Tooth whitening treatments that ‘burn gums and destroy teeth’ are being administered illegally across the UK, according to a BBC investigation.
The report revealed that some tooth whitening gels contain more than 500 times the legal limit of bleaching agent for over-the-counter products. These illegal products were found for sale on social media, sometimes being handed over in carparks and on doorsteps.
UK law states that products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only be administered by General Dental Council (GDC) registered dental professionals. Products for use by registered professionals are also limited to a 6% bleaching agent concentration.
However, the investigator was able to obtain a fraudulent whitening qualification and purchase gel with up to a 53% peroxide content. They were also given a ‘training course’ in the form of a series of messages sent via Whatsapp and advised to ‘practise on family and friends’.
Advertising the benefits of the illegal treatments, the provider said ‘it’s really cheap to do and the profit is insane’.
‘I was in agony’
One patient reported losing four teeth after she paid £65 for tooth whitening treatment at a beauty salon in Lancaster. She said pain began shortly after the treatment and ‘got worse and worse’ as time went on.
The patient said it had taken years and tens of thousands of pounds to repair the damage caused. Her dentist informed her that only the removal of four teeth would cure her pain.
The beautician who administered the treatment was ordered to pay £250 compensation for unlawfully practising dentistry.
There have been no successful prosecutions brought forward by the GDC since 2021, relying on customers reporting malpractice. A GDC spokesperson said: ‘The GDC’s investigations are reactive, rather than proactive, in line with our statutory remit and objectives.’
‘Nerve damage and even tooth loss’
The British Dental Association (BDA) said it was ‘appalled but not surprised’ at the results of the investigation.
BDA chair Eddie Crouch said: ‘In the UK, only qualified dental professionals are allowed to carry out teeth whitening. In the wrong hands, teeth whitening can be extremely dangerous. It isn’t just the excruciating pain, or the burnt lips and gums, but also the fact that it can lead to nerve damage and even tooth loss.
‘The BBC’s investigation has found that these illegal teeth whitening providers are undeterred by the prospect of a criminal record or a fine which, since 2016, can be an unlimited amount. The risk must seem worth the reward to these fraudsters.
‘We urge people not to gamble with their oral health and the government to organise a crack-down on these dangerous practices and mis-selling as an urgent priority.’
‘Deeply concerning’
Nyree Whitley, chief clinical officer at Mydentist, commented: ‘The recent investigations revealing dangerously high levels of bleaching agents in some over-the-counter tooth whitening products is deeply concerning. Patient safety must always come first, and these findings highlight the risks of unsupervised cosmetic treatments.
‘Whitening treatments should always be professionally supervised. When whitening gels are used incorrectly, or contain illegal concentrations of active ingredients, they can cause serious harm including chemical burns, enamel damage, and long-term sensitivity.
‘Patients should always check that a treatment is being delivered or prescribed by a registered dental professional, in order to achieve a brighter smile without putting oral health at risk.’
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