Tooth Whitening

I wrote a blog in March about cheap tooth whitening and how you should always have whitening done under the prescription of a dentist. In general it is safe and effective when used correctly and plenty have research has shown this to be the case. Although I have used whitening in the past I do not offer it to my patients but refer them back to their general dentist for the procedure.

I feel it is time to comment again, not least because there is someone locally who is offering cheap tooth whitening illegally, a situation which is being repeated around the country. There have been adverts in local magazines and makeshift billboards in the verges on the approach to Wetherby. Looking at the website they seem to have done some research and explain, along with some out-of-context quotes, that in their opinion it is not illegal, but they seem to have overlooked some pertinent points.

The General Dental Council (GDC) regulate dentists and dental professionals and are very clear about what constitutes illegal dentistry. They even have a page dedicated to the practise of tooth whitening. They say "The practice [sic] of dentistry is limited to GDC registrants. It is the Council’s view that applying materials and carrying out procedures designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth amounts to the practice of dentistry. So too does the giving of clinical advice about such procedures. Therefore all tooth whitening procedures, including bleach and laser treatment, are seen as the practice of dentistry by the General Dental Council." I have now alerted the GDC to the operations of this salon but until they investigate the salon continues to operate. The GDC recently prosecuted successfully for illegal practise against a similar type of clinic.


What is concerning in particular is that illegal dental procedures are putting patient's dental and general health at risk. As dentists we train for at least five years which includes diagnosing dental disease like decay or gum disease and understanding why teeth may be discoloured. We have rafts of legislation we have to adhere to both personally and with our practices and make sure we keep up to date with current treatments and guidance. How can someone who is not a dentist (or dental professional) and has had one day of training be sure that there is no dental disease before they whiten and how can they identify fillings or crowns which will not change colour? Are they aware of cross-infection control procedures which are used to prevent spread of disease, including serious conditions like Hepatitis B and HIV? How are they cleaning equipment after use and disposing of contaminated materials like gloves? 


I should mention that there is a legal issue surrounding the use of hydrogen peroxide products to whiten teeth, due to the fact that whitening agents are classed as cosmetics (read to the lower part of the page), even when used by dentists, which is how these salons think they can get away with it and why some dentists are not offering whitening at the current time. Some illegal clinics are not using peroxide based agents, but it is unclear exactly what they are using and whether it has been correctly tested. As peroxide is the most effective agent, at the right concentrations, are the results with something else going to be satisfactory? Promising "10 shades whiter" with a single treatment is totally unrealistic as a dentist would know.


So please, if you are considering getting your teeth whitened DO NOT visit the salon offering tooth whitening at what seems like a good price. Similarly do not use that Groupon offer that seems too good to be true. At worst you could end up with damage to your teeth or even an unwanted infection, at best you will probably be disappointed with the results and will have wasted your money. Please don't buy whitening gel on the internet either, it is often fake and is usually not subject to strict quality control. Go and visit your own dentist and discuss the options, and please tell your friends too and spread the word.