Dentists warn against tooth whitening ‘cowboys’

The British Dental Association is cautioning people who use unqualified dental operators for tooth whitening that they are “gambling with their health.” A recent survey found 77 per cent of dental professionals believe there is not enough public awareness around the legality and safety of whitening and at Ringley Park, we want to join our professional body and warn patients about the dangers of illegal teeth whitening and raise awareness of the hazards of DIY whitening kits.

It’s imperative that patients only use safety-proven products in consultation with their dentist or hygienist. A good example of why this is the case occurred in January 2019, when online retailer Amazon removed its best-selling whitening kit from sale, following reports it contained sodium perborate which has long been banned by the EU for cosmetic use. Before its removal from the site, the kit was Amazon’s top-selling teeth whitening product, with hundreds of reviews averaging nearly five stars.

There are severe consequences from illegal whitening, which is carried out by unregistered people, often beauty therapists. The user can suffer physical damage and those supplying treatments can even end up with a criminal record. The BDA’s scientific advisor Professor Damien Walmsley has warned against people wasting their money and risking their teeth by buying over the counter and online products to whiten teeth.

He explained: “Home whitening kits are likely to take longer and be less effective than treatment from the dentist. While hydrogen peroxide, as used in dental practices, is the gold standard for whitening teeth, the lack of clarity over chemicals used in over the counter and online products means you could be gambling with your teeth.”