The invention provides an orally acceptable tooth whitening gel wherein the gel comprises a hydrogen peroxide source, a silicone compound, a porous cross-linked polymer, and a nonionic surfactant, and exhibits a Herschel-Bulkley yield stress of 10 to 230 dynes/cm2, a Herschel-Bulkley viscosity of 3 to 500 poise, and a Herschel-Bulkley rate index of 0.4 to 0.6, the specific viscosity permitting efficient application of the gel, as well as methods of using the same.