10 best teeth whitening kits, expert-tested to reverse staining

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Our Top Picks

• 1
  
  Best teeth whitening kit overall
  Smilepro advanced teeth whitening kitRead review £49
  Buy nowCompare
  2
  
  Best budget teeth whitening kit
  Hismile V34 colour corrector serumRead review £19
  Buy nowCompare
• 3
  
  Best teeth whitening kit for ongoing use
  MySweetSmile dentist-approved teeth whitening powderRead review £25
  Buy nowCompare
  4
  
  Best teeth whitening kit for sensitive teeth
  Spotlight Oral Care LED teeth whitening kitRead review £70
  Buy nowCompare
• 5
  
  Best for value for money
  Colgate max white LED teeth whitening kitRead review £75
  Buy nowCompare
  6
  
  Best for fast teeth whitening
  Icy Bear whitening kitRead review £60
  Buy nowCompare
• 7
  
  Best comfortable teeth whitening kit
  Currentbody Skin teeth whitening kitRead review £110
  Buy nowCompare
  8
  
  Best teeth whitening kit for busy lifestyles
  Gem Oral Care touch up setRead review £28
  Buy nowCompare
• 9
  
  Best quick teeth whitening kit
  Gleam teeth whitening stripsRead review £25
  Buy nowCompare
  10
  
  Best teeth whitening kit for oral health
  Mahsa trio LED light activated three-in-one kitRead review £115
  Buy nowCompare

A brighter smile is one of the most sought-after beauty goals, which explains the ongoing (if not increasing) appeal of the best teeth whitening kits. Whether staining comes courtesy of coffee, red wine or simply everyday wear, these treatments promise a fresher-looking smile without the cost of a dentist appointment – but not all of them are worth your time

Used alongside a good whitening toothpaste and electric toothbrush, the best teeth whitening kits can help lift surface stains and noticeably brighten your smile at home. Most rely on hydrogen peroxide, though in the UK that ingredient is tightly regulated, which is why formulas here tend to be gentler than those sold elsewhere, such as the US

That doesn’t necessarily make them ineffective. As cosmetic dentist Dr Sahil Patelexplains, “Over-the-counter kits in the UK can only have up to 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide, while US kits often contain much higher concentrations (sometimes up to six per cent, or more).” While professional treatments may be better for deeper discolouration, Dr Patel says at-home formulas can be “effective for surface stains”.

To find the ones that are worth spending on, I tested a variety of whitening strips, pens, powders and toothpastes to separate the great from the gimmicky. Here’s what I found

The best teeth whitening kits for 2026 are:

• Best overall– Smilepro advanced teeth whitening kit: £49, Smileproworldwide.com
• Best budget buy– Hismile V34 colour corrector serum: £19, Boots.com
• Best value for money – Colgate max white LED teeth whitening kit: £50, Amazon.co.uk
• Best for sensitive teeth – Spotlight Oral Care LED teeth whitening kit: £69.99, Spotlightoralcare.com

Read more:The best electric toothbrushes, from Oral-B to Philips

• Bestteeth whitening kit overall
• TypeLED and pen
• Time of day to applyAny time, after brushing teeth with water
• Duration10-30 minutes for seven days
• Sensitivity levelNone
• Active ingredientsPhthalimidoperoxycaproic acid
• Time frame for noticeable resultsOne 30-minute session
• Why we love it
  • Three light settings for accelerated whitening and gum protection
  • Results after one treatment
• Take note
  • Touch button on mouth tray is highly sensitive

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Smilepro’s LED kit is the best teeth whitening kit I’ve tested. It offers great value for money, with enough formula for 30 treatments. It boasts three times more ‘activator’ lights than competitors and, while I can neither confirm nor deny this claim (the exact number hasn’t been stated), I was pleased to learn of the triple LED functionality. The blue light aims to break down stains by speeding up the PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) oxidisation process, while the brand claims that the red light will boost comfort by minimising bacteria, gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity. Users can even combine the red and blue lights at once.

Using the kit is as simple as applying the formula to your teeth, inserting the mouth tray, and activating your chosen light setting for 10-30 minutes. The mouth tray is comfortable to wear and, while the full 30 minutes is a bit of a jaw workout, the brand claims you’ll see results after seven days of 10-minute treatments, too. In fact, I saw my teeth getting brighter (judging by the shade guide included) after just one 30-minute session. My one gripe? Even the slightest nudge to the touch-activated power button will turn off the device.

Read the full Smilepro advanced teeth whitening kit review

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• Bestbudget teeth whitening kit
• TypeSerum
• Time of day to applyAny time after brushing teeth
• Duration30 seconds per tooth
• Sensitivity levelNone
• Active ingredientsHydrated silica, Cl42090/FD&C blue No. 1 colourant
• Time frame for noticeable resultsTwo minutes/one brushing session
• Why we love it
  • Gives teeth an instant lift
  • Sensitivity-free
• Take note
  • Effect is temporary
  • Applying for 30 seconds per tooth takes a while, and it’s a little uncomfortable

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If you’ve ever seen social media marketing for Hismile’s colour corrector serum, you might be intrigued by its promise of instant whitening. I’m pleased to confirm that the serum works instantly, but it doesn’t have a long-lasting effect

I tested it on one side of my mouth to see if I could detect any difference in tone between the left and right halves. After just a couple of minutes of working the product onto my teeth with a cotton swab, it was clear the side with the serum had brightened

However, the next morning, my teeth had returned to normal, and both sides were back to the same shade of white. I also found that working the serum into every tooth for 30 seconds – as Hismile recommends – required quite a bit of arm work and around seven minutes of application in total – and that’s just for all your visible teeth

For a night out or a special occasion, this colour corrector could be a great option. If you’re looking to do away with years of staining, this might not be the product for you

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• Bestteeth whitening kit for ongoing use
• TypeWhitening powder
• Time of day to applyBefore brushing teeth
• DurationTwo-minutes of brushing, twice weekly
• Sensitivity levelNone
• Active ingredientsNone with strong bleaching action, mainly cleaning agents like calcium carbonate to polish
• Time frame for noticeable resultsAfter one use (surface brightening), cumulative with regular use
• Why we love it
  • Instant removal of dullness after one use
  • Easy to add to existing routine
  • No downtime – you can eat or drink straight after
• Take note
  • Flavour is a bit bland, like chewing gum past its best
  • Doesn’t chemically whiten, has more of a polished than bleached effect

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For cleanliness obsessives, MySweetSmile’s powder is a no-brainer addition to your daily dental routine. It’s designed for a brightened clean rather than a deep-bleaching overhaul, namely because it does not use peroxide. Instead, it’s packed with cleaning agents like calcium carbonate and pentasodium triphosphate. These help lift surface stains and remove plaque buildup. The result? A noticeably fresher, more brilliant finish after just one use.

Used a few times a week (as I did) in tandem with your usual brushing, this powder adds only a couple of minutes to your regimen with near-immediate effects. It’s almost like a photo filter for your smile. Over an extended period, I found that the cumulative polishing effect can give teeth a cleaner, glossier look long-term

Flavour-wise, it’s inoffensive but forgettable. Think: faint spearmint or the tail-end of chewing gum. Then again, given how easy and quick it is to use, that’s hardly a dealbreaker. If you’re after a safe, non-sensitive way to dial up the dazzle, this is a solid pick for daily upkeep

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• Bestteeth whitening kit for sensitive teeth
• TypeLED, strips and pen
• Time of day to applyEvening
• Duration30-60 minutes for 10 days
• Sensitivity levelMild
• Active ingredientsHydrogen peroxide, phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid
• Time frame for noticeable resultsOne session (30-minutes)
• Why we love it
  • Noticeable difference after just one use
  • Mouthguard is easy to use
• Take note
  • Strips can be tricky to remove from teeth

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I loved Spotlight’s LED mouthguard. It features everything from magnetic charging to easy ‘clench-free’ positioning, and it sits comfortably around your teeth and gums so you don’t need to strain your jaw to hold everything in place

Whitening with this kit can be broken into four parts. Firstly, you apply the self-adhering whitening strips to the upper and lower teeth. After inserting the mouthguard, you then activate the LED function, which will operate for 10 minutes in a blue light mode (for accelerated whitening). Once the blue light times out, you can begin five minutes of gum health-boosting red light. Lastly, after leaving the strips in place for another 15 minutes, you can touch up with the included pen. This stage is designed to be used as an intermediary top-up after the 10-day treatment, but I did give it a go throughout the process, too.

After just one day of using this kit, I could see some patches looked whiter and, after the full 10 days of treatment, my teeth certainly lifted in colour by a shade or two. Admittedly, I don’t think the pen made a noticeable difference, and I found it hard to follow the brand’s ‘don’t swallow’ advice when actively swiping the pen across all my teeth. Additionally, I found the whitening strips, while non-slippy, for easy application, adhered to my teeth a bit too well, which made removing them a little uncomfortable.

On the whole, I found this kit effectively whitened my teeth, and the addition of the red light feature to reduce sensitivity was a bonus for my ice cream-averse front teeth

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• Bestfor value for money
• TypeLED and serum
• Time of day to applyTwice a day after brushing teeth
• Duration20-minutes for 14 days
• Sensitivity levelMinimal
• Active ingredientsHydrogen peroxide
• Time frame for noticeable resultsOne to two days worth of treatments (two to four sessions)
• Why we love it
  • Whitening is noticeable after one to two treatments
  • Doesn’t need recharging
• Take note
  • Guard is uncomfortable and hard to hold in place
  • Applying the serum while maintaining dry teeth is tricky

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Though I found the Colgate max white LED teeth whitening kit the least enjoyable to use, it was also the most effective. You apply a clear serum to dry teeth (which requires tissue and some serious grimacing while you hold your lips back) before using an LED shield for 10 minutes

However, the whole process was uncomfortable. You have to clench your jaw to keep the LED shield in place, and I often had to adjust it. The process needs to be repeated twice daily after brushing your teeth, which is a little inconvenient, and it leaves a plastic film on the surface of your teeth. The brand says that you only need to rinse your mouth with water afterwards, but I found that it clings to your teeth. Every time I used this kit, I had to brush my teeth a second time to get rid of the serum.

That sounds like a lot of faff, but I can’t deny the effectiveness of the product. My teeth appeared brighter and whiter after just a couple of treatments, and, with the kit often on offer for less than £50, I think it’s worth the hassle. Just make sure you’ve got two weeks in which you can squeeze the daily 20-minute treatments

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• Bestfor fast teeth whitening
• TypeLED and gel
• Time of day to applyEvening
• Duration20-30 minutes for seven days
• Sensitivity levelNone
• Active ingredientsPhthalimidoperoxycaproic acid
• Time frame for noticeable resultsSeven days of treatments
• Why we love it
  • Leaves teeth looking pearly
  • Didn’t prompt any sensitivity during testing
• Take note
  • 30 minutes of wearing the guard becomes uncomfortable
  • Whitening isn’t as noticeable as kits with hydrogen peroxide

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Much like Spotlight’s LED mouthguard, this Icy Bear device is easy to wear, and the charge lasts for the full seven-day treatment. The application process is simple. All you have to do is inject one-third of a gel syringe in total across the top and bottom portions of the tray. After that, pop the tray in your mouth, activate the 10-minute LED treatment and sit for 10 to 20 minutes while the gel works its magic.

When you remove the mouthguard, you can see immediately that your teeth are glowing from the light-scattering titanium dioxide. This makes it a good choice if you want to brighten your teeth before an event

However, the effect is only temporary. My teeth lifted a shade between days one and seven, but the gel tended to sink to the bottom of the tray, so I don’t think the colour difference was as intense as it could have been

The final 10 minutes of wearing the tray may cause your jaw to clamp up, but the fact that the mouthguard can be separated from the battery pack makes this easy to clean. Overall, I think this kit is well-priced for what it offers, as I saw results over a relatively short period

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• Bestcomfortable teeth whitening kit
• TypeLED and gel
• Time of day to applyAfter brushing teeth
• Duration20 minutes for six days
• Sensitivity levelNone
• Active ingredients18 per cent phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid
• Time frame for noticeable resultsSix days of treatments
• Why we love it
  • Calcium, vitamin E and aloe vera minimise sensitivity
  • Comfortable to wear for 20 minutes
• Take note
  • Shade lift is subtle

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Renowned for its LED face mask, Currentbody also has an LED whitening kit. Having tested the brand’s series one, two, and anti-blemish face masks, I’m well acquainted with its expertise in all things red, near-infrared and blue light – and it’s these wavelengths that make Currentbody’s whitening approach unique

While the red and near-infrared light frequencies lower sensitivity by boosting cell renewal and healing, the blue light is designed to tackle oral bacteria to minimise bad breath. Together with the PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid), the kit is simultaneously tough on stains and gentle on enamel and gums. For me, Currentbody’s mouth tray was the comfiest I’ve tried, and the six-day use time wasn’t too long. Admittedly, 20 minutes is quite a long time to keep the device in your mouth but, given it’s wireless, it’s no hassle to watch TV or load a dishwasher while wearing it.

At the end of the testing period, the whiteness of my teeth had improved, and my results were similar to those on the brand’s website. The brilliance of the white had certainly been boosted, but the shade difference was fairly subtle. The kit includes enough gel doses for 12 sessions, so you can complete another full cycle further down the line

The kit is currently sold out, so make sure to sign up for an email notification to find out when it’s restocked

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• Bestteeth whitening kit for busy lifestyles
• TypeDissolving strips and serum pen
• Time of day to applyAfter cleaning teeth
• DurationFive minutes daily for 14 days
• Sensitivity levelNone
• Active ingredientsPhthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, mica
• Time frame for noticeable resultsOvernight for the pen, 14 days for the more long-lasting strip results
• Why we love it
  • Quick and easy to fit into your day-to-day routine
  • Refreshing mint flavour
  • Mica in whitening pen provides instance brilliance
• Take note
  • Difficult to fit strips to lower teeth
  • Dissolved strips feel gloopy
  • Subtle results

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This set includes both whitening strips and a whitening pen, so it’s excellent value. You get two products for less than the kits in most of this guide

The no-frills whitening strips are hassle-free. There’s no recharging, and you don’t need to play dentist with a collection of syringes. Simply apply two strips – one for the top row and one for the bottom row of teeth – and you’re good to go. That said, applying the bottom strip can be tricky, as saliva may cause it to dissolve too quickly. I also found I couldn’t talk without worrying about disturbing the gel. On the bright side, the pleasant mint flavour eliminates the need for rinsing after application.

As for the whitening pen, I used it at night and noticed a visible improvement in the brightness of my teeth by morning. However, the effect was more of a temporary glow rather than a lasting change

Long-term, I found the strips prevented dulling and gave my teeth an enhanced shine. That said, they might not be the best choice for those with deep-set stains from years of smoking or drinking coffee

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• Bestquick teeth whitening kit
• TypeWhitening strips
• Time of day to applyAny time after brushing
• Duration30 minutes daily for up to two weeks
• Sensitivity levelNone from ingredients, mild discomfort on removal
• Active ingredientsPhthalimidoperoxycaproic acid
• Time frame for noticeable resultsFive days
• Why we love it
  • Easy-to-use arched design hugs all teeth, even hard-to-reach areas
  • Brightened teeth in less than a week
  • Affordable and no LED guard required
• Take note
  • Strips can be tricky to remove due to strong adhesion
  • Residue left behind may need rinsing

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Gleam’s teeth whitening strips proved a fuss-free, budget-friendly option that still delivered noticeable results. Unlike many straight-cut strip designs, these come shaped to fit the natural curve of your teeth (specifically the bottom ones), so coverage is more thorough and crevice-to-crevice. The strips stay in place for the full 30-minute session, letting you multitask without worry

After around five days of use, there was a clear improvement in overall brightness, particularly near my gum line and between my teeth – areas where other strips have struggled. Though the removal process was a little sticky, any residue left behind was quickly rinsed away with water or mouthwash

With 14 treatments in a single pack, no LED gadgetry required, and an impressively even whitening result, Gleam’s strips are a strong contender for anyone after an easy, effective upgrade to their smile

Read my full Gleam teeth whitening kit review

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• Bestteeth whitening kit for oral health
• TypeToothpaste, pens and LED mouthguard
• Time of day to applyAfter cleaning teeth
• Duration15 minutes daily for 14 days (repeat every three months)
• Sensitivity levelNone
• Active ingredients0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide, phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, triclosan
• Time frame for noticeable resultsInstant superficial effect after using toothpaste, 14 days for the more long-lasting effects of the pen and LED
• Why we love it
  • Comfortable mouthguard
  • Three-pronged approach with PAP toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide and anti-bacterial serums
  • Three LED settings to accelerate whitening and boost gum health
• Take note
  • Shade difference isn’t hugely noticeable for the price
  • Can’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after use
  • Expensive

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Mahsa’s trio LED light activated three-in-one kit offers a sleek approach to oral health and aesthetics, targeting bad breath, food stains and mouth sensitivity. Created by Dr Mahsa Shoaie, it’s designed as a follow-up treatment to “enhance” and “maintain” results from her in-chair whitening procedure at her clinic, Nejati. However, I used this one as a standalone kit

As someone prone to dehydration – and the bad breath that comes with it – I enlisted my partner to help monitor any stale or sour mouth odours while I tested Mahsa’s oral serum pen and LED (red light mode) kit. Though not the most glamorous task, he was pleased to report no foul odours, even after I had coffee, which is usually the culprit

Thanks to the charcoal in the toothpaste, the kit provides an instant whitening boost by absorbing surface stains from things such as red wine and curry. The combination of a whitening pen and blue LED is key for more stubborn discolouration

The blue light is meant to speed up the hydrogen peroxide, breaking down stains, and, although I’ve experienced sensitivity from hydrogen peroxide in the past, I didn’t have any discomfort with Mahsa’s formula. This is likely due to the low concentration (0.1 per cent), which also explains the subtle results. Overall, Mahsa’s kit provided a gentle but effective approach. However, it’s expensive.

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Your questions about teeth whitening answered

What is the best at-home teeth whitening kit?

Overall, Smilepro’s LED and pen kit emerged as the best teeth whitening product, offering great value and effectiveness. Spotlight Oral Care’s strips and LED kit came in a close second, delivering noticeable results at a slightly higher price. For an affordable and quick solution, Colgate’s max white treatment was a strong contender. Meanwhile, Hismile provided an instant glow, and Icy Bear gave a pearly white finish, although neither kit led to a dramatic difference or long-lasting brightness.

How I tested the best teeth whitening kits

After reviewing negative customer feedback and narrowing down my selection of whitening products, I tested a shortlist of treatments over several months. I followed each brand’s guidelines and tailored my use to their instructions. I didn’t take ‘before and after’ photos during testing because, as my teeth became progressively whiter after testing consecutive products, the photos might have made the results of the first test appear better than they actually were. In reality, the first product I tested had more stains to work with, which made its initial effect seem more noticeable. For each formula, I paid attention to the following factors:

• Comfort: The mouth guards and whitening strips, in particular, needed to be comfortable for the duration of wear. If they don’t fit, it’s unlikely you’ll commit to the full cycle of treatments.
• Value for money:I assessed whether the difference in shade justified the high price of some whitening kits and whether those with more noticeable staining might be able to glean more value from in-dentist whitening.
• Sensitivity:Some of the kits left my teeth feeling more tender than others, so I considered whether these brands were suitable for those with enamel sensitivity or gingivitis.
• Design:While whitening strips are simple to store and use, LED kits can have issues with charging, and pens can leave you wondering if they work at all. I addressed the pros and cons of each whitening variety and compared the results in practice.
• Results:Ultimately, I wanted to find the kit that left my teeth looking the most brilliant in the least amount of time.

What are the main types of teeth whitening kits?

Teeth whitening kits can include whitening pens, powders, gels and strips. Strips are applied straight onto your teeth after you’ve brushed them, while powders can be applied with a toothbrush. Alternatively, whitening pens are portable and easy to use when you’re on the go. Some whitening treatments will come with a mouth tray and an LED light, which helps to speed up the whitening effect

What ingredients should you look for in a teeth whitening kit?

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are common active ingredients because of their bleaching effect on teeth. While at-home kits contain lower concentrations of peroxide than teeth whitening treatments from dentists, some people may be wary of the risks of using peroxide at home

These can include issues around sensitivity, which are caused by damage to the tooth enamel. If you want to go peroxide-free, consider formulas with other active ingredients, such as phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, pentasodium triphosphate, sodium chlorite or coconut oil, among others

Does whitening damage teeth?

To keep safely whiten your teeth at home, always follow the kit’s instructions closely. Don’t leave the product on longer than recommended, as it can irritate your gums. If that happens, stop using it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also advised not to use whitening kits

Are there any natural alternatives to teeth whitening?

Activated charcoal is a less synthetic solution than hydrogen peroxide. However, some el, so while it can whiten teeth, it can also damage them

How long will it take to whiten my teeth?

The amount of time it will take to whiten teeth will depend on the product and the amount of staining on your teeth. With most solutions, you’ll notice a difference after two weeks

How often can you whiten your teeth?

You can top up your whitening when you feel the initial effect has started to fade. How long this will take depends on your diet and dental care. Always check the instructions on the package, as each kit is different, and overuse of whitening kits can cause tooth sensitivity, inflamed gums and enamel erosion

Do LED teeth whitening kits work?

These kits use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit ultraviolet and infrared light. These lights, particularly UV light, activate teeth whitening agents – gels, for example – and are said to make them work faster. So, while the LED itself doesn’t whiten teeth, Dr Patel says “it helps speed up the whitening process”

Do teeth whitening strips work?

Teeth whitening strips work, but Dr Patel says “The results depend on the brand and how stained your teeth are to begin with.” He explained that while peroxide-based strips can brighten teeth over time, he warns that “They’re usually more effective for surface stains, rather than deep discolouration.”

Is teeth whitening safe?

Across both LED and strip-based teeth whitening, Dr Patel agrees that opting for a reputable brand and following its guidelines is crucial. “Some kits contain stronger whitening agents that could cause irritation or sensitivity, especially if used too often. It’s good to start slow,” he says

What causes teeth staining?

Many things cause teeth staining. Dr Patel warns against:

• Tea and coffee – “Tannins in these drinks stick to enamel and cause yellowing.”

• Red wine– “The deep colour and acidity can stain teeth over time.”

• Smoking – “Nicotine and tar turn teeth yellow and brown.”

• Sugary and acidic foods – “These weaken enamel, making teeth more prone to staining.”

• Poor oral hygiene – “If plaque builds up, stains can set in more easily.”

• Ageing– “Enamel naturally wears down over time, making the yellowish dentin underneath more visible.”

What can you eat and drink after teeth whitening?

Annoyingly, you need to be careful after teeth whitening, confirms Patel. “After whitening, your teeth are more porous, so it’s best to avoid stain-causing foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, red wine, and curry) for at least 24-48 hours. Stick to lighter-coloured foods like chicken, rice, and dairy, if you want to be extra careful.”

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

As a beauty writer, my years in product reviewing have left me well-informed about oral hygiene and dental aesthetics. When it came to assessing the best teeth whitening kits, I sought advice from an experienced dentist, combining his advice with real-world testing to find the formulas that are worth your time and money

The wider IndyBest team also offers further advice on oral care with tailored buying guides to advise on how to achieve the perfect smile. From best electric toothbrushes, best water flossers to even kids toothbrushes, our team strives to provide the best recommendations for oral health

Want to add extra oomph to your smile? These are thebest teeth whitening toothpastes

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