Are supermarket teeth whitening products a ‘waste of money’?

A specialist orthodontist has warned that off-the-shelf teeth whitening products may not be entirely effective. While the market for teeth whitening has become more popular than ever, Dr Hames Davies argues the case that a lot of these supermarket products are merely more than placebo.

In a blog, Davies affirmed that many products that can be bought over the counter that claim to have “whitening” properties are a “gimmick”, and that the effect is too weak and far removed from prescribed bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide with 6% strength.

Davies cited that products on sale offering less than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide content create nothing more than an illusory effect.

Globally, the teeth whitening solutions market was deemed to be worth $8.14 billion in 2023, and is projected to grow from $8.52 billion this year to $12.77 billion by 2032.

This growth reflects the fact that the population is increasingly interested not only in the improvement of oral hygiene, but also the aesthetic value presented by white teeth.

Teeth whitening refers to a cosmetic process designed to modify the colour of teeth in order to enhance their appearance. Teeth whitening procedures can include products such as paste, gels, strips, gels and rinses, which are available at pharmacies, some supermarkets and, of course, your local dentist.

In recent years, there has been an accompanying demand for this kind of cosmetic procedure to boost oral health, driven in part by promotional campaigns via influencers on social media. When administered by your local dentist, teeth whitening can be a safe way to boost your confidence, in a way that is vastly more effective than over-the-counter “whitening” toothpastes and mouthwashes.

If you are considering teeth whitening or veneers in Chester, contact the friendly experts at Art of Dental Care today.