When it comes to tooth whitening, what's all the fuss?

Jan 10, 2010

Editor's note: Helaine Smith's column, The Mouth Physician, appears regularly on the DrBicuspid.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion.

Teeth whitening continues to fascinate the public. It is the most frequent topic patients ask me about. This procedure generates lengthy phone conversations when they are booking the appointment. Additionally, news stations love reporting on mall-based whitening kiosks, presenting the pros and cons of having your teeth whitened by a nonprofessional.

Teeth-whitening kiosks and centers run by nondentists have popped up across the U.S. and in other countries, attracting attention because they offer a less expensive alternative to having the work done by a dentist. Procedures that might cost $400 to $500 at a dentist's office typically cost only about $100 to $140 at these centers. In addition, because of how they are (or aren't) classified by the FDA, there is no restriction on who can hand them out.

I understand dentists are concerned for the public's safety and the qualifications of the people who are providing these services, because they do not have dental training. But anyone can go to their local drug store and buy Crest White Strips and apply them to their teeth, and there are many infomercials on television through which you can buy trays loaded with the gel. Most over-the-counter teeth-whitening products use carbamide peroxide, which is not harmful. And while there are many over-the-counter antiaging products, they do not seem to have dermatologists in an uproar.

Last week I had a 24-year-old woman in for a routine prophy and check-up. Her gingiva was sloughing, and I began questioning her about her medications because her tissue looked very concerning. Finally she said, "I bought bleaching trays at Walmart and used them last night. My gums are sore."

Let's face it: the public has access to teeth whitening and we cannot stop it, nor should we. There are many larger areas of concern, and as dental health professionals we should be focused when it comes to legislation and public health safety. Whitening teeth is not what defines us as dental health professionals, and the media's and public's obsession with this topic lowers our status as mouth physicians if we let it become ours as well.

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.