Applying compresses directly to your gums is a great way to relieve pain. You can choose to go with either a hot or cold compress, or you can switch from one to the other until your pain subsides. Potency level: The maximum percentage of active teeth lightening ingredients is 10% for over-the-counter products, Dr. Huang says. "Higher concentrations will result in faster and better results, yet may cause tooth sensitivity," Dr. Gonchar explains. "Lower-concentration products will take longer to achieve the desired results, but may be more appropriate for those with sensitive teeth or other dental needs."

Teeth whitening pens containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide are proven to be safe and effective. While bleaching can cause tooth sensitivity, it is unlikely to happen with a whitening pen if you follow the recommended use. 4 How Effective are Teeth Whitening Pens? Some teeth whitening pens can be cheap, but they only contain a small amount of product. However, other pens can be more expensive but contain more serum. This means you’ll get more value for your money when using them. Brand Reputation If you want guaranteed results and are happy to use a peroxide based gel then our top recommendation is Philips Zoom.Peroxide—either hydrogen or carbamide—is the active ingredient in most whitening products, but it can lead to tooth sensitivity. “Whitening can also induce tooth sensitivity, as peroxide can pass through the enamel to the dentin layer of the tooth and irritate the pulp (nerve) of the tooth,” explains Lucy Hovanisyan, DDS, of ProHealth Dental in New Jersey. Lumineux, a fan-favorite whitening company, makes all its products without peroxide. Instead, they use a combination of essential oils to provide results—without any chemical taste you get from most whitening products.

Essentially, you position the upper and lower trays on your teeth, bite down for a few seconds, and then remove the colored outer tray, leaving behind a more snug-fitting inner tray containing the whitening gel. This allows you to get a snug and comfortable fit every time. However, this option isn’t entirely painless. In testing, we found that the upper tray caused some serious gum discomfort (even after we brushed our teeth to remove the gel). We'd describe it as being similar to the feeling of applying an acid facial peel or retinoid for the first time—painful but bearable. AlShehri et al. " Effect of Over-The-Counter Tooth-Whitening Products on Enamel Surface Roughness and Microhardness . " Applied Sciences, 2022. Some people find teeth whitening gels can be a bit messy, which is something you should also consider However, if you see PAP (or phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid) on the ingredient label, steer clear. The dentists we spoke to said this ingredient is not recommended for whitening at all due to reports of lingering sensitivity. Hydrogen peroxide, when used correctly as a whitening agent, shouldn't cause lingering sensitivity. If you got your teeth whitened by a dentist, you can buy refills from them. However, our top pics for best peroxide free whitening gels in the UK are Smile Avenue, and Hismile. Their gels use PAP as the active whitening ingredient and other ingredients to strengthen your teeth as you whiten.

AuraGlow Portable Teeth Whitening Gel Pen

Teeth whitening gels contain active ingredients, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which penetrate the tooth enamel to break down stains and discoloration. How long does it take to see results with teeth whitening gels? When looking at whitening pen-LED combos, we also considered another option. The Go Smile Glo On the Go—a fan-favorite on TikTok—uses a similar process with less effective results.

Teeth whitening gels used by dentists tend to have a much higher percentage of peroxide in them, but no more than 6% according to UK regulation. Over-the-counter whitening gels must also abide by UK regulations and can only have 0.1% or less hydrogen peroxide content.Still, if you know your teeth are particularly sensitive, you can aim for a whitening product with 3 to 10 percent carbamide peroxide, says Dr. Izhaky. Read instructions carefully. Proper application of teeth whitening products — whether you’re using a tray, strips, or a whitening pen — will significantly decrease your risk of burned gums from teeth whitening. Oftentimes, a rush to apply the product to your teeth or leaving teeth whitening products on for too long is what leads to that burning sensation or sensitivity.

What you eat and drink and whether you smoke also contribute to the longevity of teeth whitening effects. "If you’re meticulous at avoiding anything that will stain teeth and upkeep with whitening touch-up products, results will last longer," she explains. "Some of the most teeth-staining foods and drinks are tea (which actually stains more than coffee!), tobacco and red wine, then dark foods and juices like turmeric, beets, curry and blueberries." Head off for a good night's sleep while the serum whitens your teeth overnight. The next morning, brush your teeth as usual to easily remove the invisible film.Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known and effective whitening agent, but if used incorrectly it can damage your enamel and surrounding gum tissue. When choosing a teeth whitening pen, look at how many uses it provides. You want a pen that can give you enough treatment for the money you’re spending. Use a sensitive toothpaste. Another step you can take to minimise irritation and pain around your gums is to switch to a sensitivity toothpaste.