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.
“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.
Best Teeth Whitening Product Overall For Sensitive Teeth: Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive
Best Teeth Whitening Strips For Sensitive Teeth: Elims Teeth Whitening Strips
Best Teeth Whitening Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Toothpaste
Best Teeth Whitening Gel For Sensitive Teeth: Glo Vial Teeth Whitening Gel Treatment Kit
Best Peroxide-Free Whitening For Sensitive Teeth: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
Best Teeth Whitening Device For Sensitive Teeth: Snow Teeth Whitening Kit
Best Teeth Whitening Pen For Sensitive Teeth: Moon Teeth Whitening Pen
Best Teeth Whitening Product Overall For Sensitive Teeth
An Affordable Pick That's Easy To Use
Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive
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.”
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Longer treatment time
Best Teeth Whitening Strips For Sensitive Teeth
A Melt-Away Strip That Whitens Up To Seven Shades
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.”
Pros:
- Dissolves within 15 minutes
- Minty flavor
Cons:
- Dry film can be a little tricky to apply
Best Teeth Whitening Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth
A Drugstore Go-To That Brightens And Minimizes Sensitivity
Sensodyne Toothpaste
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.”
Pros:
- Gently whitens
- Protects enamel and strengthens teeth to minimize sensitivity
Cons:
- Results aren’t dramatic
Best Teeth Whitening Gel For Sensitive Teeth
A Gentle, Mess-Free, Rinse-Free Gel
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.”
Pros:
- Mess-free
- No-rinse application
Cons:
- Can be difficult to get all the product out
Best Peroxide-Free Whitening For Sensitive Teeth
Strips That Use Plant-Based Ingredients To Remove Stains
Product type: Strips | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil, citrus lemon peel oil, Dead Sea salt | Frequency of use: 30 minutes daily for one week
These peroxide-free strips are made with plant-based ingredients designed to not only brighten your smile, but keep your teeth feeling 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.
Pros:
- Peroxide free
- Microbiome safe
Cons:
- Strips can be messy
Best Teeth Whitening Device For Sensitive Teeth
An Effective Whitener With A Less Potent Active Ingredient
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.
Pros:
- Active ingredient is less potent for less sensitivity
- Fast treatment time (nine minutes)
Cons:
- Some found the mouthpiece oversized
Best Teeth Whitening Pen For Sensitive Teeth
A Portable Pen With An Instant Brightening Effect
Moon Teeth Whitening Pen
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.
Pros:
- Instantly brightens with light-reflecting pigments
- Easy application
- Portable
Cons:
- Can’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after application
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
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.
How We Chose The Best Whitening Products For Sensitive Teeth
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.
What To Consider In Whitening Products For Sensitive Teeth
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.
Active Ingredients And Concentration
“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 Strips and Moon Teeth Whitening Pen, are made without peroxide.)
Type
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.
What Is The Best Whitening Product For Sensitive Teeth?
While the best product for you will largely depend on personal preference, the Crest 3D White Strips Sensitive is a dentist recommended pick that’s made with 5.25% hydrogen peroxide. The Glo Science Teeth Whitening Gel is another great option that has a lower peroxide concentration and precise application. If you prefer a peroxide-free formula, both the Lumineux Whitening Strips and Moon Teeth Whitening Pen are excellent choices.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe For Sensitive Teeth?
Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste, gels, strips and mouthwashes can be safe to use, but make sure you’re clear on the cause of your sensitive teeth. Some causes of tooth sensitivity, like periodontal disease, decaying teeth or cavities, should be treated professionally before you try a whitening treatment. Be mindful of ingredients, too, and when possible opt for gentler versions. “Carbamide peroxide is a compound derived from hydrogen peroxide and urea, making it roughly a third as potent as hydrogen peroxide,” says Khan. Because it releases hydrogen peroxide at a slower rate, it’s a better option for people with sensitive teeth.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
“Teeth whitening is a temporary solution to brighten teeth,” says Rubinshtein, and things like smoking or drinking coffee, tea or red wine will inevitably cause stains, even on newly whitened teeth. Whitening results can really vary from one person to the next, and the procedure itself also affects the duration of that bright white smile. “Whitening strips can have results that can last up to six months,” says Khan. For the best results, she recommends avoiding foods that can stain your teeth for 48 hours following whitening treatments.
