20 million people in the UK are leaving themselves open to illegal and potentially harmful tooth- whitening.
New survey data1 suggests more than one in four people (28 per cent) would not go to the dentist for their tooth whitening treatment and purchase home kits over the internet, visit beauticians and kiosks instead.
When asked who is qualified to carry out the treatment, 25 per cent of people believe beauty kiosk staff and beauticians can do so, a move rendered illegal on 31 October last year.
Under the European Council directive, tooth whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1 and six per cent hydrogen peroxide can now only be sold to a registered dental professional offering the treatment in their practice.
While 98 per cent of people in the survey correctly identified dentists as those able to carry out the treatment, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, issues a stern warning to anyone considering tooth whitening outside the dentist’s chair.
Dr Carter said: “There is no doubt tooth whitening is becoming more popular due to the sheer number of places you can now have it done. There is also no doubt a vast number of these are operating illegally and pose a significant health risk.
“Beauticians and those working in kiosks carry out the procedure without the correct training, qualifications or the expertise required. In many cases the tooth whitening agent contains hydrogen peroxide above the recommended limit, which can result in permanent damage.
“If it is carried out by someone who does not have the necessary qualifications, it can result in increased sensitivity and damage to gums. Crowns, bridges and denture teeth will not bleach, which is something the unqualified will miss. If it is carried out by the dentist they will use the time to examine for other problems.”
The clamour for whiter teeth has been driven by the desire for the celebrity look, with many people seeking the perfect smile. In fact, only last year the Foundation revealed the stigma attached to stained teeth, as it was voted second in a list of turn-offs in the opposite sex.
Dr Carter added: “There are a number of ways to stop your teeth from becoming stained and discoloured, reducing the need for tooth whitening. Smoking is a major culprit. Many smokers have yellow teeth due to the nicotine and tar content, and they can become brown if you’ve smoked over a prolonged period of time.
“Too much red wine, tea, coffee and blackcurrant can also lead to stained teeth. Cutting down on these things will stop your teeth becoming so discoloured you need a tooth whitening treatment. Although whitening toothpastes do not alter the natural colour of your teeth, they are more effective at removing staining.
“If you are considering getting your teeth whitened, there are now clear guidelines for everyone to follow when it comes to the procedure. It must be done in a dental practice. If you have any questions or need advice on tooth whitening, don’t take the cheap alternative in a kiosk. The Foundation’s Tell Me About leaflet offers basic, easy to understand information on the topic. The National Dental Helpline can also field any questions you may have.”
The survey questioned more than 2,000 people as part of National Smile Month 2013. Taking place from 20 May to 20 June, the campaign, sponsored by Listerine, Oral-B and Wrigley, encourages everyone to follow three basic rules for great oral health throughout life:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
- Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks
- Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
—ENDS—
1. If you were to have your teeth whitened which of the following places would you be mostly likely to get it done?
Source: Atomik Research on behalf of the British Dental Health Foundation, Feb 2013
Oral Health Foundation
The Oral Health Foundation is a charity that works to improve oral health by providing education, advice, and support to millions of people every year, changing lives for the better. Our mission is to support others in achieving a healthier life through better oral health. Our vision is to live in a world where everybody has a healthy mouth and is free of dental disease. Poor oral health can have a harmful and devastating effect on a person’s life – both for their physical health and mental wellbeing. We are determined to help more people achieve good oral health and have a better quality of life. Sadly, oral disease remains common, across the life course. We are taking the challenge to reduce the harm caused by poor oral health and the responsibility to create a healthier future for everybody. We do this because we believe that everybody deserves to have good oral health. To make sure this happens, by 2024, we will:
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• Work towards decreasing the prevalence of oral disease across communities.
• Increase the number of people accessing our help and information services.
• Diversify our range of resources to reach more communities.
• Successfully campaign for policies which help people achieve healthier lives.
• Generate new and nurture existing income streams that enable us to deliver our charitable objectives.
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• Running awareness campaigns like National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month.
• Giving anybody who needs it direct support through our Dental Helpline.
• Influencing policy on subjects like dental access, sugar, and tobacco.
• Providing consumer advice on oral health care products and working alongside manufacturers to make sure products do what they claim to do.
• Creating resources and information that communicates positive oral health messages.
• Working alongside others who share our passion for health and wellbeing.
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It is actually amazing that the majority still receive treatment from the dentist, there is obviously the point that dentists are able to use a peroxide based treatment which causes harm to the user, but gets the best results. We use LED non-peroxide treatment and I am not going to tell you it gives you a radical change in treatment but the user is always safe “long term” and the results are progressively very good
on June 3, 2013 at 12:50 pm Leeds Teeth WhiteningI would never choose to whiten my teeth. I don’t want to take risks with my teeth
on June 14, 2013 at 12:23 pm Dantu balinimasSome people are doing this because they found this cheaper that healthy one. But it is strange that some other people without knowing that they are doing this illegal process that is at higher cost. This is a informative post for them.
on June 25, 2013 at 12:57 pm JenniferVery informative post! There are various teeth whitening options but choosing the right one difficult. So, it is wise to take proper information before selecting for any whitening treatment.
on October 1, 2013 at 8:49 am Teeth WhiteningI know that many teeth whitening is dangerous and contains hydrogen peroxide. Even those done at the dentist contains hydrogen peroxide. I will use the new tooth bleaching from Stella White who is who strips you have on your teeth and it does not contain hydrogen peroxide. It works great in my opinion. So some teeth whitening may well be better than others. 🙂
on July 25, 2014 at 11:39 am AliceHuh! Thank God!
on August 1, 2015 at 11:32 am SonalThat I was directed to a professional and reputed doctor. All thanks to my mother and her friend’s circle. The dental clinic my mother choose for my tooth whitening was “The Dental Roots” clinic in Gurgaon.
It was a totally amazing experience in the clinic, if am not mistaken the dentist name was Dr. Sethi, he has some really nice skills in starting conversation with kids.
I’ll recommend parents and other individualsto go this highly experienced doctor in Gurgaon.
Thanks to my doc
Good Luck
Cheers!