Why teeth whitening is not healthy

NEARLY half the people who undergo teeth-whitening mistakenly believe it is good for oral health, a survey suggests.

The treatment, using bleaching gel, carries risks of burning gums, ulcers and increased sensitivity. For these reasons, only qualified dentists are permitted to carry out the cosmetic treatment.

A poll of 2,000 Britons by Bupa Dental Care found 40 per cent of those who underwent whitening did so to improve oral health. However, teeth colour gives little indication of gum disease – the top cause of tooth loss.