Teeth Whitening: What You Need to Know

Health

Dr Randhir Seewoodharry Buguth
Senior Dental Surgeon (UK)

The quest for a whiter smile began approximately 3,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. At the time, a paste made of ground pumice stone mixed with white vinegar was used to achieve temporary results. By 1840, fluoride was introduced to maintain dental health; however, it was soon discovered that an excess of fluoride led to fluorosis, which permanently stains the teeth. Later, while bicarbonate of soda in toothpaste yielded some results, it often presented inconvenient side-effects for the enamel.

Teeth Whitening. Pic – Dee for Dentist

By 2002, a survey by Colgate and the American Dental Association identified teeth whitening as the fastest-growing dental treatment — a trend that remains just as prevalent in the UK today.

The Natural Colour of Teeth

Natural tooth shades vary from pale white to light yellow. Several factors influence the original colour of one’s teeth, including:

* Genetics and Age: Natural thinning of enamel over time.

* Lifestyle: Diet, smoking, and certain medications.

* Trauma: Physical injury to the tooth.

* Developmental Factors: Excessive fluoride intake or the use of antibiotics like tetracycline during tooth formation.

In modern society, well-aligned white teeth are widely accepted as the cornerstone of an attractive smile.

Clinical Indications & Consultations

Teeth whitening is a medical act of dentistry and must only be performed by a dentist or under their direct supervision.

A preliminary consultation is essential to assess oral health. Only “dentally fit” patients should undergo the procedure. The following must be addressed prior to treatment:

* Dental decay, infections, or broken teeth.

* Gum and bone disease.

* Oral hygiene and diet analysis.

* Tooth hypersensitivity.

* Note: Whitening should never be performed immediately before orthodontic treatment.

Patient expectations are managed using “before and after” photography and shade guides. It is important to note that fillings, veneers, and crowns do not whiten. These may need to be replaced after treatment to match the new, lighter shade of the surrounding natural teeth.

For specific enamel defects, micro-abrasion with resin composite infiltration may be the preferred solution. In more complex cases, porcelain veneers or crowns may be required to achieve the desired colour change.

As for patient eligibility, treatment is generally withheld for:

* Patients under the age of 18.

* Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

* Non-compliant patients.

Exceptions: In rare cases involving minors, a dentist may approve treatment if the tooth discolouration is significantly impacting the patient’s mental health and psychological wellbeing.

Professional Procedures

In-Surgery Treatment: The “Zoom” in-surgery whitening (by Philips) utilizes a high-intensity blue LED light to accelerate the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide gel. This process significantly brightens teeth in approximately 90 minutes. This is typically followed by a week of home maintenance using custom-made trays worn for one hour daily. “Top-ups” can be performed every 6–12 months. During the procedure, the gums are strictly protected to prevent chemical irritation.

Home Bleaching: The dentist provides custom-fitted trays, which are superior to commercial “over-the-counter” kits. Poorly fitted commercial trays often lead to gel leakage, which can damage soft tissues and provide less stability, particularly for patients who grind their teeth.

* Daytime Treatment: Usually 1–2 hours daily using 6% hydrogen peroxide.

* Nighttime Treatment: The tray is worn during sleep. Because hydrogen peroxide is unstable, it is often formulated as Carbamide Peroxide for home use. The urea in this formula stabilizes the gel for a longer-lasting effect at a lower concentration (typically 3–4%).

A Note on Safety and Legality

A formal consent form is mandatory, outlining precautions and dietary restrictions (foods to avoid during the first week). This is a vital medico-legal requirement.

The danger of illegal whitening: Whitening performed by unqualified individuals can lead to permanent damage. In 2025, a BBC undercover report highlighted “quacks” using hydrogen peroxide concentrations as high as 53%, resulting in severe gum burns and nerve damage leading to tooth loss. Conversely, some illegal kits contained only 0.1% peroxide, rendering them completely ineffective.

Regulation: Under EU and UK standards, the maximum legal concentration of hydrogen peroxide for dental whitening is 6%.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 27 February 2026