Let’s Talk Teeth Whitening: What Actually Works (and What to Avoid)
By Dr. Laura Schmidt
One of the most common questions I get, often after a patient lowers their voice or glances around the room is: “What’s the safest way to whiten my teeth?”
If you’ve ever felt a little embarrassed to ask about whitening, please don’t. You’re not alone. So many people want a brighter smile, but they’re unsure where to start or afraid they’ll sound vain for bringing it up. Let me be clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to feel good about your smile.
And the good news? There are safe, effective options that really do work (and a few others I’d strongly recommend avoiding). Let’s walk through them together.
Whitening Toothpastes: Not all They’re Cracked Up to Be
Whitening toothpastes are marketed as a quick fix but they often rely on abrasive ingredients to scrub away surface stains. Over time these can wear down enamel, leading to sensitivity and even loss of tooth structure. The truth is, most whitening toothpastes don’t make a noticeable difference in shade, and the potential damage just isn’t worth it.
Pharmacy White Strips: Surprisingly Effective
Over the counter white strips (like Crest whitestrips or their generic versions) can be a great starter option. They contain low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide which safely lift stains from the enamel. They are generally safe when used as directed.
Professional Take Home Whitening Kits
This is one of my personal favorite recommendations. We provide custom trays made just for your teeth, paired with professional grade gel that is safe, gentle, and more effective than what you’ll find on store shelves.
You wear the trays for a short period each day over 2-4 weeks-no enamel damage, no harsh scrubbing, just clean, controlled whitening that gives you real results. I always recommend to use a sensitivity toothpaste such as Sensodyne daily in order to reduce tooth sensitivity that can occur during the whitening process (temporary and reversible!).
In-Office Zoom Whitening
This type of whitening is often marketed as the “instant fix” for whiter teeth, using a gel and blue light to brighten your smile in a single session. But here’s what many patients don’t realize:
The blue light doesn’t actually make your teeth whiter. Research has shown it doesn’t improve the whitening effect-it’s more of a marketing tool than a scientifically necessary step.
It can also cause significant sensitivity. Many patients can’t complete the full 1.5-2 hour treatment because they can develop intense zingers and discomfort during the session.
What about Purple Toothpastes and Charcoal?
Purple toothpastes (like those seen on TikTok) work by temporarily cancelling out yellow tones using color theory-not by actually whitening. The effect is subtle, temporary and doesn’t treat deeper stains.
Charcoal toothpastes? They may look trendy, but they’re abrasive and often expensive. Long-term use can damage enamel, increase sensitivity, and ironically make your teeth more prone to staining.
Baking Soda… despite the DIY buzz, it’s one trend I strongly recommend skipping due to his harsh and abrasive nature. There are definitely better options!
The Bottom Line
If whitening your teeth makes you feel more confident, I’m all for it! Feeling good about your smile is so important! The best results come from a gentle, short course of whitening, rather than aggressive toothpastes or harsh scrubbing.
Happy Whitening!