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  1. Home
  2. Safe Tooth Whitening

Safe Tooth Whitening

In the wrong hands, undergoing a relatively simple and safe tooth whitening treatment can turn into a terrifying ordeal.

We have seen first-hand the damage caused by unqualified persons carrying out tooth whitening illegally and by products which are highly toxic.  As a result, the Oral Health Foundation continues to lead and co-ordinate the Tooth Whitening Information Group. This is an alliance of professional bodies and manufacturers set up to tackle the key issues around safe tooth whitening.

We work with the beauty industry to communicate the illegalities of tooth whitening – which should only be carried out by a dental professional, dentist or dental hygienist operating under the direct supervision of a dentist. We also provide much needed clarity to the public about where we should be getting our teeth whitened.

The Tooth Whitening Information Group

The Tooth Whitening Information Group

The Tooth Whitening Information Group is an alliance of dental professional bodies and manufacturers set up to tackle the key issues and problems regarding tooth whitening. Read more

Published: 13th December, 2018

Updated: 14th January, 2019

Author: David Arnold

About tooth whitening

About tooth whitening

Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. Learn all about what tooth whitening involves and how to do it safely. Read more

Published: 12th December, 2018

Updated: 2nd November, 2022

Author: David Arnold

Tooth whitening and the law

Tooth whitening and the law

An EU Council Directive states that tooth whitening is an 'act of dentistry' and can only be carried out by a dental professional. It also made rulings on the strength of whitening products. Read more

Published: 12th December, 2018

Updated: 7th February, 2020

Author: David Arnold

Make a report

Make a report

Make a complaint if you have found an illegal tooth whitening product or have had treatment by somebody who is not lawfully qualified. You can also report companies that claim to train whitening technicians. Read more

Published: 10th December, 2018

Updated: 9th January, 2019

Author: David Arnold

FAQs for dental professionals

FAQs for dental professionals

We have put together a series of answers from the most common questions that dental professionals frequently ask us about tooth whitening. Read more

Published: 7th December, 2018

Updated: 2nd January, 2019

Author: Deleted User

FAQs for beauticians

FAQs for beauticians

There remains a considerable amount of confusion over what constitutes safe and legal tooth whitening. Here are some of the most common questions we get from beauticians about tooth whitening. Read more

Published: 5th December, 2018

Updated: 3rd January, 2019

Author: David Arnold

Tooth whitening in the news

Tooth whitening in the news

The latest news and updates on tooth whitening. All the top stories, articles and advice, including the most recent court cases featuring illegal tooth whitening activity. Read more

Published: 4th December, 2018

Updated: 9th January, 2019

Author: David Arnold

Our partners

Our partners

The Tooth Whitening Information Group is supported by a number of expert organisations that are passionate about communicating the benefits of safe tooth whitening. Read more

Published: 1st December, 2018

Updated: 3rd January, 2019

Author: Deleted User

Back to top

Latest

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  • Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention

    Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention

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  • Smile Month Prevention Pledge

    Smile Month Prevention Pledge

    Sign our Smile Month Prevention Pledge, to call for a healthier, fairer and more prevention-focused future.

  • Smile Month launches 50th campaign with nationwide Wall of Smiles celebration

    Smile Month launches 50th campaign with nationwide Wall of Smiles celebration

    The Oral Health Foundation is inviting people across the UK to share their smile and become part of a nationwide “Wall of Smiles” as Smile Month officially launches its 50th campaign today.

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    What to do after a tooth extraction

    General advice about what to do after having teeth taken out. Includes what precautions you should take and things to avoid.

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    Burning Mouth Syndrome can be an extremely uncomfortable condition which can have several potential causes.

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    Usually red or yellow in colour, mouth ulcers are painful sores that can appear inside the mouth and also on the outer lips.

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    Geographic tongue is a common condition which can appear on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface.

  • How to spot mouth cancer

    How to spot mouth cancer

    How much do you know about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer? By being Mouthaware you can make a difference in the fight against mouth cancer.

  • Wisdom teeth

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    The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth, often between 17 and 25 but sometime many years later.

  • Jaw problems and headaches

    Jaw problems and headaches

    Learn about jaw issues, their causes, and treatments. Find out how bite problems impact teeth, gums, TMJ, muscles, and lead to headaches.

  • Cracked teeth

    Cracked teeth

    There are several ways in which your tooth can crack or break and it is important that you get it seen to as soon as possible.

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    Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) is swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth.

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    Lichen planus is a disease which can affect the mouth and other areas of the body. Symptoms include white patches on the inside of the cheeks.

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