Only dentists in Australia are permitted to use whitening products containing more than 6% hydrogen peroxide. According to a 2020 Australian Dental Association survey of 25,000 people, one-in-five people in Australia choose to bleach their teeth.

However, according to the survey, less than half did so under the supervision of a dentist.

53% of those who whitened their teeth used kits purchased online, at a supermarket, or at a pharmacy, and nearly 66% of survey respondents said they were unaware of the risks of whitening their teeth without consulting a dentist.

According to Professor Walsh of the Australian Dental Association, the dangers of teeth whitening products range from sensitive teeth to chemical burns on the cheeks and gums.Only dentists, he said, could manage these risks and determine which patients would benefit from teeth whitening products. “The majority of people doing at-home whitening will have stains from their diet, such as tea or coffee, and that’s easily removed with a professional clean,” he said.

More than a third of those polled said they whitened their teeth about twice a year, and slightly more than a quarter said they did so every two weeks.

A recent study led by the University of Toronto discovered that teeth-whitening gels can reduce the protein content of tooth enamel by half. The study, published in Nature Scientific Reports in August, discovered that applying a 10% carbamide peroxide gel to teeth reduces the protein content of the enamel by up to 50%. Carbamide peroxide gel in a 35% concentration is available for purchase online.

Because fillings and some teeth stains do not respond to bleaching products, it is best to seek the advice of a dental professional before bleaching your teeth.