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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? ›
DIY Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening
Some TikTokers are using 3% hydrogen peroxide to whiten their teeth, which can cause gum irritation and long-term sensitivity. This is not a safe way to achieve professional whitening results cheaply.
How long do teeth whitening pens take to work? ›
Made to remove years of stains in just 1 week,* this enamel-safe, teeth whitening pen features a precision brush that dispenses a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel directly on the surface of each tooth with just the click of a pen.
Does purple toothpaste actually whiten yellow teeth? ›
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.
Which whitening pen works best? ›
In This Article. Our favorite teeth whitening pen is the VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pen. It's affordable, quick, easy to apply, features a brush-tip applicator for precise gel distribution, and most importantly, it delivers visible results fast. If you're prone to sensitivity, we recommend trying the Lumineux Bright Pen ...
Can yellow teeth become white? ›
2. Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
Are teeth whitening pens better than strips? ›
Quality Of Ingredients
In general, whitening pens contain higher-quality ingredients than strips. This means that a pen provides better coverage and more effective results in an easier way.
Can a magic eraser whiten teeth? ›
Safer alternatives
Magic Eraser may be a good stain remover for your stove, sink and walls, but not your teeth, says Josi Stephenson, DDS, health center dentist.
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda can help get rid of plaque that's on your teeth while hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that can whiten your teeth and keep them free of germs. When you mix these two together, you'll create a paste-like substance.
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.
Do I brush my teeth after whitening pen? ›
Do you need to brush your teeth before eating in the morning after using the pen? We recommend brushing your teeth before eating as the formula will still have a layer of film on your teeth.
Can you use teeth whitening pens everyday? ›
The Crest 3DWhite Whitening Pen is enamel safe for daily use, for best results apply 2X a day for 14 days. The Crest Whitening Pen helps erase surface stains and uses the same whitening ingredient that dentists use. Keep one in your bag, bathroom or travel kit for daily, on-the-go whitening!
Does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is a common and effective active ingredient in many commercial teeth whitening solutions. Products containing peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, act as bleaching agents to change the color of the teeth.
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.
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.
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.
