The Pros and Cons of Different Tooth Whitening Procedures, According to a Dentist

“If someone is not happy with the brightness of their teeth, I suggest that they first go to the dentist and check that their enamel is intact,” says Jennifer Jablow, DDS, Dentist in New York City. “If you have very thin, translucent, worn down enamel, you’re not going to get the results for whitening anyway, so you might as well not use it.”

It’s also important for your dentist to make sure your gums are healthy, and to check for open cavities. If whitening peroxide gets into cavity openings, it may cause problems. Whether you chose an OTC whitening option or opt for an in-office procedure, it’s important to understand that all forms of teeth whitening require maintenance. Learn how to cope with sensitive teeth after whitening here.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Brittany Doohan

Brittany Doohan was the Content Director at HealthiNation and is currently the Editorial Director at Medscape. Through her work with Medscape, she won a Silver Telly Award in May 2022 for "Sleepless Nation: A Public Health Epidemic — Episode 2: A Decade Without a Diagnosis." She has worked in health journalism and video production for more than 8 years, and loves the challenge of explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand and creative way.

Reviewed by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts