The Dangers of Teeth Whitening

Posted on: March 19, 2021

The Dangers of Teeth Whitening

In light of World Oral Health Day (Saturday 20th March), we wanted to delve into dental treatments that are becoming more and more popular everyday and ensure patients are taking the right precautions when looking for a practitioner.

Looking after your mouth is important to us, and unfortunately there are a high number of beauty salons across the country that offer teeth whitening treatments, despite the fact that it’s been illegal for anyone non-dentistry related to offer this treatment since 2011. Yes – illegal!

A poll conducted in 2017 found that nearly a quarter of the UK population had had tooth whitening treatment. Of those, 42% admitted to having had it done illegally*(1). But why is this so dangerous?

Examples of gum burns caused by whitening agents by a non-medical professional.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, believes that most remain unaware of the dangers associated with the procedure while the allure of a cheaper solution often causes customers to seek unlicensed treatment.

Dr Carter said: “These companies offer cheaper tooth whitening treatment which could be very appealing, especially for younger people with lower incomes, while the very fact that they are carrying out and advertising these services is only perpetuating the belief that it is a perfectly normal practice.

“When done incorrectly, tooth whitening can lead to severe chemical burns and the possibility of permanent scarring, tooth loss and in extreme cases affect the ability to eat and even breathe.”*(1).

Why should you go to a dentist for teeth whitening?⁣

1) No dentist = illegal – In 2011 it became illegal for anyone other than dental professionals (including hygienists) to carry out teeth whitening treatments in their clinics or salons (under the Dentists Act 1984).⁣

2) Lack of expertise – The British Dental Association warns that non-dentists are at risk of causing permanent damage to the teeth and gums due to lack of training and understanding of the chemicals used.⁣ ⁣

3) Non-dental professionals are unable to legally purchase the best teeth whitening agents – Dental professionals are allowed to offer teeth whitening treatment to anyone over the age of 18 with products containing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide. If you are a non-dental professional, you are only able to purchase products with less that 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide. So, not only is it less safe, but you also will not get the desired results*(2).

4) Banned chemicals – Studies have shown that many products bought online or in high street shops can contain sodium perborate. This chemical is banned for use in cosmetic products by the EU due to its links to infertility and foetal abnormalities*(3).

So, next time you think about choosing whitening treatment because the price seems low – think again. The only way to truly ensure safe treatment is to visit a dental professional.

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*(1) https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/single-adults-leading-growth-in-uks-illegal-tooth-whitening-industry-study-finds#:~:text=The%20nationwide%20poll%20found%20that,of%20people%20in%20a%20relationship.

*(2) https://www.dentalhealth.org/tooth-whitening-and-the-law

*(3) 5 Live Investigates – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34257444

https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/single-adults-leading-growth-in-uks-illegal-tooth-whitening-industry-study-finds#:~:text=The%20nationwide%20poll%20found%20that,of%20people%20in%20a%20relationship.

Gum burn imagery can be found at https://www.realself.com/question/humble-tx-zoom-whitening-chemical-burns-gums-long-heals

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