DIY Tooth Whitening is NOT the way! Advice from Absolute Dental.

I wonder if anyone saw the article in the Daily Mail yesterday (16/12/14) regarding the concerns of a leading dentist over DIY tooth whitening and also the products used to whiten teeth by non-dental professionals, it made very interesting, but concerning reading.

It is true that tooth whitening is now very popular with people looking to brighten their smile, but it is also true that in these current economic times people are looking for cheaper alternatives where possible - but the warning is, when it comes to tooth whitening, not all treatments are equal!

The promise a perfect smile at a fraction of the price of professional treatments appeals to many. But cheap tooth-whitening methods and DIY remedies can do permanent damage. Some are so harsh they strip away the enamel, leaving healthy young people with dull brown teeth usually only seen in the elderly. Ken Harris, a leading cosmetic dentist, said: ‘You only get so much enamel in your life and once it has gone, you are in serious trouble.’  

 

 

 

There are "old wives tales" that foods such as strawberries or lemon juice can whiten teeth, but these, and many over the counter tooth whitening kits are extremely unlikely to work.

 

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Dr Harris said he has even seen patients go to extreme lengths to cut costs – from scrubbing their teeth with Vim scouring powder to rinsing with Toilet Duck or Domestos! Those doing this are at risk of chemical burns and causing permanent damage to the enamel of their teeth

 

Dr Harris, who studied tooth-whitening for a master’s degree, warned that the budget bleaching sessions are at best useless and at worst dangerous. His research shows that only hydrogen peroxide and derivatives of it, such as carbamide peroxide, whiten teeth.

 

However, some non dental professionals who provide a tooth whitening treatment use chlorine dioxide, which is better known as swimming pool bleach. Martin Fallowfield, of the British Dental Association, called the use of swimming pool bleach as a whitener ‘very scary’.

 

The warning also extends to buying kits online. Some contain five times as much carbamide peroxide as needed.

 

He also said it is illegal for anyone other than a dentist to whiten teeth – but some beauty salons try to get around this by helping customers with the treatment rather than fully carrying it out.

So, our advice is that if you are thinking of brightening or whitening your teeth - speak to trained professionals who are interested in more than simply changing the shade of your teeth, but actually looking our for the long term health of your whole mouth - your dentist! If you would like more advice on our tooth whitening treatments, please call us on 01548 852165 or pop in to the practice today and speak to one of the team.