very expensive, ineffective and sometimes dangerous to health, according to 60 million consumers

Expensive, ineffective and sometimes dangerous to health, dental whitening products should be used sparingly and in a medical setting, according to the magazine’s survey 60 Million consumers published in a special issue Thursday, September 8.

The fashion for white teeth and star smiles is pushing consumers to use products purchased on the Internet or to make homemade products, instead of going to a dental office. But 60 Millions of consumers recalls that these whitening products contain doses of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide (the two products used to lighten teeth) well above legal standards.

The magazine points out that legislation prohibits, in the European Union, dental products with a hydrogen peroxide concentration greater than 6%. Only dental surgeons can apply products containing 0.1 to 6% hydrogen peroxide or 0.3 to 16% carbamide peroxide. Products sold directly to consumers, in Internet pharmacies or in smile bars, must remain below the 0.1% mark (and 0.3% for carbamide) because they are not without danger.

The magazine 60 Millions of consumers points to several problems. Some patients may suffer from dental hypersensitivity during installation. The products also risk aggravating an existing undiagnosed condition. Finally, too much frequency of use presents the risk of damaging the enamel of the teeth. The magazine also notes that the LED lamps sold with certain products dry out the teeth which become clearer. But they will return to their original color quickly.

Finally, 60 Millions of consumers highlights the disparate costs of the various solutions. Between 500 and 1,200 euros in practice, depending on the notoriety and location of the dental surgeon, a few tens of euros for products sold on the Internet, and 50 to more than 500 euros in smile bars.