Dr Oz: Teeth Whitening Investigation
Dr Oz shared that teeth whitening is done by up to 100 million people, which is why he wanted to make sure it’s not only safe, but that you’re getting your money worth. He sent investigative reporter Elisabeth Leamy undercover to find out whether teeth whitening procedures are legit, or a scam.
Dr Oz and investigative reporter Elisabeth Leamy looked at the dangers of teeth whitening and what methods are safe for a brighter smile. (joyousjoym / flickr)
Elisabeth went undercover to mall kiosks, day spas, and even tanning salons to find out more about their teeth whitening procedures. Elisabeth shared that there was no dentist on site, which means the teeth whitening at those places was either done by a sales representative or you. Prices are relatively cheap and much less than what most dentists charge, but at one place there were no ingredients listed on the label. Everywhere she went, they completely dismissed her safety concerns.
Dr Oz: Online Teeth Whitening Scams
Many people have experienced dental problems after undergoing the procedure. Plus, the Better Business Bureau has received thousands of complaints about online scams involving teeth whitening. Once you sign up, you can be billed monthly for $75 or more. They lure people in with fake testimonials and reviews. WSB in Atlanta tested one of the offers that claimed to be “dental professional strength” and 35% carbamide peroxide. The lab results showed that it was actually just 13-14% peroxide, which means the product was less than half the strength promised.
Dr Oz: Teeth Whitening At The Dentist
Elisabeth joined Dr Oz and explained that teeth whiteners are not regulated at all, so the FDA is not monitoring them. Her advice is to buy a major name brand, because they at least have more to lose if they deceive you.
Dr Oz explained the three main options you have to whiten your teeth. First he looked at the teeth whitening you can get done at a dentist’s office, which typically costs about $600. The typical amount of hydrogen peroxide, which is the main whitening ingredient, is around 25%. Your teeth can lighten several shades and that’s the “gold standard.”
Dr Oz: Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Next, Dr Oz looked at the take-home teeth whitening kits that dentists will often recommend. They typically cost about $200 and contain around 10% hydrogen peroxide. Your teeth will still whiten, but not as much as they would at a dentist’s office.
Dr Oz: Cheap Teeth Whiteners
The most popular method that people are using to whiten their teeth are the drugstore whitening kits that typically cost around $20 and contain around 3% hydrogen peroxide. Over a week or so, your teeth will whiten, but only about a shade or two.
Dr Oz: Dental Problems From Teeth Whiteners
Dr Oz explained that there are actually small problems that can result from the cheaper drug store kits. He said the strips are meant to go over just the teeth, and the hydrogen peroxide will strip away the yellow. The problem is that the strips can move around, and when they get on your gums, they can become irritated, sometimes resulting in bleeding.
Elisabeth said the kits warn about “temporary” sensitivity, but they’ve talked to a lot of people who have said that the teeth whiteners made their gums recede, which exposes raw nerves.
Dr Oz: Avoid Teeth Whitening Issues
Elisabeth said before doing anything, you need to check in with your dentist. You should find out if your teeth are even capable of whitening, because some aren’t. Also, if you already have receding gums, you should only get teeth whitening in the dentist’s office.
Dr Oz talked to dentist Martha Cortes, who said she frequently see over-whitening because people are addicted. She said people’s teeth become translucent rather than just white. Dr Cortes said the whitening toothpastes don’t tend to work because they don’t sit on the teeth long enough, although they are capable of taking stains off the teeth.
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