THE DARK SIDE OF DENTAL BEAUTY – TOOTH WHITENING

 
 

Tooth whitening remains one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the UK. With the cost of living sky-high, it is understandable why people might be tempted by cheap deals offered by someone who is not a registered dentist in unregulated environments such as beauty salons, shopping centres or even homes. These services may use unlicensed practitioners using up to 300 times the legal limit of bleaching products.

Whilst seeking a brighter, whiter smile, those using these illegal tooth-whitening services are risking various complications such as excruciating pain, swellings, blisters, third-degree burns and a lifetime of tooth sensitivity. Consumers may also face exposure to unregulated products and chemicals, which can put their oral health at risk.

 

In the UK it is illegal to perform tooth whitening services unless you are a registered dental professional. Dental professionals are qualified to carry out teeth whitening which is both safe and effective. The General Dental Council regulates the procedure to ensure that all practitioners follow strict professional standards.  Beauticians and non-dental practitioners are often unaware that they are breaking the law by offering these services and have been assured that the products are legal by the supplier, which they are not.

 

It is important to raise awareness of the dangers of illegal tooth whitening by informing individuals of the risks that unlicensed professionals and non-compliant products can pose to their health. This empowers them to make informed decisions when considering teeth whitening.

 

Legal Teeth Whitening VS Illegal Teeth Whitening

Legal

  • A full dental examination by a GDC-registered dentist must be carried out to ensure the teeth and gums are healthy before any teeth whitening can commence.

  • Individual treatment plan which can be adjusted if required.

  • Bespoke whitening trays which target your teeth and protect your gums.

  • Regulated prescription-only whitening gel that contains up to 6% hydrogen peroxide (16% carbamide peroxide).

  • Aftercare and advice on maintaining a healthy smile.

Illegal

  • No dental examination before treatment.

  • Products containing up to 300 times the legal limit of hydrogen peroxide.

  • Poor fitting generic whitening trays which allow whitening gel to leak onto the gums.

  • Treatment by someone with no dental training.

  • No aftercare.

Opting for teeth whitening by an unregistered non-dental professional is extremely risky. In the short term, you may find initially you save money but long term your oral health is being put in jeopardy. If you are considering teeth whitening opt for a qualified registered dental professional who will be able to provide you with a safe and effective treatment that long term your smile will thank you for.

S3 Dental London is currently registering new private patients. For more information please WhatsApp 01444 722021

Dental treatments available at S3 Dental Eltham

⁃ Composite Bonding / Composite Veneers
⁃ Teeth Whitening
⁃ Smile Makeovers (Porcelain Veneers)
⁃ Dental Implants including fill mouth rehabilitation using the ‘All On Four Method’.
⁃ Teeth Straightening using Clear Aligners

Sooki Reeves