With statements like “Whiten teeth from the comfort of your home” or “Your dream smile is just an order away”, whitening teeth using over-the-counter teeth whitening products here in the UK, appears a formality. Or are we just paying for glorified toothpaste in fancy packaging?
In truth, the world of OTC whitening is a minefield of hype, half-truths, and maybe a little effectiveness. After all, it probably wouldn’t take too much digging around to find the latest questionable influencer ad complete with dodgy before-and-after photos.
So, before you blow your hard-earned money on another Instagram-worthy kit, let’s see what the dentists, scientists and regulatory bodies have to say.
EU Directives on OTC Teeth Whitening In The UK
Firstly, EU directives state that OTC teeth whitening products are legally limited to a maximum hydrogen peroxide concentration of just 0.1%, which in all reality is too low to produce a significant whitening effect.
The directive proves that most legally compliant OTC teeth whitening products provided in the UK cannot significantly whiten teeth.
Of course, this in itself throws up a problem…
Because whitening agent restrictions are so low, it’s opened up the market to a slew of ‘illegal’ products, many of which are not safe for purpose.
To put this into perspective…
- Nature published a BDJ (British Dental Journal) study on the dangers of teeth whitening products, which has recently sparked media interest.
The study highlighted:
How a team at the University of Manchester Dental School found that sodium chlorite, a salt present in some over-the-counter whitening products in the UK, can weaken teeth, erode enamel and make teeth vulnerable to cavities.
Another article in Which magazine incited multiple instances of OTC teeth-whitening disasters in the UK. One investigation found that two teeth whitening gels purchased from AliExpress contained dangerously high hydrogen peroxide levels—around 30%—which is 300 times the legal limit for direct-to-consumer sales.
Regulatory authorities in the UK have also recently seized DIY whitening kits containing dangerously high levels of hydrogen peroxide (over 33%), which could cause serious damage like enamel erosion and sore gums.
Moreover, an article from the BBC stated that 20 out of 36 whitening products purchased from online marketplaces exceeded the permitted 0.1% hydrogen peroxide limit for home use, with 11 containing over 6%, the maximum allowed for professional take-home teeth whitening.
But there’s another issue…
In order to skirt around EU directives, some manufacturers have turned to other options for teeth whitening. In 2019, Amazon withdrew a popular teeth-whitening kit after discovering it contained sodium perborate, a chemical banned in the EU for cosmetic use due to its potential harm to fertility and unborn babies.
The removal of this highly rated product, with over 800 reviews, further highlighted the need for consumers to proceed with extreme caution when purchasing over-the-counter teeth whitening products in the UK – particularly those bought online.
So, What’s the Solution? Are There Really Safer Alternatives to Over-the-counter Teeth Whitening Products That Actually Achieve Results?
In a word yes! Teeth whitening by a certified dentist combines the best of both worlds – safety and effectiveness. If someone is keen to whiten teeth in the comfort of their own home then dentist-led, take-home teeth whitening kits could be the answer.
So, what’s the difference between this and something you buy over the counter or online?
A take-home whitening kit purchased from your local dental clinic is essentially a fully customised whitening product. The treatment is often used as an adjunct to in-clinic dental bleaching for stubborn stains and sometimes as a standalone procedure for patients who prefer remote options.
Alternatively, when you purchase a whitening kit online, the product is often a one-size-fits-all solution that (if fully legal), contains whitening agents that are often insufficient to make a significant difference.
What are the Benefits of Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Supplied By Your Dentist?
Unlike generic products you can find on supermarket shelves or online portals, these kits are safe and geared towards delivering results. They are:
- Effective: They’re formulated with higher concentrations of whitening agents (6%), specifically hydrogen peroxide, to provide more noticeable and longer-lasting results.
- Safe: Professional oversight means you’re getting a product that’s safer and more tailored to your unique needs. Dentists can evaluate your oral health and complete all necessary fillings and teeth cleanings before the procedure.
- Professionally supported: If you ever encounter any issues during your treatment or have questions, your dentist is just a call away.
- Convenient and reassuring: You can whiten teeth at your own pace, in the comfort of your home, without worrying about scheduling multiple dental appointments or the side effects of the product.
How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
The primary active ingredient in most take-home whitening kits, and dentist-led kits are no exception, is hydrogen peroxide. Once applied to the surface of the teeth, the whitening agent starts to penetrate the porous tooth enamel, breaking down stain molecules and lifting them away.
- The dentist will create custom trays moulded to the shape of your teeth, ensuring that the whitening gel is applied evenly and effectively.
- You’ll get the whitening gel in tubes that are carefully measured to match the trays, making it easy for you to follow the treatment.
- You apply the gel to your custom trays and wear them as directed.
The Truth About Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening In The UK – The Takeaway
You don’t have to look far to see endless teeth bleaching products promising to give your teeth a flawless white finish but as you can see, navigating which products are safe to use can be a minefield. Therefore, it’s important to proceed with caution. Always check before you buy and avoid when the product’s ingredient list is vague, undisclosed and unquantified. If in doubt, consult your local dentists for guidance and advice.
If you really want a proven teeth whitening solution with the support and guidance of a dental professional, opt for take-home whitening kits supplied by your dentist. While they may be a little more expensive, they’re a safer and more effective way of getting the brighter, whiter smile you want.
If you’re not happy with your current smile, get in touch with your local dentist today. They can help you achieve the look you want without the worry or concern of whether you’re doing the right thing for your oral health.