8 Teeth Whitening Strips For A White Smile & All FAQs, Answered

According to top dentist, Dr Richard Marques at Wimpole Street Dental, you'll want to check the ingredients to make sure you're using the most effective strips. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the safest and most effective chemicals to whiten teeth when formulated properly. "Some methods do use other agents such as sodium perborate but these are generally considered less effective," he says.

Can whitening strips ruin your teeth?

While the majority of whitening strips are safe, using them too often can damage the enamel on your teeth as well as the dentin underneath. “Overuse can cause the enamel to become thinner, eroding the protective layer and leading to sensitivity,” confirms Dr Wilczynski. The ingredients used can also cause gum irritation and teeth sensitivity, which should subside as soon as you stop using the strips.

What are the strongest whitening strips?

Dr Krystyna explains that over-the-counter whitening strips can legally only sell products containing 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide, so it's a no-brainer that you will not achieve the same results as professional products. Dentists can prescribe up to 6% of the bleaching agent, following a consultation and hygienist appointment.

You may have heard of people buying stronger teeth whitening strips from America, and wondered why we can't get the equivalent here? “Over-the-counter whitening strips can contain up to 10% hydrogen peroxide in the US,” says Dr Wilczynski. “But when used incorrectly or too frequently, these levels can cause damage to the gums and inside the mouth, as well as cause further damage to cavities and hypersensitivity.” Not recommended, then.

Can I get Crest White Strips in the UK?

Crest Strips are the most popular teeth whitening strips in the USA. While there are some websites that claim to stock Crest White Strips in the UK, as mentioned above, the level of hydrogen peroxide used in Crest Strips is above the UK legal limit. This means any UK stockist is either breaking the law by supplying a controlled substance, or selling a knock-off.

Are teeth whitening strips worth it?

If achieving whiter teeth is a priority for you, your oral care routine is as good as it can be, and you don't have the budget for professional whitening, then teeth whitening strips might be the best short-term solution for you. After all, it's been shown that being self-conscious about your teeth can have a negative impact on your mental health, inhibiting the impulse to smile, meaning you end up smiling less.

Open to giving strips a try? See below for a selection of the best teeth whitening strips that pass UK regulations...

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