Beware of DIY teeth whitening

If anyone has ever thought about teeth whitening, be careful.

I have just read that Trading Standards and the Border Force have confiscated 15,000 illegal kits destined for DIY teeth whitening.

They are finding that there are dangerously high levels of hydrogen peroxide in these kits which are being sold online.

Some imported kits seized by officials contained 33% peroxide but the legal limit is 6%.

DIY kits are legal, but anyone offering whitening services has to be supervised by a dentist, though hygienists can carry them out.

I have never used teeth whitening, but this would put me off now anyway.

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

Remember Pearl Drops you used to be able to buy, I wonder if they are still available?

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

Yes, it's well known it's bad for the gums if not properly applied.

If folk want it done, I personally would think them daft if they didn't go to the experts. Way to risky to do yourself.

Nowt like yellowing aged teeth showing tea/coffee/smoking/ravages of time stains anyway

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

I had a friend who cleaned her teeth with Vim, they all went black!

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

I remember Pearl Drops. I tend to use sandpaper and white gloss paint now. Just caused a pile up outside my house.

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

OMG!!!!

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

You can now buy Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder!!

Charcoal is very black and your teeth and mouth will be black before you rinse it of, not to mention the black sink which will need cleaning each time you use it

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

Pearl Drops is still available - slightly more abrasive than the standard stuff so use wisely. Same with Eucryl smoker's toothpaste - effective for non-smokers too.

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

IMO whitening is not good for your teeth whether it's DIY or from the dentist. I had some from the dentist a few years ago because I said a white filling he did looked a bit yellow. It makes the teeth look lovely and white but also made the enamel look more fragile or translucent in places and I thought a little sensitive. I didn't bother after 2 or 3 times because you have to stop drinking coffee and red wine and seemed like too much hard work when my teeth were white enough to start. I just had the filling replaced instead. I have never heard of it causing gum recession but it would not surprise me if it had additional adverse effects. At one point all dental surgeries were selling this, I'm sure it's a big earner because people have to keep going back. But over the counter kits are totally irresponsible.

Re: Beware of DIY teeth whitening

It lasts a few weeks in my experience but you're better off just getting a posh electric sonic toothbrush or going to the hygienist. Most people don't need it and it's totally oversold and over-hyped.