Warning against DIY teeth whitening kits
In light of the growing popularity of teeth whitening treatments, dentists have issued a warning against DIY home whitening kits.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people visiting their dentist in a bid to get whiter teeth, as well as a huge increase in the number of whitening products available in pharmacies and online shops. Many of the professional treatments are very effective and completely safe, but they can be expensive, which makes them inaccessible for people who do not have a lot of extra money to spend. As a result of this, more and more people are trying alternative methods to whiten their teeth, including DIY home whitening kits.
Home whitening kits are available from most dentists and have a good track record; but now, many people are buying cheap kits online and these can be potentially very harmful. Writing in the Daily Mail, Anna Maxted told the tale of how she became obsessed with a quick fix whitening treatment, which involved placing strips on the teeth for 5 minutes at a time; Maxted became hooked and was frequently disappearing to put the strips on her teeth to give them an almost fluorescent appearance.
Dentist Martin Fallowfield, a spokesman from the British Dental Association, said that many DIY teeth kits that are available online and in beauty salons contain chlorine dioxide, which is the same chemical that is used to clean swimming pools. Often, the substance is not listed on the packaging and patients are consequently unaware that they are putting their health at risk. According to Mr Fallowfield, chlorine dioxide achieves the whitening effect by scratching the surface of the teeth; in the long-term, the enamel covering of the teeth is damaged, which means that the teeth become sensitive and susceptible to decay and damage.
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