The demand for tooth whitening treatment has boomed in recent years, in part, driven by the rise of pearly white smiles seen on our TV screens and on social media.  Our research shows that whiter teeth come top of most people’s smile wish list and may lead to a boost in confidence and self-esteem.  Like all medical procedures, however, tooth whitening is not without danger.     Before embarking on tooth whitening treatment, it is important to do your research.  By knowing more about tooth whitening, you

In the UK, there are laws for what strength of tooth whitening product can be used, and who and carry it out. Tooth whitening gel that is too strong, or applied by unqualified people, can be extremely unsafe and cause severe and long-term complications for your mouth. In a summary of the regulations, products containing or releasing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide (the common bleaching agent used in whitening gel) can be used, if: Products of this strength are sold only to qualified dental practitioners.

Like all medical procedures, tooth whitening carries some element of risk.  That’s why it’s important to discover how you can achieve that whiter smile in the safest way possible. If you are thinking about having tooth whitening there are some essential rules to follow, as well as some dangerous pitfalls to avoid.  There are also some actions you can take at home that might mean you no longer feel the need to have treatment. Tooth whitening in professional hands When it comes to tooth whitening,

Professional tooth whitening is a complex procedure which involves the use of powerful chemicals that can do harm to your teeth and gums if not used properly. It’s for this reason that tooth whitening carried out in the wrong hands is so dangerous. Due to the strong chemicals, when tooth whitening goes wrong it can cause the following issues: Chemical burns to the gums Blisters on the gums Ulceration of the gums, mouth and throat Swollen lips Putting your smile in danger is never worth

The number of adults choosing to have orthodontic treatment in the UK is growing.  When done correctly, orthodontics can transform the appearance of the smile.  This can have benefits for both a person’s physical health and mental wellbeing.      Orthodontic treatment is complicated and needs a specialist understanding of where teeth can be moved to, and how.  In the wrong hands, orthodontic treatment can cause serious and permanent damage to the teeth and jaw, so it’s important to do your research and choose the safest

Tooth jewellery is the act of placing individual jewels onto the outer surface of the teeth. There are two main types of tooth jewels: Twinkles A collection of yellow and white gold jewellery with some including gems such as diamonds. Dental gems A range of glass crystals fixed to the tooth. Tooth jewellery is not advised by dental professionals and can cause damage to the teeth. The General Dental Council (the UK’s dental regulator) views the application of tooth jewellery as the practice of dentistry. 

Oral piercings are any piercings that are attached to, or in the mouth. This includes the tongue, lips, and cheeks. As the stud or ring is pierced to soft tissue, oral piercings pose a far greater risk to your health than those on other parts of the body.   This is because they are difficult to care for and are more prone to infection. Oral piercings are not considered safe and are not recommended. If you are still considering an oral piercing, it is important to

Mouth tattoos refer to any tattoo inside the mouth or on the lips. This can be either on the palate (roof of the mouth) or cheek, however, the most popular place is the inside of the bottom lip. Some people also have lip tattoos around the edge of the mouth as a way of having permanent ‘lip liner’.  This would also be classed as a mouth tattoo. Health advice on mouth tattoos Because of the potential harm to your health, mouth tattoos are never recommended.

Grillz are removable decorative tooth covers. They are often made of gold, silver or jewel-encrusted precious metals that snap over one or more teeth. They have been around in some form for thousands of years as a way of showing social status but made their way into mainstream pop culture in the early 1980s. They’re still worn today by many celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Jay-Z. Grillz are often used as a form of self-expression and identity, and an opportunity

Many sports pose a potential danger for your mouth when there is a chance of other people, or objects, coming into contact with it.  This is just as true for non-contact sports as it is for those sports that have contact. Looking after your mouth and oral health when playing sport is important.  The good news is that during this time, there are some easy and effective steps to help protect your teeth and gums and keep your smile safe. Common mouth injuries in sport