British dentists issue a warning about teeth whitening products on the streets

By Sally Wardle, Correspondent of the Health and Science Press Association

Studies suggest that over-the-counter teeth whitening products could damage teeth.

According to early findings published in the British Dental Journal, some products available in the shopping streets would reduce the hardness of enamel.

The British Dental Association (BDA) urged consumers to exercise caution and not play with the health of their smiles.

Five bleaching products without hydrogen peroxide from Boots and Superdrug were tested in the study.

The researchers found that three of the products contained an active ingredient, sodium chlorite, which reduced the hardness of teeth in the presence of acid.

It also increased the chances of future surface abrasions.

"All bleaching products are not identical and are not all safe," said Dr. Joseph Greenwall-Cohen, lead author, of the University of Manchester's School of Dentistry.

"It is essential that the public be aware of it and be more cautious in the selection of whitening or bleaching products to be applied to the teeth."

The BDA also warned that many over-the-counter products containing hydrogen peroxide, used by dentists to whiten teeth, were ineffective.

It is illegal for the amount of hydrogen peroxide to be greater than 0.1%, but the BDA has stated that it is too weak at this level to make a difference.

Professor Damien Walmsley, BDA's Scientific Advisor, said, "At best, people are wasting their money by buying over-the-counter and on-line products to whiten their teeth.

"Home whitening kits are likely to take longer and be less effective than a treatment at the dentist.

"While hydrogen peroxide, as it is used in dental practices, is the gold standard for teeth whitening, the lack of clarity of over-the-counter and on-line chemicals." means you can play with your teeth. "

The British Dental Bleaching Association said: "We are concerned that the over-the-counter products included in the study could be harmful to the teeth and we advise the general public to consult their dentist if they plan to whiten their teeth. "

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