Semisolid oral dispersions for whitening teeth comprising a hydrophilic discontinuous phase and a hydrophobic continuous phase. The semisolid oral dispersions include a hydrophilic discontinuous phase comprising bleaching agent particles. The semisolid oral dispersions also include a hydrophobic continuous phase comprising petrolatum. The h bleaching agent particles can include peroxide compounds and/or hydrogen peroxide adducts. The bleaching agent particle can have a solubility in water of at least about 20 parts, by weight of the particles, in about 100 parts, by weight, of water.