Some truths about teeth whitening

Whilst the British Dental Association has made every effort to address the misconceptions surrounding teeth whitening, some people may still be in need of clarity on a variety of aspects.

Over the counter/online kits are easy to buy

Without a clear indication of the contents of these products, and their strength, they cannot be guaranteed safe. The whitening agent used is bleach, so if the strength is too great, the bleach could damage your oral health, including burning your gums. At least ask your dentist for advice before you buy.

I will have a ‘Hollywood’ smile

Not everyone can achieve this. You may not be aware, for example, that you have gum disease. Only a dentist can examine your mouth to advise you on whether you’re a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. With today’s social media being a part of so many people’s daily life, it seems easy to fall for the claims that some products can achieve wonderful results. Trust the oral health professionals.

It’s cheaper abroad

Again, the advertising for much cheaper dental care abroad can be very convincing. Why not combine dental treatment with a holiday? Well, the answer is that it may cost you far more than the treatment and the holiday combined. You need to know how any problems will be resolved if your treatment doesn’t go well. The answer is not the NHS, and once a dentist takes on a patient who is suffering as a result of treatment abroad, they are accepting responsibility. Read the stories told by those who have been damaged by dental treatment in other countries.

I can do it myself

There are recipes for teeth whitening which you can find easily on the internet. But they don’t mention the risks. Common versions include lemon, apple cider vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. They seem genuine, but in reality, these ingredients are likely to do more harm than good. Vinegar and lemon both constrain acid which erodes your tooth enamel. Bicarbonate of soda is abrasive and can weaken tooth enamel. Measured against this, the chances of these recipes whitening our teeth are negligible.