5th November 2025
You may have seen in the news recently, the BBC have uncovered a worrying rise in illegal teeth-whitening treatments being offered outside dental surgeries. These treatments use dangerously strong bleaching agents that can cause severe burns to gums, tooth damage, and lasting pain. This is the dark side of teeth whitening we unfortunately can’t control but can make pateints aware and knowledgeable.
Reporters of the BBC found that some whitening gels being sold online and on social media contained up to 500 times the legal limit of bleaching agents allowed in over-the-counter products. Laboratory tests confirmed that certain gels contained hydrogen peroxide levels as high as 53% — far exceeding the UK legal limit of 0.1% for consumer products and 6% for use by registered dental professionals.
In the UK, only dentists and dental care professionals registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) are legally permitted to carry out whitening using products stronger than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. Using stronger gels outside of these regulations is considered unlawful dentistry.
Undercover reporters also discovered fake “training courses” and certificates being sold online. Some individuals claimed to be able to teach teeth-whitening in just a few hours, supplying unlabelled syringes of bleaching gel and advising trainees to “practice on friends and family.”
One seller openly admitted that despite the 2012 law change limiting whitening to dental professionals, “everyone’s still doing it anyway.” These fraudulent operations boasted of “insane profits” while ignoring serious safety risks. Visit here to view the full article https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20z7xx6nr4o
If you come across whitening kits or training courses being sold online or through social media, you can report them to https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/
At Dartford Road Dental Centre, many patients choose professional teeth whitening to:
Enhance the overall appearance of their smile
Boost self-confidence
Achieve a younger, fresher look
Remove deep or stubborn stains that cannot be eliminated with routine cleaning or polishing
Professional whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile and rejuvenate your appearance under the care of our experienced dental team.
Before starting treatment, our team at Dartford Road Dental Centre will arrange a hygiene appointment to ensure your teeth are clean and free from tartar or debris.
We then take precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These are sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom-made, clear whitening trays are produced to fit your teeth comfortably and securely.
Around 10 days later, you’ll return to the practice to collect your trays, whitening gel, and full instructions. You’ll need to wear the trays with the whitening gel for at least two hours per day — many patients find it convenient to wear them overnight.
After 10–14 days of treatment, you will return for a review appointment so we can assess your progress and ensure you’re happy with your results. You have full control over how bright you would like your smile to be.
How does whitening work, and will it harm my teeth?The whitening gel used at Dartford Road Dental Centre contains active ingredients that release oxygen when in contact with your teeth. This oxygen passes through the enamel into the dentine, gently breaking down discolouration and whitening your teeth from the inside out.
When carried out by a dental professional, the process is completely safe and will not damage your enamel or tooth structure.
Most patients say their teeth feel exceptionally clean following whitening treatment. Interestingly, whitening gels were first developed in dentistry to improve gum health during orthodontic procedures, so they can also have a mild, beneficial effect on your gums.
A small number of patients may experience temporary sensitivity to cold during or after treatment. This is usually mild and short-lived. The sensitivity usually eases once whitening is completed.
Your brighter smile can last for two years or more, depending on your diet and lifestyle. Drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and cola can gradually cause some darkening over time. Many of our patients choose to carry out occasional top-up treatments to maintain their preferred shade.
Yes. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment often darken over time. In these cases, our dentists can whiten the tooth internally. A small portion of the filling is removed, and whitening gel is placed inside the tooth for one to two weeks. Once the desired colour is achieved, the gel is removed, and the space is sealed with a tooth-coloured filling material.
Professional teeth whitening, carried out safely under the supervision of a dentist, uses carefully regulated materials designed to protect your teeth and gums. A consultation with your dentist can also identify whether whitening is suitable for you — sometimes a simple clean and polish with our Hygienists is all that’s needed to brighten your smile. Visit here for further information https://www.drdc.co.uk/treatments/general-dentistry/hygiene/
Your oral health is too important to risk with unregulated products. Always trust our qualified Dentists for whitening treatments.
At Dartford Road Dental Centre, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile safely and effectively.
If you are interested in booking our ‘Black Friday Teeth Whitening Offer’ please contact our friendly team to book a consultation on 01322 223 927
We are happy to help if you have any questions or concerns - get in touch today with our easy to use contact form. Our friendly team is waiting to hear from you!
Areas we serve include Dartford, Crayford and surrounding areas
When to visit
We have early opening hours!
Monday 8.15am - 7pm (late evening appointment only)
Tuesday - Thursday 8.15am - 5.30pm
Friday 8.15am - 1.45pm
Saturday 9am - 1.45pm (appointment only)