A dentist has issued a stark warning about a dangerous online trend that claims to whiten teeth but could lead to serious health problems. Dr Vikas Prinja, known as @thelondondentist on TikTok, has urged people to avoid the 'peroxide mouthwash trend'.
He said: "Everyone wants white teeth, and dentists use the same ingredient [peroxide] to whiten your teeth in clinic, but is this safe? Peroxide needs to be at a high enough concentration to whiten your teeth. This sort of stuff is supposed to be diluted with water.
"When you use something that is that strong around your gums, it is going to gum burns. Peroxide is oxidising and when you use an oxidising mouthwash for too long you can get a condition called 'black hairy tongue'."
He then showed a tongue almost covered in a black substance. There is some NHS guidance that confirms this condition is treatable - but can cause anxiety over its appearance or an altered sense of taste.
In extremely high concentrations, Dr Prinja warned that the substance can "weaken the enamel", leading to issues like sensitivity, staining and increased susceptibility to tooth decay. Swallowing the strong chemical deemed "toxic" was also deemed as life-threatening.
To be safe, you should consult a dentist before starting a teeth whitening regime. They can check your oral health as well as recommend products and concentrations to use or avoid. Health experts advise that there are much safer options for those wanting to achieve a whiter smile.
What do dental professionals use for teeth whitening?
Dentists have a range of techniques for brightening teeth, including special bleaching gels and laser treatments. A notable point is that any legitimate dentist will be fully trained to administer these procedures safely in a hygienic setting.
According to the NHS website, teeth whitening can be legally performed by any dentist or by registered dental therapists and hygienists under the direction of a dentist, as long as they are registered members of the General Dental Council.
You can verify the credentials of a dental practitioner by searching their name in the online register on the General Dental Council website.
