Best teeth whitening kits of 2025 to give yourself a brighter smile at home (2025)

Whether it’s the prevalence of luminous gnashers on TV and social media or the Zoom effect, but according to a survey on Dentistry, 43 per cent of UK respondents wanted to improve their teeth with whitening, veneers or Invisalign.

We Brits have not always had the best reputation for our pearly whites, quite the opposite in fact.

The stereotype for those of us residing on UK shores was that of an Austin Powers-like smile with crooked misalignment, discolouration and questionable dental health. But the tides have turned and for those looking to transform the tint of their teeth, it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg in professional dentist treatments for a Hollywood sheen.

There’s just something about a gleaming bright smile that can bring a confidence boost. Still, for those of us with a penchant for red wine, coffee or a naturally yellow tint, we had to choose between painful enamel-destroying at-home treatments or costly in-clinic alternatives. This is no longer the case and it has never been easier to grin from ear to ear with whitened gnashers.

The main whitening product used is hydrogen peroxide, although there are innovative alternatives that are kinder on the enamel. In the UK, it is only legal to sell 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide products versus the 6 per cent in professional dentist treatments.

“Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures” explains Dr Raj Juneja, Principal Dentist at Face Teeth Smile Dental Clinic. “This is because it is the least invasive way of improving the shade of your teeth, requiring no drilling of the teeth”.

Teeth whitening kits will not be for everyone. It is important to first visit a dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums are in good nick. “We need to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy to be able to receive the whitening before you embark on treatment,” says Dr Safa Al-Naher, the director and principal dentist of Serene Dentist. “The only people who will know if you are ready for a tooth whitening treatment is a dental professional, either a dentist or a hygiene therapist”.

She continues, “There is a very small chance that you might have an allergic reaction - dentists will know how to deal with any issues you might have”.

This is emphasised by Payal Bhalla, Lead Dentist and Clinical Director of Quest Dental “Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste, may be less effective and potentially harmful if not used properly. These products can cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and even damage to the enamel if overused or applied incorrectly”.

Dr Bhalla breaks it down. “Home teeth whitening kits typically work by using a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to remove surface stains from the teeth. These kits usually come in the form of whitening strips, gels, or trays”.

First, he dives into teeth whitening strips. “Whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic strips coated with a peroxide-based gel that you apply directly to the teeth. The strips are left on for a specified amount of time, usually around 30 minutes, and then removed”.

Next up is the gels. “Whitening gels come in small syringes and are applied to the teeth using a brush or tray. The gel is left on for a specified amount of time, usually around 30 minutes, and then rinsed off. Whitening trays are custom-fitted to your teeth and are filled with a peroxide-based gel. You wear the trays for a specified amount of time, usually several hours, each day for a period of several days or weeks”.

Quite simply, “Yes” reveals Dr Bhalla. “Teeth whitening kits can remove stains from the surface of your teeth. The bleaching agent in the whitening kit, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, penetrates the porous outer layer of your teeth and breaks down the stain molecules, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile”.

To be more specific, the dentist explains, “There are two main types of stains that can occur on teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are typically caused by consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, or by smoking. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, occur beneath the surface of the teeth and may be caused by certain medications, trauma, or excessive fluoride exposure”.

Dr Raj Juneja believes that the former extrinsic stains may be more challenging to remove and thus may require “visiting your dentist or hygienist beforehand to have the teeth cleaned and polished”.

It may not be as immediate as you like. “The length of time it takes for home teeth whitening kits to work can vary depending on the type of product and the severity of the staining on your teeth,” says Dr Bhalla. “In general, most home teeth whitening kits take several days to a few weeks to achieve noticeable results. Whitening strips, for example, are typically used for 30 minutes a day for a period of two weeks, while whitening gels and trays may be used for several hours a day for a period of several days to a few weeks”.

“I often recommend patients not whiten their teeth more than every three months per course of whitening” advises Dr Juneja. “The frequency of when teeth should be whitened is often a personal choice by patients and down to their lifestyle. For example, patients who smoke, drink excessive amounts of coffee or regularly have staining foods may have to whiten more often”.

Dr Bhalla says that you must pay close attention to the information provided by the brand. “It’s generally recommended to whiten your teeth no more than once every six months to a year, as excessive or frequent whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity and damage to the enamel. If you’re using an over-the-counter whitening product, such as whitening strips or toothpaste, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and not to overuse the product”.

Shop the best at-home teeth whitening kits below