Irina Kessler, a cosmetic dentist at New York Family Dental Arts; and Dr. Daniel Rubinshtein, a cosmetic dentist in Brooklyn.
When compiling this list of the best whitening products for sensitive teeth, we considered the top options on the market at different price points and retailers. From there, we combed through customer reviews and examined the most efficient products. We researched each one to learn about the ingredients and delivery type (i.e. strips, toothpaste), and prioritized products with high customer ratings and testimonials. To ensure we provided the most accurate information, our team also considered the expert advice of several dentists when researching our recommendations.
When you’re shopping for a whitener for sensitive teeth, pay attention to specifics like the whitening agent and the concentration, as well as how it’s applied. Here’s what the dentists we consulted recommend.
“When it comes to teeth whitening, there are two standout ingredients: carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide,” says Khan. “These ingredients go beyond surface-level cleaning; they trigger a chemical reaction capable of changing the tooth's intrinsic color.” If you have sensitive teeth, it’s important to choose products with lower concentrations of these ingredients because they can increase sensitivity, says Kessler.
Hornbrook agrees. “The lower the percentage, the slower the results,” he says, “but the solution, when used in a tray or strips, do not typically bother those with sensitive teeth.” Kessler also recommends looking for products that contain desensitizing agents, such as potassium nitrate or fluoride. “Products containing charcoal should be avoided,” she says, “as it can wear down your enamel and make your teeth appear more yellow.”
Rubinshtein recommends avoiding peroxide-based whitening products entirely in favor of those made with microbiome-safe, plant-based ingredients like coconut oil. (Two of the picks on our list, the Lumineux Whitening Kit and Moon Teeth Whitening Pen, are made without peroxide.)
There are a lot of ways to whiten teeth. In addition to gels and strips applied directly to the teeth, there are molded trays, LED mouthpieces and even mouthwashes and toothpastes. If you’re using a product designed for sensitive teeth that has plant-based ingredients or a low concentration of peroxide, your personal preference for application is probably fine. But pay attention to the recommended treatment length—for sensitive teeth, Rubinshtein says that less time is better.
I am the editor of three Forbes investment newsletters: Forbes Dividend Investor, Forbes Billionaire Investor and covered call writing advisory service, Forbes Premium Income Report. Prior to joining Forbes in 2001, I was a producer and reporter at CNN Financial News, focusing on stories about entrepreneurship. I've also worked as a field producer for Bloomberg TV in New York, and as a reporter/researcher at Inc. Magazine in Boston. Born in Tampa and raised across the bay, I graduated n 1990 from the University of Florida with a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in finance.
I am the editor of three Forbes investment newsletters: Forbes Dividend Investor, Forbes Billionaire Investor and covered call writing advisory service, Forbes Premium Income Report. Prior to joining Forbes in 2001, I was a producer and reporter at CNN Financial News, focusing on stories about entrepreneurship. I've also worked as a field producer for Bloomberg TV in New York, and as a reporter/researcher at Inc. Magazine in Boston. Born in Tampa and raised across the bay, I graduated n 1990 from the University of Florida with a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in finance.
I am a New York City based consumer products writer, with specific expertise in apparel and textiles. I regularly test and write about anything apparel or textile based such as leggings, backpacks, sheets, towels, pillows and more.
I previously worked in product development and manufacturing for a home textiles company, leading their quality assurance efforts and holding positions in technical design and product development. I’ve also worked at Nike where I held leading roles in apparel product integrity and material development.
I have reviewed products for several years, and along with Forbes, I frequently contribute to Good Housekeeping Magazine, CNN Underscored, Wall Street Journal’s Buyside, USA Today’s Reviewed.com and other media outlets. I also have a passion for coffee and have completed SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) coffee course in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting, so I’ve been known to test many coffee-related products as well.
I grew up in Michigan where I earned my degree in apparel and textile design as well as mechanical engineering before coming to New York City where I have lived for over a decade.
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I’m a senior fashion editor covering women's and men's fashion, accessories and athletic apparel. My writing has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal. Prior to joining Forbes, I wrote two books, including The New Beauty: A Modern Look at Beauty, Culture, and Fashion. I've studied fashion styling and hold certificates in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America and design history from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. A native New Englander, I grew up in Rhode Island and was—and remain—a sneaker obsessive with far too many pairs of white sneakers.
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I’m a contributing writer covering women’s and men’s fashion and accessories at Forbes Vetted. I’ve worked in media for 20 years, art directing and designing fashion, beauty, health and tech content for a variety of magazines, websites and brands. Prior to this, I studied magazine journalism at the University of Missouri. When I’m not researching fashion, you’ll find me doing freelance projects, exploring textile and interior design, and rollerskating.
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