Q: Is it safe to use DIY home kits?
A: You shouldn’t whiten your teeth at home with a product you’ve purchased over the internet or the like; you have no idea how much active chemical is in it – too much and it could be dangerous.
Q: what does getting my teeth whitened at a dentist involve?
A: It involves a number of visits to your dentist. They’ll take an impression of your teeth to make a mouthguard and will instruct you how to use it with a whitening gel. Using your mouthguard at home, you regularly apply the gel over a period of time agreed on with your dentist.
Q: Are there risks to tooth whitening?
A: If you have sensitive gums the whitening agent can burn them. Your dentist should assess your suitability for whitening before starting the process.
Q: How long will your teeth stay whiter?
A: Tooth whitening can last anything from a few months up to about three years, depending on how you look after your teeth. Smoking, drinking red wine, tea and coffee all stain the teeth.
Q: What questions should you ask before agreeing to tooth whitening?
A: If in doubt about the legality of the provider, ask for the Dental Council Registration Number.
Ask for the product used and its concentration.
If a light is being used ask why – it’s not effective.
Any concerns: contact the Irish Medicines Board at cosmetics@imb.ie
Useful teeth whitening information
- Irish Dental Association on breeches of tooth whitening regulation: http://www.dentist.ie/latest-news/dentists-highlight-potential-breaches-of-new-tooth-whitening-regulations-.6268.html
- NHS UK, Q & A on teeth whitening: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/teeth-whitening.aspx
- Great article on Teeth whitening in the Irish Examiner: http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/why-more-and-more-people-are-getting-their-teeth-whitened-335018.html
