Home Tooth Whitening Kits

Is a home whitening kit safe? Or is it a dangerous way to whiten teeth? 

The cosmetic dental experts at LCCD discuss important changes and reveal the safest and most effective teeth whitening treatments you can trust! 

Are home tooth whitening kits safe? 

While teeth whitening strips and kits might be all over social media, recent press about at-home tooth whitening kits and harmful whitening gel has raised real red flags about their safety. 

Leading to discomfort and confusion about how to gain a brighter smile in the comfort of your own home. 

But what evidence about out-of-clinic teeth whitening has been raised?

The University of Manchester Dental School, commissioned by The British Dental Bleaching Society

Perhaps the study that raised the issue initially, this 2019 study concluded that at-home whitening kits can damage the tooth enamel and increase sensitivity.

The University of Manchester tested five at-home teeth whitening kits and found that the products used to stimulate the whitening process significantly reduced the hardness of the teeth and substantially damaged the dental surfaces.

Which? 

A 2021 study from Which was widely reported by the BBC and found similar results – dangerous levels of bleaching chemical that can burn gums and cause tooth loss.

From those investigated, 20 products out of 36 tested had illegal levels of bleach, and the worst had more than 300 times the recommended amount of hydrogen peroxide.

UK Trading Standards 

Persisting long after initially raised as an area of concern, UK Trading Standards have also suggested that as of 2024, up to 90% of the tooth whitening kits delivered via the post are actively unsafe. 

Why are home tooth whitening kits unsafe? 

If you choose to buy a more economical teeth whitening kit at home, there are multiple levels of potential risks, including: 

• Incredibly high levels of bleaching agents 

To make them safe, the UK has guidance limiting hydrogen peroxide levels over 0.1% for at-home teeth whitening products. 

Shockingly, products sold to UK patients have included 30.7% hydrogen peroxide – over 300 times the safe limit. 

• Non-hydrogen chemicals used for teeth whitening 

As an alternative to hydrogen-based whitening, sodium chlorite, sodium carbonate peroxide, and other hydrogen peroxide-free products are also hitting the market. 

However, these chemicals have had very little research and can also affect the strength of teeth and make it more likely you will suffer from surface abrasions in the future. 

• Added chemicals which can also cause issues 

Alongside the bleaching ingredients, other chemical ingredients are included within the product to improve the product in other ways. 

For example, to boost whitening gel stability and thickness and how it can adhere to the teeth, carbopol is often added. 

Plus, thanks to issues with clear labelling, it can be very hard to find out what other active ingredients are included with teeth whitening gels, strips, or aligners. 

Signs of damage from teeth whitening kits 

• Mouth infections
• Blistering 
• Burns to gums
• Damage to nerves and tooth enamel
• Gum-shrinking
• Abrasions to and loss of tooth enamel
• Tooth loss 

How to avoid a brighter smile without the risk

The simplest way to avoid the risks of an at-home teeth whitening kit is to opt for professional whitening at your nearest practice. 

Ideal for keeping teeth whitening safe, choose from at-home or in-surgery teeth whitening that reduces surface stains, delivers longer-lasting results, and also brings complete peace of mind! 

So, instead of searching for the best teeth whitening kits online, contact your local, expert cosmetic dentist for industry-leading whitening treatments. 

Contact LCCD for teeth whitening 

Dr Mervyn Druian, principal dentist at The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, and his team offer brighter teeth for all – including those with sensitive teeth – with professional teeth whitening in London. 

With over 30 years of experience providing bespoke dental care for patients of all ages, we can deliver whiter teeth and a stunning smile in just a few sessions.

For a smile makeover consultation or to learn more about your options, call us on 0207 722 1235 or fill in our contact form, and we’ll get back to you.