Illegal do it yourself teeth whitening kits can be purchased for as little as £20, and are also being administered by unqualified beauty therapists. The gels included in some illegal kits can often contain up to 300 times the legal limit of hydrogen peroxide.
Steve Williams, clinical services director at mydentist, says that illegal kits may seem cheaper in the moment, but their effects can cause long lasting damage and can be expensive to repair:
“It has been widely reported that people are resorting to either ordering whitening products over the internet or sourcing from beauticians offering these services – this is illegal as only dental professionals can carry out whitening.
“There are strict guidelines for dental professionals on which whitening products can be used and specifically on the strength of the gels. The main issue with illegal kits is that they aren’t adapted to the individual. A professional dentist will fit a custom tray that fits your mouth and this ensures the gel works more effectively and there is less likelihood of gel seeping out onto the gums, which is what causes damage to the mouth.”
What are some of the side effects of illegal teeth whitening?
- Blistering gums - When not conducted by a professional, the bleaching gel can leak out of the mouth guards and on to the gums. The high levels of bleach in the gel can then cause the gums to blister.
- Gum shrinking - If the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is too high, a common issue found with DIY kits, the soft tissue of the gum can be burnt causing gum recession, which is usually irreversible.
- Nerve damage - As the gum shrinks due to the bleach, this can expose the nerves inside, leading to sensitive teeth and pain.
Other side effects of these illegal DIY kits include: damage to tooth enamel, mouth infections, and stomach problems if a large amount of the gel is ingested.
Ashton Collins, director of Save Face, experts in non-surgical cosmetic procedures, commented on the rise of people seeking dangerous do it yourself treatments, saying:
“The continuing rise in the demand for the perfect smile has led to an increase in the number of people administering teeth whitening treatments at incredibly low prices. Whilst this might sound like good news for the consumer, unfortunately it’s far from it.
“We have seen a huge increase in beauty therapists and other unlicensed practitioners using social media to promote cut price treatments to unwitting consumers, many of whom will not be aware that it is illegal and will certainly not be aware of the risks involved.
“Teeth whitening procedures are costly for very good reasons. The expense involved in using quality products, providing excellent service and meeting the necessary safety requirements is significant, so in order to meet these costs, quality practitioners have to set their prices accordingly.
“Anyone considering having their teeth whitened should only have it done by a dentist or another regulated dental professional.”
For more information please visit www.mydentist.co.uk