Studies in April 2019 showed the many dangers of over the counter teeth whitening products. This attracted a lot of attention in the media and shocked many professional surgeries at the lengths many people will go to for cheap alternatives to teeth whitening, despite the health risks.

The study found that sodium chlorite, the active ingredient found in three over-the-counter products, could, in the presence of acid, ‘significantly reduce the hardness of the teeth and increase the likeliness for future surface abrasions of the teeth.’

In Altmetrics – the system that measures the online attention an article receives and citations – the story had received a very high score by 6 March 2019, made up of coverage in 116 news outlets including the ITV news, Sky News, BBC World Service, Radio 5 live Drive, and the Daily Mail and Independent newspapers.

The study set out to determine whether non-hydrogen peroxide OTC whitening products available in the UK were safe and to determine the lightening effect of those products.The researchers, led by the University of Manchester Dental School, tested five non-hydrogen peroxide whitening products from Boots and Superdrug on extracted teeth and found that three of the products had the active ingredient sodium chlorite that could reduce the hardness of teeth when acid was present while also raising the likelihood of future surface abrasions.

The BDA advised caution in using these products saying they could be either ineffective or damage teeth. In addition, use of products that contained other chemicals that claimed to whiten teeth often failed to declare the exact chemicals used.

The trade union said it was aware that trading standards had seized DIY tooth whitening kits containing dangerous levels of hydrogen peroxide – more than 33% – highlighting the dangers that high level bleaching gels could cause, such as mouth infections, blistering and burns to gums, damage to nerves and tooth enamel, and gum-shrinking.

The many symptoms listed are not inclusive as the high acidity levels in these products have left many patients with long lasting burns and scars, irreversible despite surgery. 

BDA Scientific Adviser Professor Damien Walmsley said: ‘At best, people may be wasting their money buying over the counter and online products to whiten teeth. 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.

‘Some online products have been found to contain dangerous chemicals, including toxic or banned substances that can severely burn gums, or irreparably damage teeth.

‘Dentists are trained to consider a patient’s wider health and detect problems, such as gum disease, that impact on the suitability of an individual to have their teeth whitened. They also know what whitening products are effective to use and safe for teeth and gums.’

It’s become a real worry for many dentists that patients seeking cheap alternatives to teeth whitening will end up with far worse oral health.