- What we do
- Campaigns and advocacy
- Priorities
- Improving oral health
- Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening by a dentist (or under the prescription of a dentist) is the only safe and effective way to ensure your oral health is protected.
The problem
Products between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be supplied by a dentist and a clinical examination must be undertaken before use.
UK regulations make no distinction between in-surgery whitening and the provision of home whitening kits. Due to serious concerns regarding the safety of sodium perborate and chlorine dioxide-based whitening products, these whitening agents should not be used.
The solution
Teeth whitening should only be carried out by regulated dental professionals. Anyone who practises dentistry illegally risks being prosecuted by the General Dental Council in the criminal courts.
Our impact
We worked to remove onerous restrictions, so dentists can carry out procedures in-line with accepted clinical practice.
Tools and support
Our Library holds a wealth of resources on teeth whitening, including books for loan, eBooks, and a round-up of journal articles and research. Our free teeth whitening poster is also available to put up in your surgery, available to print out in colour or black and white, highlighting top tips on teeth whitening.
The General Dental Council provides information for patients on teeth whitening including a patient leaflet.
