British Dental Association warns that over the counter teeth whitening kits might not be safe

The products you can buy online or from high street shops often fail to declare the precise chemicals used so it’s very difficult to assess their safety. Because of this they should not be considered safe.

What problems can you experience when using DIY teeth whitening kits?

1. Tummy upsets from swallowing the teeth whitening gel
2. Damage to your teeth due to high acidity or abrasiveness
3. Spotted teeth due to uneven spread of teeth whitening gel
4. If you use too much bleach it can cause extreme tooth sensitivity, and possibly damage to the nerve.
5. If you have active periodontal disease you may notice that your gums shrink.
6. If you have deep cavities, the bleach can have a direct route to the blood vessels and nerves, causing toothache.

Before considering DIY teeth whitening speak to your dentist as they have a range of easy teeth whitening solutions available.

1. Whitening Strips are mouldable plastic strips containing the optimum amount of whitening gel, which simply, safely, and effectively whitens your teeth. With a unique gentle whitening formula that helps to limit tooth sensitivity, these enamel-safe professional whitening strips are designed to follow the contour of your teeth, enabling you to safely and comfortably achieve whiter teeth by applying the strips for 60+ minutes once a day for 14 days.

2 Professional whitening gel delivered in prefilled, disposable trays, Opalescence Go features the enhanced UltraFit™ tray and can deliver dramatic results in as a little as 15 minutes per day.  The UltraFit tray sets Opalescence Go apart with its unique material that warms with the temperature of the body so that it comfortably moulds and adapts to any patient’s smile​ for an even more effective and enjoyable whitening experience. With no impressions, models, or lab time required, Opalescence Go is the professional alternative to less-effective over-the-counter options and is an excellent introduction to whitening as well as a perfect follow-up to in-office whitening.

3. Home Whitening:

The dentist will make a mould of your teeth and then provide you with the whitening material. It is essential that you get this material from the dentist, as too high a concentration will damage your teeth. It is illegal to get bleaching materials from anywhere else except a licensed dentist including beauty salons. You then need to sleep with the mould for 2 weeks or until you have the desired result.This is an easy teeth whitening that works. Patient are happy when their teeth is 10-12 shades lighter.

2. In Surgery bleaching

Another option to get your teeth whitened is to have in surgery whitening. This requires you to first undertake home whitening and then have a dental appointment where the dentist will apply a higher concentration of the whitening gel. The appointment will take an hour and guarantees to leave you with brighter and whiter teeth. The product that the dentist will use is called “Enlighten” and was voted the best tooth-whitening product in 2012.

With prices ranging from £38.50 to £575 your dental practice have a teeth whitening treatment affordable for you.