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• Value: 18/20
• Functionality: 18/20
• Quality/Ease of Use: 19/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Speed of Treatment: 20/20
TOTAL: 95/100
Forget Instagram face. These days, all the significant beauty trends are born on video platforms, and we’re here to kick the tires on a recent micro-trend we’re calling “TikTok teeth.” Thanks to a highly circulated viral TikTok video, hordes of people are heading online a to buy the Spotlight teeth-whitening pen (and once in the semi-privacy of their cars, brushing this solution on their teeth for instant brightening).
Since I live in Los Angeles, the land where high-definition cameras have made a blinding smile as necessary for survival as a reliable set of wheels, I had to visit two Ulta locations before I found a Spotlight pen in stock. Side note: I was pretty skeptical to start.
Even though I’d seen people get instant results using the pen on TikTok, I assumed it was some sort of camera manipulation. I was also apprehensive about trying anything that had enough bleaching agent in it to produce fast results. You see, years before, I used teeth whitening strips, which left my teeth permanently sensitive to temperatures. And besides, it wasn’t like I had a big toothy grin to show off anyway…so what’s the big deal if my teeth were a little coffee-stained?
Well, the deal became big (at least to me) when I started going out in public without a mask. Recently, I was headed to a friend’s pool party when I looked in the mirror—like really looked at my reflection for the first time in months—and thought, wait, when did my canines start to resemble the yellowed fangs of our family’s beloved (and now deceased) mastiff? So began my teeth-whitening journey.
And now, a word about my personal grooming habits to give you some additional context. If I had to choose one word to describe my beauty behavior that word would be “intermittent.” As in, the only thing I can remember to do daily is brush my teeth, and that’s thanks to childhood indoctrination.
Since the age of 11, I’ve been polymorphously perverse when it comes to beauty. I’ve had brief forays into scrupulously tending to my face, hair, cellulite, etc., but in terms of being committed to a regimen for an extended period of time? Not so much. Which is why I was enticed by the Spotlight pen’s promises of instant results and cumulative effects even when used sporadically. Add to that, the minty fresh flavor that claims to transmit a “light, just-brushed aroma” from your mouth and I had try it.
So, did it work? To my surprise, yes it did. After I pulled the silver pen from its recycled paper packaging, I twisted the base 20 (!) times to release the fluid onto the bristles. I just brushed a thin coat on my front and side teeth. (I didn’t bother with my molars because they aren’t really visible when I smile). Then, I held my mouth open for the recommended five minutes to let the solution dry. This is also when I learned that my drool reflex is very healthy and the only way I could stop from spitting up everywhere was to make loud sucking sounds as I waited for the time to elapse. My dogs looked at me in alarm as though I were some sort of zombie.
A few minutes in, my formerly yellowed teeth looked whiter overall, and in my case, my teeth on the sides more closely matched the bright porcelain hue of my front two crowns. As I splashed water from the sink onto my teeth to rinse off the solution, I marveled that my teeth didn’t feel sore, nor did my gums feel achy. And they did look brighter—even after just one application.
I’ve used the pen a few times over the past week and have come to look forward to this moment of self-care. It’s low lift and high reward. And the results aren't just anecdotal; there’s real science behind the pen. The hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbonate calcium in the formula have shown demonstrable results in clinical studies. Oh, and these whitening pens are part of a line of oral care products started by two dentist sisters in Ireland (who we love following on TikTok by the way). Thanks to them, I’m genuinely happy to smile at my maskless self in the mirror.
FAQs
How Effective Are They? When it comes to these pens' effectiveness, it really depends on your type of discoloration and the application process. First, not all stains are created equal: these bleaching agents will likely whiten yellow stains but probably won't whiten brown or grey stains.
What do Tiktokers use to whiten their teeth? ›
DIY Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening
Another TikTok teeth whitening trend is whitening by swishing with hydrogen peroxide or applying it directly to the teeth with a Q-tip. Products like whitening strips actually contain hydrogen peroxide, which makes people feel as if the approach will be safe and effective.
What do dentists say about teeth whitening pens? ›
While a teeth-whitening pen might be a good “quick fix,” there are other things you can do to make it more long-lasting. A regular dental cleaning—which is important on so many levels—is helpful in keeping your teeth from turning yellow.
Is TikTok teeth whitening safe? ›
And those 'TeethTok' clips, with their so-called whitening tips, should all be taken with a pinch of salt. In truth, most of the TikTok teeth whitening hacks popping up on your FYP will cause damage – sometimes irreversible.
Which whitening pen works best? ›
Our favorite teeth whitening pen is the VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pen. It's affordable, quick, easy to apply, features a brush-tip applicator for precise gel distribution, and most importantly, it delivers visible results fast. If you're prone to sensitivity, we recommend trying the Lumineux Bright Pen.
Do whitening pens work to whiten teeth? ›
Teeth whitening pens work the same way as other whitening products, but they use a serum to apply whitening ingredients to your teeth. Most teeth whitening pens use a peroxide formulation—either hydrogen or carbamide—to break down stains.
Will magic eraser whiten teeth? ›
Magic Eraser may be a good stain remover for your stove, sink and walls, but not your teeth, says Josi Stephenson, DDS, health center dentist. There are many reasons teeth can be discolored. Usually, diet and lack of regular brushing are the main culprits.
Is there anything that actually whitens your teeth? ›
Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:
Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.
How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
Do whitened teeth look fake? ›
This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.
Easy, effortless and effective teeth whitening while you sleep. Just click, apply and let the power of the enamel safe, hydrogen peroxide-based gel formula work overnight.
Is it okay to use a whitening pen every day? ›
The product is safe to use nightly (once per day). The recommended cycle is one week at a time, but you can use it until it is finished.
Does purple toothpaste really whiten your teeth? ›
Purple toothpaste is based on the principle of color theory, where the purple hue is supposed to neutralize yellow stains on teeth. While this might sound scientifically plausible, the reality is it's more of an optical illusion than an oral health solution. The effect is purely cosmetic and extremely temporary.
Do purple toothpaste really work? ›
Despite claims, purple toothpaste doesn't whiten teeth or remove stains. Purple toothpaste uses color theory to neutralize yellow teeth by applying purple dye to the teeth, giving the illusion of a whiter smile. This effect is temporary and won't whiten teeth over time.
Can you whiten your teeth with peroxide mouthwash? ›
To make a peroxide mouthwash, add 2 ounces (oz) of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2 oz of water to a small cup. Swish this mixture in the mouth daily for 2–4 minutes before spitting it out. Do not swallow the liquid. Alternatively, a homemade paste may help some people remove minor stains.
Do whitening pens work better than strips? ›
Teeth whitening pens are a convenient and affordable way to brighten teeth, but their effects may not be as immediately noticeable or long-lasting as those of traditional strips. Applying strips takes more time and effort, but they often provide better results than pens.
How long does it take for a whitening pen to work? ›
It takes between two and seven days for whitening pens to work. Their results are usually temporary.
Do crest whitening pens work? ›
Whitening pens are great when it comes to whitening specific areas of the mouth, convenience, and quick whitening results.
