Lana Rozenberg, DDS, a New York City-based, board-certified cosmetic dentist, previously recommended Plus White‘s 5 Minute system because it causes “very little [tooth] sensitivity, [and they’re] less expensive than the strips but a bit easier, due to the trays,” she said. You’re not limited to the trays, however — you can also use a Q-tip or toothbrush if that’s easier.
Colgate’s Optic White Express Teeth Whitening Pen won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for many reasons — but let us just say, it’s especially handy for special occasion prep. The brand claims you’ll see whiter teeth in just one day — more specifically, after three applications — but, as always, the results are better with continued use. If you prefer to set it and forget it, Colgate also has an overnight version of its whitening pen that’s also on sale.
Shake, click, and brush. That’s all it takes with Moon’s Platinum Advanced Teeth Whitening Pen (which was co-created with Kendall Jenner), which is formulated with urea peroxide to be gentler on teeth, light-reflecting pigments for a brighter smile, and a blend of botanical extracts (lavender oil, strawberry, honeysuckle leaf) to cleanser, whiten, and soothe.
As someone who isn’t a fan of peroxide gels, Chrystle Cu, DDS, a board-certified dentist in San Mateo, California, and Cocofloss founder, recommends vVvardis’s White Enamel Serum. While it’s a splurge, it’s super gentle on enamel. “The formula’s primary brightening ingredient [Hydroxa-Peptide 500] is said to remineralize teeth, which improves enamel’s natural luster,” she explained.
Best Black Friday Electric Toothbrush Deals
Whatever helps you maintain healthy brushing habits (a.k.a. brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time), that’s what you should invest in. For those who need help keeping track of time or letting them know when they’re applying too much pressure, an electric toothbrush might be the way to go. “These are far more effective at removing plaque because they’re designed to gently massage teeth and gums correctly, and many now have a pressure sensor that warns you if you’re pressing too hard,” London-based periodontist Reena Wadia previously explained.
Here are four intelligent options from Oral-B (a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner), Moon, and Boka for everyday dental health maintenance.
Best Black Friday Water Flosser Deals
Traditional floss works perfectly fine — however, water flossers may make your life a little easier. These cordless options from Waterpik and SmileDirectClub (meaning they take up less bathroom countertop space) have two or three pressure modes to remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas, stimulate gums, and boost circulation.
And now, let’s watch a quick oral history lesson:
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