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• Value: 18/20
• Functionality: 18/20
• Quality/Ease of Use: 19/20
• Aesthetics: 20/20
• Speed of Treatment: 20/20
TOTAL: 95/100
Forget Instagram face. These days, all the significant beauty trends are born on video platforms, and we’re here to kick the tires on a recent micro-trend we’re calling “TikTok teeth.” Thanks to a highly circulated viral TikTok video, hordes of people are heading online a to buy the Spotlight teeth-whitening pen (and once in the semi-privacy of their cars, brushing this solution on their teeth for instant brightening).
Since I live in Los Angeles, the land where high-definition cameras have made a blinding smile as necessary for survival as a reliable set of wheels, I had to visit two Ulta locations before I found a Spotlight pen in stock. Side note: I was pretty skeptical to start.
Even though I’d seen people get instant results using the pen on TikTok, I assumed it was some sort of camera manipulation. I was also apprehensive about trying anything that had enough bleaching agent in it to produce fast results. You see, years before, I used teeth whitening strips, which left my teeth permanently sensitive to temperatures. And besides, it wasn’t like I had a big toothy grin to show off anyway…so what’s the big deal if my teeth were a little coffee-stained?
Well, the deal became big (at least to me) when I started going out in public without a mask. Recently, I was headed to a friend’s pool party when I looked in the mirror—like really looked at my reflection for the first time in months—and thought, wait, when did my canines start to resemble the yellowed fangs of our family’s beloved (and now deceased) mastiff? So began my teeth-whitening journey.
And now, a word about my personal grooming habits to give you some additional context. If I had to choose one word to describe my beauty behavior that word would be “intermittent.” As in, the only thing I can remember to do daily is brush my teeth, and that’s thanks to childhood indoctrination.
Since the age of 11, I’ve been polymorphously perverse when it comes to beauty. I’ve had brief forays into scrupulously tending to my face, hair, cellulite, etc., but in terms of being committed to a regimen for an extended period of time? Not so much. Which is why I was enticed by the Spotlight pen’s promises of instant results and cumulative effects even when used sporadically. Add to that, the minty fresh flavor that claims to transmit a “light, just-brushed aroma” from your mouth and I had try it.
So, did it work? To my surprise, yes it did. After I pulled the silver pen from its recycled paper packaging, I twisted the base 20 (!) times to release the fluid onto the bristles. I just brushed a thin coat on my front and side teeth. (I didn’t bother with my molars because they aren’t really visible when I smile). Then, I held my mouth open for the recommended five minutes to let the solution dry. This is also when I learned that my drool reflex is very healthy and the only way I could stop from spitting up everywhere was to make loud sucking sounds as I waited for the time to elapse. My dogs looked at me in alarm as though I were some sort of zombie.
A few minutes in, my formerly yellowed teeth looked whiter overall, and in my case, my teeth on the sides more closely matched the bright porcelain hue of my front two crowns. As I splashed water from the sink onto my teeth to rinse off the solution, I marveled that my teeth didn’t feel sore, nor did my gums feel achy. And they did look brighter—even after just one application.
I’ve used the pen a few times over the past week and have come to look forward to this moment of self-care. It’s low lift and high reward. And the results aren't just anecdotal; there’s real science behind the pen. The hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbonate calcium in the formula have shown demonstrable results in clinical studies. Oh, and these whitening pens are part of a line of oral care products started by two dentist sisters in Ireland (who we love following on TikTok by the way). Thanks to them, I’m genuinely happy to smile at my maskless self in the mirror.
FAQs
In truth, most of the TikTok teeth whitening hacks popping up on your FYP will cause damage – sometimes irreversible. And whilst the thought of budget-friendly pearly whites may sound great, particularly in the lead up to Christmas, these are trends you seriously don't want to follow.
Does the teeth whitening pen really work? ›
How Effective Are They? When it comes to these pens' effectiveness, it really depends on your type of discoloration and the application process. First, not all stains are created equal: these bleaching agents will likely whiten yellow stains but probably won't whiten brown or grey stains.
What do Tiktokers use to whiten their teeth? ›
Clean Magic Eraser to whiten teeth. In the original video, the TikToker moistens a small piece of a Magic Eraser and rubs it on her teeth to remove stains. Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam, which uses a compound known as formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer.
What is the best tooth whitening product? ›
The Best Teeth Whitening Kits, According to Dentists
- OpalescenceGo Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays, Set of 10. ...
- Burst Prefilled Whitening Trays, Set of 3. ...
- PhilipsZoom NiteWhite Kit, Set of 3. ...
- Dr. ...
- Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
- Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
- Crest3D Whitestrips, Pack of 22.
Despite claims, purple toothpaste doesn't whiten teeth or remove stains. Purple toothpaste uses color theory to neutralize yellow teeth by applying purple dye to the teeth, giving the illusion of a whiter smile. This effect is temporary and won't whiten teeth over time.
Does purple toothpaste really whiten teeth? ›
Purple toothpaste is based on the principle of color theory, where the purple hue is supposed to neutralize yellow stains on teeth. While this might sound scientifically plausible, the reality is it's more of an optical illusion than an oral health solution. The effect is purely cosmetic and extremely temporary.
Can yellow teeth become white? ›
Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.
Are teeth whitening pens better than strips? ›
Teeth whitening pens are a convenient and affordable way to brighten teeth, but their effects may not be as immediately noticeable or long-lasting as those of traditional strips. Applying strips takes more time and effort, but they often provide better results than pens.
How fast do teeth whitening pens work? ›
Many people experience whitening after the first application. ✅ MOST POWERFUL WHITENING GEL - Experience up to an 8 shade whiter smile in 7 days with our enamel safe 35% carbamide peroxide formula. The same formula you'll find at the dentist.
What does Kim Kardashian use to whiten teeth? ›
Kim Kardashian turns her teeth temporarily purple as she promotes the V34 Colour Corrector Serum from the brand HiSmile. The reality star brushes her teeth with the paste, which she compares to purple shampoo.
Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:
Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.
Does lemon whiten your teeth? ›
Lemons contain high acid level in the peel, which is a great whitener or even bleaching agent. You can use the lemon in two different ways; use the lemon peel to rub on your teeth or squirt the lemon juice on your teeth. If you decide to use the juice of the lemon you will need to mix it with equal quantity of water.
What whitens teeth really fast? ›
A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide has been proven to work in some cases for instant results in a pinch. Combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda. Mix it until it becomes a paste and use it to brush your teeth.
Can baking soda whiten teeth? ›
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
What do doctors recommend for teeth whitening? ›
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.
Does the TikTok purple toothpaste work? ›
A caveat, though: While purple toothpaste can make your teeth look whiter, it's temporary. "The purple color doesn't actually whiten your teeth — it's an illusion," Michael Kosdon, a New York City–based cosmetic dentist, tells Yahoo Life.
Is the viral purple toothpaste safe? ›
Using purple toothpaste is fine for temporary whitening, but most people still need the cavity protection of fluoride. What good is having white teeth with cavities? Purple toothpaste is safe enough to replace your regular toothpaste. However, most brands do not include fluoride or other cavity-fighting ingredients.
How do the Kardashians get their teeth so white? ›
What Do The Kardashians Use To Whiten Their Teeth? The Kardashian clan often recommends using at-home teeth whitening kits for achieving a brighter smile. These teeth whitening systems can be purchased without a prescription and stand out from other similar products due to their unique, non-peroxide-based formulas.
