Check out the two product reviews written for the same client
Product review 1
Title – The Best Teeth Whitening Pens of 2022
Task – I was asked to write a long-form product review on whitening pens for a large review site. Here’s the end result.
How to use a whitening pen
Once you’ve chosen a whitening pen that’s right for you, the application process is straightforward. Most instructions recommend using a pen twice daily.
Before use, it’s best to brush and floss your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush so they’re clean and ready to go.
The application process will vary according to your choice of teeth-whitening pen. Some whitening pens are portable, so you can squeeze the tube and apply it on the go. Others come with a separate brush to paint the serum on individual teeth.
When you’re ready to apply the whitening pen, smile broadly, ensuring your lips are out of the way of the teeth you want to whiten. This helps keep the gel on the teeth and stops it from moving away from the bleached area.
Once you’ve applied the pen to the teeth, let the product sit for between 5 and 10 minutes. Keep your mouth open, and try to avoid swallowing the gel.
Finally, rinse your mouth with warm water until no product traces remain.
Reading your specific whitening pen instructions is essential, as the application frequency and time you leave the product to set can vary.
What are teeth-whitening pens?
Teeth whitening pens are a fast and easy way of enhancing and brightening a smile whenever it starts to look dull. They’re popular with people looking to reduce tooth enamel stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, or eating highly pigmented food. Once teeth become stained, it’s hard to whiten them with conventional oral care methods such as brushing and flossing.
Structurally, whitening pens are thin plastic tubes containing a whitening gel that removes stains from tooth enamel and improves its colour. While described as a pen, it’s more accurate to call it a teeth-whitening brush. Whitening pens are designed to be small and portable for whitening while on the go and can be easily slipped into your purse or pocket. Alternatively, whitening pens can be included as part of a twice-daily oral care routine at home.
Using a teeth whitening pen regularly can help maintain an attractive white smile. It’s a good solution for touching up the whiteness of teeth in between professional teeth whitening treatments if you have a special event or want to give your smile some added sparkle.
How do teeth-whitening pens work?
All teeth whitening pens contain a variety of ingredients. However, they all include some form of peroxide as the active whitening agent, whether carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
When it comes to brightening, there’s no significant difference between their effectiveness. However, how the agent is formulated into the whitening gel can affect tooth sensitivity and the speed at which the gel works. When selecting a whitening pen that’s right for you, look for one that’s effective yet gentle on teeth and gums.
So how do whitening pens work? The whitening agent is drawn across the teeth using the brush end, while a quick crank of the pen’s bottom end causes the serum to rise from beneath the bristles. Upon application, the bleaching gel forms a film that breaks down staining, making the teeth appear whiter and cleaner.
Tooth stains are compounds with dark or colored shades called chromogens that accumulate on the outside of the tooth (extrinsic) and inside (intrinsic). Bleaching of the compounds by peroxide causes the colour of the chromogens to lighten and the tooth enamel to appear whiter.
The best teeth whitening pens on the market in 2022
With a wide choice of teeth-whitening pens available, it’s hard to know which one to choose. Fortunately, we’ve done some research and uncovered seven of the best. So, let’s jump in and take a closer look.
Auraglow
Teeth whitening, anytime, anywhere
The Auraglow teeth whitening pen has all the credentials necessary in a teeth whitening product. This pocket rocket fits neatly into a purse or backpack, dries in less than a minute and freshens the mouth with a cool mint flavor. But does it work?
Auraglow utilises 35% carbamide peroxide as an active bleaching agent to lessen tooth sensitivity and gum irritation and claims to whiten teeth by up to 10 shades in 7 days. The results indicate that it does what it says on the tin, as 100% of participants in a study conducted over seven days saw some degree of whitening after use. According to many customer reviews on sites such as Amazon, results were noticeable after the first use.
Pros
- Save money with a subscription
- No time commitment
- Each pen contains 15+ treatments
Cons
- Packaging is a little flimsy, resulting in leakages in some cases
- Some reviewers experienced difficulty in getting the gel to come out
Colgate Optic White Overnight
Sleep your way to whiter teeth
Colgate is a global brand established in the mid-19th century. As a leader in teeth whitening innovation, it was a natural progression to launch its Colgate Optic White Overnight teeth whitening pen in 2020 – a pen designed to whiten the teeth while you sleep. Furthermore, the unique formula contains a protective layer, preventing saliva from washing the gel away.
The instructions recommend cleaning the teeth and applying the clear gel before bed. What could be easier? Colgate claims the pen removes 15 years of stains in a week.
So what’s the verdict?
Customer reviews on Amazon were generally positive. Customers liked its ease of use and the whitening gel applied at night and brushed off in the morning, fitting in perfectly with their regular oral routine. They enjoyed using it, loved the pen format, and said their smile looked whiter, giving them more confidence.
Other reviewers mentioned that the whitening gel dried extremely fast, leaving a barely-visible layer that remained in place all night. On the whole, the verdict seems to be that, yes, it works.
Pros
- Relatively low price point
- Ease of use
- Readily accessible in supermarkets and pharmacies
Cons
- Product dries up too quickly
- Potential for gum irritation
Dr. Brite
Teeth whitening tailored to your unique needs
When it comes to teeth whitening pens, Dr. Brite offers an excellent range targeted to specific stains, such as drinking coffee, tea or red wine and habits such as smoking and vaping. Our review is for the Get Brite teeth whitening pen, which claims to reveal a two-shades-lighter smile in just two days.
We love that all Dr. Brite’ pen pals’ are filled with natural and organic ingredients, but what do customers think about the Gel Brite teeth whitening pen in particular?
Overall, the reviews were positive, although the numbers on sites such as Amazon and Walmart were small. On Amazon.com, the overall result was 3.8 stars out of 5 stars, with 45% rating the product 5 stars and 22% giving it a 4-star review.
Customers found the pen easy to use and liked that there were no harsh chemicals involved and that the products were safe for the environment, cruelty-free and affordable. Most customers saw results quickly, some within two days.
This pen could be right for you if you’re looking for a teeth-whitening pen bursting with natural organic ingredients.
Pros
- Plant-based ingredients
- Good value for money
- Formulated by doctors
Cons
- Complaints of slow delivery
- No eating or drinking for 30 minutes following the application process
Glo Science
Whiter, brighter teeth on the go
Glo Science proudly launched their GLO to GO teeth whitening pen in May 2021. As with their other products, it was developed by founding dental expert Dr. Jonathan B Levine. Sensitivity-free, safe, effective and powered by hydrogen peroxide, the company claims it produces noticeable results within a week.
The compact GLO to GO teeth whitening pen stands out from the crowd because, rather than a standard brush, it has an ultra-hygienic angled silicon tip, which according to the company, makes application as easy as putting on lip balm.
The product receives mixed reviews on sites such as Amazon.com, although, to be fair, there were only 21 reviews. On the positive side, most customers seemed happy with the results, but some disliked the silicone applicator and the gel’s taste and found it difficult to dispense from the click pen.
So, let’s look at the pros and cons of GLO to GO based on the splattering of customer reviews.
Pros
- No need to brush the product off after use
- Teeth appeared whiter after one use
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some people disliked the flavor
- The click pen can be difficult to use
Laughland
Personalised teeth whitening
Laughland is a relative newcomer to the teeth whitening industry with two main products – an at-home teeth whitening kit and an on-the-go teeth whitening pen. A stand-out element of the Go-To Pen is a suite of whitening formulas. The ‘Everyday’ formula caters for those with mild to sensitive teeth and is recommended for those just starting their teeth whitening journey. The ‘Super Strength’ formula is for those without sensitivity, and finally, the ‘Gentle’ formula is intended for anyone suffering from severe sensitivity.
Each pen contains a sufficient formula for approximately two weeks if used daily and usually costs $30. However, at the time of writing, the company is practically giving it away as part of an anniversary deal for just $9, so it’s a good time to stock up while you can.
Vegan and cruelty-free, the compact pen is ideal for whitening on the go. Checking out customer reviews, the To-Go Pen seems to give customers something to smile about, with most people saying they saw a visible difference within a few days of use.
Pros
- Various formula strengths
- Flexible subscription plan
- Easy to use twist action pen
Cons
- A little on the pricey side
- Must wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking after use
SmileDirectClub
Join the club for whiter teeth
Probably better known for its clear aligners, Smile Direct Club has recently added teeth-whitening products to its inventory, enabling customers to enhance their newly straightened teeth. For those looking to maintain whiteness, Smile Direct Club’s Touch-Up Whitening Pen is worth considering. Containing 75% more gel than their standard pens, this value-for-money product offers professional results at a fraction of the cost. Powered by hydrogen peroxide, the brand claims to brighten teeth by up to 5 shades in just three days.
The touch-up pen has a no-mess brush applicator enabling you to paint the gel directly onto the teeth without getting it everywhere. At the same time, its patent-pending Bright Boost formula promises good results minus sensitivity.
Having compared reviews for Smile Direct Club’s Touch-Up Whitening pens, the overall verdict is favourable, with most customers saying that it works well and produces good results at a reasonable price.
Pros
- No sensitivity
- Removes stains in just a few days
- Easy to use
Cons
- Pen’s twisting mechanism can be tricky
- A few people disliked the flavor
Zimba
Enamel-safe teeth whitening for a glowing smile
Zimba was founded in 2018 in Florida to make teeth whitening more affordable to the masses without compromising quality. In addition to low prices, Zimba also offers a discounted subscription program to provide customers with regular replacements without the hassle.
The Zimba travel pen is a relatively recent addition to their other whitening products and gives teeth a quick touch-up when they’re looking dull. Its convenient size means it fits easily in a purse or backpack when traveling, and the procedure takes around 5 minutes. Just brush the gel on, let it dry and rinse out. Remember that the pen is not a full-on whitening treatment and should only be used between teeth whitening treatments.
Overall, customer reviews on Amazon were positive and stated that the pen worked well with little to no sensitivity and that they would definitely use it again.
Pros
- Nice minty flavor
- Good customer service
- Ideal for maintenance
Cons
- Some people disliked the taste
- The whitening agent takes 5 minutes to set
Summary of the best teeth whitening pens
So, we’ve given you our pick of the seven best teeth-whitening pens of 2022, but which should you choose? Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference.
Like anything to do with oral hygiene, the main points to consider are your teeth, their needs, what they can handle, and how much time you can commit to dental care.
Other points to consider are: Do you want a whitening pen for sensitive teeth? Would you prefer a twisting base action to dispense the gel? What about flavor? Are natural ingredients your priority?
Whatever your preference, don’t worry. We’ve got it covered. This section summarises the best whitening pens to meet all needs and budgets, so you can choose what’s best for you.
Best for fast whitening – Auraglow Whitening Pen
Best for natural and organic ingredients – Dr Brite Get Brite Whitening Pen
Most affordably priced whitening pen – Zimba Complete Whitening pen
Most convenient whitening pen – Colgate Optic White Overnight Pen
Best value for money – Smile Direct Club Touch-Up Whitening Pen
Best vegan, gluten-free, cruelty, sensitivity-free whitening – Glo Science GLO to GO whitening pen
Best personalised whitening – Laughland To-Go Pen
Are results instant?
In many cases, teeth whitening pens can work instantly and continue to whiten for several minutes to hours following the procedure. However, results are not permanent; most people find the whitening effect lasts for around seven to ten days.
Whitening pens typically use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as their active whitening ingredient, and while they achieve the same results, they take different times to work.
Hydrogen peroxide releases most of its whitening power within 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast, carbamide peroxide takes longer to break down, emitting around 50% of its bleaching power in the first two hours and remaining active for up to six more hours.
Since hydrogen peroxide works faster than carbamide peroxide, it’s a popular option for many teeth-whitening pens. It will achieve visible results quicker than whitening pens containing carbamide peroxide. Typically this means that the wear time for a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening pen is shorter, although this doesn’t affect the length of a course of treatment.
Ultimately, the number of days a person will need to use a teeth whitening pen depends on their needs and tooth color once they commence treatment.
How often should you use whitening pens?
The recommended frequency of use for a teeth whitening pen depends on the brand in question. However, manufacturers recommend using the pen at least twice a day – once in the morning following breakfast and again in the evening before bed. For the best results, you should always read the instructions for your particular pen. Dentists typically recommend that whitening pens are only used for 14 days at a time.
As a top tip, avoid drinking beverages, eating food and rinsing your mouth within the first 30 to 60 minutes of use (hydrogen peroxide-based whitening pen) and within two hours if using a carbamide peroxide whitening pen.
Overusing a whitening pen could result in gum irritation from the serum and potentially damage the tooth enamel. Remember, whitening pens are best suited to a quick fix if you have a special event and want to look your best or for maintenance between professional teeth whitening treatments.
Are teeth-whitening pens safe and effective?
You can purchase teeth whitening pens over the counter, which means they’re safe to use at home, provided you follow the instructions. However, like most things, excess of anything can be harmful.
According to one study, hydrogen peroxide-based and carbamide peroxide-based tooth whitening are safe and effective. However, some whitening pens may contain additives and chemicals that could cause tooth sensitivity. However, any sensitivity should ease within 24 hours.
To answer the question, yes, teeth-whitening pens are safe. But are they effective? Let’s take a look.
How effective are teeth-whitening pens?
Peroxide-based teeth whitening pens work on extrinsic stains, i.e. external stains on the surface of tooth enamel caused by environmental factors. Thus they work best on stains caused by food or smoking and yellowish teeth.
Unfortunately, teeth whitening pens do not work on internal (intrinsic) stains caused by certain medications, age, genetics and other health problems. Consequently, teeth whitening pens are ineffective if your teeth have a grayish tint or are brown or discolored due to medication, trauma or dentin exposure.
Whitening pen alternatives
There are many alternatives to whitening pens. These include toothpaste, mouth rinse, and whitening strips. However, whitening pens have several advantages over these products.
- Quick worry-free application – Whitening trays must be worn for several hours or overnight, disrupting your schedule and sleep. Strips need to be worn for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Portable teeth whitening pens are far easier to use than these at-home products. Apply them to your teeth and go about your daily business.
- Precision whitening – A teeth whitening pen enables you to target individual teeth that are stained or discoloured, thus avoiding other teeth—strips and trays bleach all teeth, including those that don’t need whitening.
- Faster whitening – At-home whitening products contain 10-22% carbamide peroxide or 3% hydrogen peroxide, which, although effective, take longer to see results. On the contrary, teeth whitening pens contain up to 30% hydrogen peroxide and 35% carbamide peroxide, meaning they act faster.
- Safer whitening – Many over-the-counter whiteners are abrasive and can cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Bleach contained in whitening pens does not wear away the tooth enamel, and you can control the pen’s application to stop short of the gum line, preventing gum irritation.
FAQ’s
Can everyone use teeth-whitening pens?
While teeth whitening pens are safe for most people, those with dental restorations and pregnant women should give them a miss. While there’s no evidence that teeth-whitening pens pose any risks to pregnant women or their babies, there’s not enough data to say they are entirely safe. If you have restorations like veneers or crowns, be aware a whitening pen will only affect the surrounding teeth and may result in mismatched teeth in terms of color.
Do whitening pens cause sensitive teeth?
Sometimes a person may experience tooth sensitivity due to the peroxide in a whitening pen permeating the enamel and contacting the dentin, which can irritate a tooth’s nerve. Fortunately, whitening pens use relatively low concentrations of peroxide, so any sensitivity is likely mild and temporary. It’s best to consult your dentist before using a whitening pen, particularly when teeth are sensitive, deeply stained, or you have dental restorations
Product Review 2
Task – I was asked to write another long-form product review (in a pre-determined format) for the 10 best whitening toothpastes in 2023 for my client who has a well-known product review site. Here is the result.
What is whitening toothpaste?
If you have light or surface teeth staining, you might consider whitening toothpaste as an option. After all, it’s undoubtedly one of the most cost-effective and easily obtainable ways to keep your pearly whites looking bright, but does it work? We’ll address this in greater detail later in the review. While they may not be as effective or fast-acting as professional whitening treatments, know that whitening toothpaste can improve your smile and restore confidence.
Most conventional toothpaste contains ingredients such as baking soda or silica, which act as an abrasive to polish out surface staining. However, whitening toothpastes typically include those ingredients, plus a bleaching agent such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Some may also contain a chemical called blue covarine, giving the appearance of a whiter smile and making teeth appear less yellow.
While toothpaste incorporating blue covarine can have an immediate whitening effect, whitening toothpaste containing a bleaching agent can take several weeks or more to make a difference.
How does whitening toothpaste work?
When teeth are stained, they fall into two categories – blemishes are extrinsic (surface) stains or discolorations that are intrinsic (inner) stains. Different formulas address each stain issue. For example, toothpaste that contains abrasive substances like silica or dicalcium phosphate work to polish or buff the extrinsic stain away from the surface of the tooth enamel. Alternatively, products containing an active bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide take it one step further. They penetrate tooth enamel to lift stubborn ingrained staining and will whiten teeth simultaneously.
Coarse abrasives contained in toothpaste are typically formulated to be softer than your enamel. So, they can be used several times daily to polish away surface stains without damaging teeth.
Conversely, whitening toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide may be different. While some can be used several times a day, others are formulated for daily use or are designed to be used intermittently. It’s essential to follow the instructions on the box to avoid overuse and damage to teeth. In most cases, whitening toothpaste is used in the same way as regular toothpaste. Remember only to spit the toothpaste out and not to rinse.
Best whitening toothpastes of 2023
So now you know what whitening toothpaste is and how it works, we have done the research to come up with ten of the best. So here they are;
Snow
The magic of AM and PM whitening from Snow
With over 17 months in development, Snow finally released their sought-after teeth-whitening toothpaste in 2019. The company define it as a “whole new smile care routine”. With not one but two toothpastes, they work together to maintain a healthy smile day and night.
Morning frost is the AM toothpaste with a distinct minty-fresh flavor, while Midnight Mist provides overnight whitening with a soothing blend of lavender and mint.
So does the product work?
Out of 1762 reviews on Amazon, 63% highly rated it. People thought the toothpaste had a great flavor, was non-abrasive and whitened teeth.
On the flip side, others thought the product was quite expensive, and when results were noticed, they took some time to achieve. The other thing to note is that it doesn’t foam up like regular toothpaste, with some people likening it to a flat soda.
The verdict?
A good whitening toothpaste for AM and PM use, although a little pricey.
Pros
- Great flavors
- Non-abrasive
- Covers both AM and PM use
Cons
- Quite expensive for a toothpaste
- Doesn’t foam up like regular toothpaste
Smile Direct Club
Teeth whitening toothpaste from a global brand
You probably know Smile Direct Club for its brand of at-home orthodontics. Off the back of its worldwide success, the company have recently expanded into other areas of oral care, including teeth whitening toothpaste. Well-priced at just $3.00 per tube, it provides an entry point to those looking for an affordable solution to maintaining a bright white smile.
The toothpaste markets itself as a premium fluoride toothpaste that whitens teeth, but a quick check on the website reveals that it doesn’t contain a bleaching agent like carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, it relies on abrasives to shift staining (in this case, silica). This ties in with reviews suggesting it’s excellent on lighter surface staining but struggles to remove heavy or ingrained (intrinsic) staining. Okay, so that’s not what it’s for, but if you’re looking for an all-rounder, there are more expensive products better suited to your needs.
The verdict?
An excellent entry-level toothpaste if you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of at-home cosmetic teeth whitening.
Pros
- Great price at just $3.00 a tube
- All-natural ingredients
- Peroxide-free
Cons
- Works on light surface staining only
- Some people say that stevia gives it a fake sweetener aftertaste
Co by Colgate
Enzyme-powered teeth whitening from Colgate
Having been around since 1873, it’s safe to say that Colgate knows a thing or two about toothpaste. They were the first to mass produce toothpaste in jars, invent a whitening toothpaste, and introduce an enzyme-boosted whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide in the US. Oh-So Dazzling by Colgate’s sub-brand Co is the latter and does what it says on the tin. Don’t be fooled by its fancy packaging; results suggest that this product is a complete all-rounder.
Enzyme technology aids gum health, while sodium mono-fluorophosphate guards against cavities. Finally, silica, and our old friend, hydrogen peroxide, work to remove surface and deep-down stains. Moreover, the sweet mint flavor seems to hit the spot.
At $15.00, Oh So Dazzling and its sister product, Oh So Glowing, fall in at the pricey end of teeth-whitening toothpaste, but chances are, you won’t mind paying the money if the products work. Well, reviews seem to suggest that they do. People like that the products whiten and provide protection simultaneously with zero irritation.
The verdict?
Oh So Dazzling and Oh So Glowing from Co by Colgate may well be for you if you want whitening products with zero irritation.
Pros
- Great all-rounder
- Great minty flavor
- Branding/packaging looks classy
Cons
- Pricey for a toothpaste
- Not as quick as other whitening products on the market
Auraglow
Great flavoured toothpaste from a likeable brand
This daily toothpaste from Auraglow is not so much a whitening toothpaste – although it does have whitening qualities – but is more of a daily-use anti-cavity paste. So while it doesn’t contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth, it does contain abrasives such as silica to polish up or buff off mild surface staining. Add to this the fact that you’re buying into a reputable brand, and what you have is a proven product from a brand that understands its customer base.
So what do people like about it?
Customers love the fresh wintergreen taste – minty-fresh without being super-sweet. They also like the texture and that the fluoride helps protect against cavities.
Customers aren’t so enamoured with the price as it costs $12.00 for a daily-use toothpaste which is a little expensive. Although some said it left their teeth whiter, others felt it made little difference. That said, Auraglow’s daily-use toothpaste doesn’t claim to be a whitening toothpaste in the true sense of the word, so perhaps it’s unsurprising.
The verdict?
Perfect for a daily-use anti-cavity toothpaste with fluoride protection that may sometimes whiten.
Pros
- Great Wintergreen taste from a reputable brand
- Good texture
- Reassurance of fluoride protection
Cons
- Quite pricey for a toothpaste
- May remove light tooth blemishes but not ingrained staining
Burst
Eco-friendly brand for the eco-conscious user
Burst appeals to the eco-conscious consumer, and its range of toothpastes is no exception. Brimming with natural ingredients and not an artificial color or paraben in sight, they provide the perfect accompaniment for sensitive teeth. Moreover, the tubes are 100% recyclable, made from BPA plastic, and free from just about anything.
Their products, Burst’s fluoride, Non-Fluoride, and Charcoal-Fluoride toothpastes, come in two great flavors, wild mint and coconut salt, which people seem to love. At just $6.99 on a subscription, feeling good about what you put in your mouth doesn’t have to break the bank.
So does it work to whiten teeth?
Like some of the other brands we’ve reviewed, it doesn’t contain bleaching agents but hydrated silica. Therefore you can expect this toothpaste to remove light staining but not to obtain a noticeable whitening effect.
The verdict?
Perfect for the eco-conscious consumer who cares about the planet and what they put into their bodies and ideal for those with sensitive teeth.
Pros
- All natural ingredients
- Great for sensitive teeth
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cons:
- It doesn’t whiten as well as other brands
- Some people found the consistency to be quite thick
Dr Brite
All-natural Ingredients – Good value for money
Dr Brite prides itself on providing a range of oral and home-care products free from toxic chemicals, inflammatory agents and hormone disruptors. Their extreme white toothpaste, for example, is a natural progression from their popular natural whitening toothpaste and uses plant-based and all-natural materials. This allows consumers to remove stains and protect teeth without worrying about damage.
Like other eco-conscious brands, the stain-buster of choice in Dr Brite’s Extreme Whitening Toothpaste is hydrated silica rather than a bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide. So does it perform extreme whitening?
Reviews seem to suggest that consumers have noticed a difference after some use, but it’s a gradual process. Feedback from consumers also indicates that they love that the ingredients are all-natural, but it doesn’t foam up like other toothpaste, feeling a little flat.
Other positives are that it’s Environmental Working Group (EWG) certified, meaning that the products don’t contain any chemicals or parabens from EWG’s unacceptable list and at a little over $9.50 when you subscribe and save, the product offers good value for money.
The verdict?
Dr Brite Extreme Whitening is an all-natural toothpaste that will suit just about anyone. It’s the ideal solution for consumers seeking less sensitive stain removal who want to buy into an ethical and eco-friendly product.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Great for sensitive teeth
- EWG certified
Cons
- Non-foaming can feel a little flat
- Whitening is gradual rather than fast acting
Glo Science
Science meets wellness toothpaste from Glo
Launched in 2018, Twice from Glo Science has the backing of a celebrity endorser in the Grammy-winning artist Lenny Kravitz. The co-founders are the sons of Dr Jonathan Levine, Kravitz’s dentist and founder of Glo Science. The product is named ‘Twice’ because it brands itself as a science and wellness toothpaste, a brand that encompasses both whitening and oral health, where 10% of any profits goes to the Glo Good organization.
Utilizing hydrated silica as the whitening element plus a whole host of vitamins to incorporate teeth and gum health, Twice seems to have every angle covered, but does it work?
People love the subtle, no-burn flavors of lavender/vanilla, mint and spearmint, plus the sulphate-free angle is a great endorsement for sensitive mouths. Consumers also suggest that the whitening element does work, although we suspect not for heavily stained teeth.
The verdict?
Achieving an instant Hollywood smile is not what Twice is about. Instead, it’s about a feel-good product that does what it says on the tin – promoting a healthier routine for your teeth and mouth. If it happens to whiten during the process, then so be it!
Pros
- Feel-good brand with 10% of the profits going to the Glo Good organization
- Subtle, no burn, flavor choices
- Celebrity endorsement
Cons
- Smaller tube than other whitening brands
- Perhaps not ideal for heavily stained teeth
HiSmile
Peroxide-free whitening for sensitive teeth
HiSmile are pretty smart. They understand branding, and they know what people want. They want to be different and stand out from their competitors. So, with their PAP+ whitening toothpaste and luminous pink branding, they’ve done precisely that.
PAP is short for Phthalimido Peroxy Caproic Acid and is the primary whitening ingredient in HiSmile’s whitening toothpaste. Moreover, they are one of the only toothpaste brands to use PAP. So what does that mean?
PAP is the safer and less aggressive whitening alternative to hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Unlike peroxides, it doesn’t release free radicals, so there is no impact on teeth and gums, meaning it’s ideal for those with sensitive teeth as it won’t cause discomfort.
So does it actually work?
Those who buy into HiSmile’s innovative branding seem to agree that it does. Unlike silica-based toothpaste that removes staining but won’t necessarily whiten teeth, this product does, but without the harmful effects of peroxide.
The verdict?
It’s perhaps not the largest tube in the world, so at over $10, it may be on the pricey side, but that’s a small price to pay if it works for you.
Pros
- Great branding
- PAP technology whitens without sensitivity
- Peroxide-free
Cons
- Small tube compared to other brands
- A little on the pricey side
Primal Life Organics
Mineral toothpaste with stain-busting qualities
The aptly named Dirty Mouth Alkalizing Toothpaste is one of a selection of oral health products from this innovative company that likes to do things differently. Creative flavors like bubblegum and black spearmint appeal to those that want something out of the norm, and high-quality organic ingredients will entice those who care about what they put in and on their bodies.
Dirty Mouth Alkalizing toothpaste contains alkalizing ingredients like baking soda, but this is skilfully blended with myriad elements, including colloidal silver, hydroxyapatite, French green clays, essential oils and other minerals like bentonite. The result is toothpaste in a jar that whitens teeth while strengthening and protecting gums at the same time.
So does it work?
Research suggests it does, with people citing words like ‘amazing smile transformation.’ ‘healed cavities’ and ‘fresh from the dentist feeling’.
On the flip side, some consumers said that it left a distinctive clay taste, while others thought it was at the top end of expensive for a toothpaste.
The verdict?
A good all-rounder that protects, mineralizes, and whitens teeth, all packaged in a funky jar with a great name.
Pros:
- Stain-busting qualities
- Organic, vegan and peroxide-free
- Creative flavors
Cons
- Thought to be expensive for a toothpaste
- Some people reported a distinct clay taste
SuperSmile
Pro-whitening toothpaste from a leading brand
Supersmile has been leading the way in innovative oral whitening since 1987 and continues to expand its range. This professional Whitening Toothpaste is available in 7 creative flavors and is said to whiten teeth up to 6 shades in five days on average. While that is a bold claim, the company has the studies to back it up.
Professional whitening toothpaste from Supersmile uses a product called Calprox, an encapsulated form of calcium peroxide that helps whiten, mineralize and strengthen teeth. Unlike many silica-based toothpastes, this one will lighten teeth and bust stains.
So, what do consumers think?
Most people saw a noticeable difference regarding the whitening effect, with many posting before and after pictures. However, other comments stated that six shades in five days was a bit of an overstretch. In most cases, the whitening effect took longer to achieve by several weeks or more.
The verdict?
$25.00 is at the pricey end for whitening toothpaste, but it could be a good investment if it works for you.
Pros
- A whitening toothpaste that works
- Seven creative flavors
- Remineralizes and strengthens
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Reviews suggest it takes longer to whiten in most cases
How to use whitening toothpaste
Perhaps the best thing about whitening toothpaste is that, in most cases, it provides the benefits of toothpaste with the qualities of cosmetic whitening. Some whitening toothpastes, mainly those with all-natural ingredients, can be used several times a day, just like your everyday toothpaste. Other peroxide-based toothpastes may require you to use them once daily alongside your conventional toothpaste. Either way, the process is pretty simple.
- Squeeze a measured amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush of choice
- Gently brush the teeth for 2 minutes
- Spit out any remaining toothpaste but don’t rinse
Rinse and repeat (excuse the pun) daily.
Certain whitening toothpastes are all-rounders and contain built-in enamel strengtheners, but if yours does not, you may want to use it in conjunction with a toothpaste that does. Toothpaste like Sensodyne Pro Enamel, Colgate Sensitive, or Kiss My Face Enamel Extra may be good options.
Finally, if you have sensitive teeth or have an abundance of crowns and fillings, it’s recommended that you talk with your dentist first before using whitening toothpaste.
Does Whitening Toothpaste Really Work?
What you need to know is that all toothpaste containing some form of abrasive is capable of removing staining to a degree. But you’ll want a toothpaste containing a bleaching agent for greater whitening power. That agent may be hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, PAP+ or a calcium peroxide derivative.
These are the same compounds used in professional teeth whitening treatments by your local dentist, so they should work. However, you should know that the quantities of bleaching agents in whitening toothpastes are minimal compared to chairside treatments. That’s not to say that whitening toothpaste doesn’t work, but it will take time to see effective results. In most cases, this is several weeks or more.
Daily use of a quality whitening toothpaste can reverse minor yellowing and teeth staining. Moreover, after you’ve had teeth professionally whitened, it may be worth investing in a non-abrasive whitening toothpaste to maintain a bright white smile for longer.
FAQs
What toothpaste should I use after teeth whitening?
Where possible, avoid charcoal toothpaste. Charcoal is exceptionally abrasive and may undo all the work your dentist has done to prevent the onset of sensitive teeth after professional teeth whitening treatment. Instead, stick to products that are ADA-recommended or contain mild, all-natural ingredients.
What is the most effective teeth-whitening toothpaste?
In truth, there isn’t a single product that works for every case. For effective whitening, it must contain a form of peroxide or PAP. Blue covarine can also give the illusion of a whiter smile without actually whitening by depositing a thin blue film over the teeth.
How do you make teeth-whitening toothpaste?
There are several ways that you can make teeth-whitening toothpaste. Firstly, use two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to one tablespoon of baking powder, mix into a paste and apply. Alternatively, buy a teeth whitening powder and add it to your conventional toothpaste, making it a whitening variety.