TikTok Trend Sees Teens Bleaching Teeth With Three Per Cent Hydrogen Peroxide
John V.
Posted On September 10, 2020
Dental hygienist Anna Middeleton and specialist Dr Reena Wadia warned that while teeth will appear whiter they could eventually loosen and fall out!
Users from the US and the UK have revealed how they buy hydrogen peroxide, one of the active whitening agents used in over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening products and apply the chemical directly onto their teeth to achieve a brighter smile.
Dental experts have warned against a potentially ‘extremely harmful’ new TikTok beauty trend which sees users bleaching their own teeth at home.
Dental hygienist Anna Middeleton and specialist Dr Reena Wadia warned that while teeth will appear whiter they could eventually loosen and fall out!
Among them is 18-year-old Claudia, from Essex, whose video of the process has racked up nearly 3 million views on the video sharing platform. The teenager bought a £4 bottle of hydrogen peroxide from eBay and used a cotton bud to apply the liquid directly to her teeth for up to one minute.
The bottle contained 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide – 30 times the amount allowed in over-the-counter and regulated online teeth whitening products.
She also said she was delighted with the results of the DIY procedure.
Dental experts warned using undiluted hydrogen peroxide in strong concentrations in this way poses significant risk to long-term oral health. The substance can cause sever gum damage, which can eventually lead to tooth loss, as well as damage the enamel and tooth sensitivity.
Severe gum issues can even lead to teeth falling out.
‘Gums and bone hold your teeth in place so there is no point having white teeth if they start loosening up, changing position and eventually fall out.
‘Professional teeth whitening involves supervision from a dental professional who can oversee the whole process.
‘This allows you to have the very best whitening result while ensuring that no harm is being done.’
However following backlash from her original video, Claudia shared a statement in which she pointed out that Crest whitening strips use 14 per cent of hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide can also lead to increased tooth sensitivity, particularly when used over a longer term.
While the ingredient does not damage enamel when applied alongside a mixing agent, there are risks if it is used as an undiluted solution.
