Beware of Illegal Teeth Whitening: What You Need to Know

Teeth whitening has grown immensely in popularity, with many people of all ages seeking a brighter, whiter, smile. With Christmas now just around the corner demand for teeth whitening will spike as more patients start to think about Christmas parties and festivities and want to look their very best for all the fun times ahead! However, as demand rises, so does the number of illegal and unregulated teeth whitening services. At Horbury Dental Care & Implant Clinic in Wakefield, we want to keep our community safe and informed about the potential dangers of non-professional teeth whitening. Here are the warning signs of offers that are too good to be true, and why you should always visit a registered dentist for safe and effective treatment.

1. Understanding the Risks of Illegal Teeth Whitening

Unregulated teeth whitening often uses untrained technicians and potentially harmful products. Many illegal practitioners operate in beauty salons, home setups, shopping-centre pop-ups or other non-medical environments. These providers typically do not have the proper qualifications or access to safe, dental-grade whitening agents, which can lead to significant health issues, including gum damage, enamel erosion, and painful chemical burns.

In the UK, teeth whitening is considered a dental procedure and should legally only be performed by a General Dental Council (GDC) registered dentist or a qualified dental professional under the supervision of a dentist. This regulation is in place to protect you, as dental professionals are trained to assess your oral health and ensure that the treatment is appropriate for you.

2. Warning Signs of Unsafe Whitening Services

While some providers may claim to offer professional-grade services, there are several warning signs to help you spot an unsafe teeth whitening offer:

• Unlicensed Providers: Only GDC-registered dentists and qualified dental professionals can perform teeth whitening in the UK. If a provider cannot show proof of GDC registration, it’s a red flag.
• Non-Dental Settings: Teeth whitening should only be carried out in a dental clinic or approved dental setting. If the treatment is offered in a beauty salon, spa, or private home, the provider is likely not adhering to safe, regulated practices.
• Suspiciously Low Prices: Professional teeth whitening involves high-quality products, specialized equipment, and skilled practitioners. If the price seems significantly lower than what you would expect from a licensed dentist, it may indicate that corners are being cut on quality, safety, or both.
• High-Strength Peroxide Gels: Unlicensed providers may use gels with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which can cause severe burns and irritation to your gums and mouth. Our Dentists at Horbury only use regulated gels and ensure that the application is safe and controlled, minimising the risk of side effects.
• Lack of Consultation or Medical History: A professional dentist will always take a detailed medical history and conduct an oral exam before proceeding with whitening. This ensures that there are no underlying issues, such as decay or gum disease, which could be worsened by whitening. If a provider skips this step, it is a major warning sign.

3. The Benefits of Going to a Registered Dentist

When you visit a GDC-registered dentist at Horbury Dental Care, you can trust that your treatment will be safe and effective. Professional teeth whitening is tailored to your unique dental profile, ensuring the best possible results without compromising your oral health. Our Dentists use carefully regulated products and custom-fitted trays that minimize contact with the gums and other sensitive areas, reducing the risk of burns or irritation.

Moreover, our dentists are qualified to address any potential complications that may arise during treatment, from sensitivity to uneven whitening. If an unregulated provider damages your teeth or gums, it could lead to lasting issues that require further treatment from a dentist.

Choose Safety First

While an attractive smile is a wonderful goal, it’s essential to prioritize your health and safety. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true and only trust your smile to registered professionals. At Horbury Dental Care & Implant Clinic, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile in a safe, professional environment. Our practice, conveniently located in Wakefield, has been providing teeth whitening to patients from all over West Yorkshire, including; Alverthorpe, Netherton, Sandal, Flanshaw, Ackworth & Darrington, Glasshouton, Netherton & Middlestown, Walton, Wooley & Bretton, Crofton, Wrenthorpe & Kirkhamgate, Outwood and beyond, for many many years.

Contact us today to learn more about our teeth whitening options and book your teeth whitening in time for the Christmas party season!