DT News - UK - One in four patients would skip dentist for tooth whitening

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 27 May 2013

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RUGBY – Tooth whitening is becoming increasingly popular. Last week, UK health authorities voiced concerns about illegal and potentially harmful tooth-whitening services in the country, as a survey had shown that over 25 per cent of the participants would choose to purchase home kits or visit beauticians rather than consult a dentist to have their teeth whitened.

The study involved 2,000 UK citizens, who were asked where they would most likely have their teeth whitened. Although the majority (72 per cent) said that they would visit the dentist for such a treatment, over 20 per cent stated that they would rather buy at-home whitening kits on the Internet or from a pharmacy.

In addition, about 2 per cent considered beauty shops and high-street kiosks safe places for tooth whitening. When asked about who they believe is qualified to carry out such treatment, 25 per cent of the participants stated that beauty kiosk staff and beauticians are capable of doing so, although a law established in October last year rendered this illegal.

The law was passed as a result of the European Council’s directive that tooth-whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1 and 6 per cent hydrogen peroxide may only be sold to a registered dental professional offering the treatment in his or her practice.

“Beauticians and those working in kiosks carry out the procedure without the correct training, qualifications or the expertise required. In many cases, the tooth-whitening agent contains hydrogen peroxide above the recommended limit, which can result in permanent damage,” warned Dr Nigel Carter, OBE, CEO of the British Dental Health Foundation.

The survey was carried out in February by online market research company Atomik Research on behalf of the British Dental Health Foundation. It was commissioned as part of National Smile Month, the largest oral health campaign in the UK, which is run annually from 20 May to 20 June. The campaign is sponsored by Listerine, Oral-B and Wrigley.

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