Dentists have warned people not to “gamble with their oral health” with dodgy whitening products sold online. An investigation found illegal treatments were on sale that could burn through gums and destroy teeth.
Some gels sold on social media contained more than 500 times the legal limit of bleaching agent for over-the-counter products, BBC North West found. In some cases, illegal products were handed over to reporters in car parks or on sellers’ doorstops.
The British Dental Association said it was “appalled but not surprised”.
The group’s chair, Eddie Crouch, said: “In the UK, only qualified dental professionals are allowed to carry out teeth whitening. In the wrong hands, teeth whitening can be extremely dangerous.
“It isn’t just the excruciating pain, or the burnt lips and gums, but also the fact that it can lead to nerve damage and even tooth loss.”
In the UK, treatments using products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only be carried out by dentists and other registered professionals.
Testing for the BBC found some “extreme” whitening kits contained more than 50% hydrogen peroxide.
The broadcaster also found a beautician in Merseyside advertising illegal products and training courses for fraudulent qualifications.
Mr Crouch said those selling illegal products seemed “undeterred by the prospect of a criminal record or a fine which, since 2016, can be an unlimited amount”.
He added: “We urge people not to gamble with their oral health and the Government to organise a crack-down on these dangerous practices and misselling as an urgent priority.”