Disclosed herein are compositions that can rapidly evolve oxygen and/or activated oxygen generally including an oxidizing agent (e.g., a peroxide) and an activating agent that has an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm (e.g., Eosin B, Eosin Y, or Erythrosine B). Methods of employing these compositions to whiten teeth, and methods of making these compositions and kits that include some or part of the composition ingredients, are also described.