Over the counter Teeth Whitening: Pros and Cons
Skip to main content Skip to navigation Skip to footer

Please rotate your device to portrait mode for optimum user experience.

SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
×

Sign up for special offers and updates

SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
text added
0
Get $25
Science & Articles >> PRODUCT REVIEW, TEETH WHITENING

Should over the counter teeth whitening be outlawed or encouraged?

Erin Stelbrink, RDH

Dentist’s, dental associations, and hygienist are constantly up in arms about the availability of over the counter teeth whitening. Their argument is that only a dentist should be able to offer and supply teeth whitening products due to safety concerns. Common concerns expressed by dentist are that not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening which is true; however not everyone is a candidate for aspirin or Sudafed either which is why manufacturers include a warning label on all packaging highlighting who should not consume the product. Imagine if every time we had a stuffy nose or headache we were forced to pay $200 to see a doctor and receive a prescription for Sudafed or Aspirin. Well this is comparable to the unreasonable demands made by dentist nationwide. The basis of their argument is that 97 complaints were submitted against over the counter teeth whitening products; however what is failed to be highlighted is that 94 of the 97 complaints came from dentists.

Teeth whitening is a low risk cosmetic product which more than 90% of the general adult population is a candidate for and the risk of a non candidate using teeth whitening is NOT life threatening.

Who’s a candidate for teeth whitening?

Nearly everyone with exception to those with severely damaged tooth enamel or existing cavities and the worst case scenario for a non candidate who uses teeth whitening product is tooth sensitivity. What’s the risk for a person who should not consume aspirin? Death. So what dentists are saying is that while we can purchase aspirin without a prescription, we should not be able to purchase teeth whitening products without it being directly from a dentist.

Why are dentist up in arms over a relatively harmless issue?

Simply put they want a monopoly on a large revenue generator. The average dentist will markup teeth whitening treatments 1,000-3,000%; however due to the increasing availability of whitening strips, online custom teeth whitening trays, kiosk whitening treatments, and teeth whitening gel their market for those willing to spare this large sum of cash is diminishing. Imagine you’re a dentist who on average sold 2 teeth whitening treatments a day at an average of $1,000 each. This equates to $10,000 a week, $40,000 a month, or $480,000 a year. This certainly affects their bottom line drastically when the general public is purchasing the same treatment for less than $100. Perhaps it;s time for dentists to care about real medical matters versus cosmetic demands which can be met by non medical personnel.

Erin Stelbrink
Erin Stelbrink is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 11+ years of experience as a licensed hygienist and oral health care professional. She holds a passion for researching and acquiring awareness of the latest technologies and methods for providing valuable health care service and clinical treatment. Have more questions? Email Erin at erin@smilebrilliant.com

RELATED ARTICLES

Professional teeth whitening at the dentist

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

Teeth whitening: tips & real expectations from a dental hygienist

By: Lacy Walker

Why custom-fitted whitening trays are still the best in 2023

By: Rachel Stroble

7 tips to handle tooth sensitivity caused by whitening

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

The little-known secret to teeth whitening – low pH

By: Lacy Walker

TOPICS

  • ALL
  • BAD BREATH
  • BRAND
  • BRUSHING & FLOSSING
  • CAVITIES
  • DRY MOUTH
  • FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • GINGIVITIS
  • KIDS
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • NEWS
  • ORAL MICROBIOME
  • Oral-Systemic Health
  • PH
  • PRODUCT REVIEW
  • TEETH GRINDING
  • TEETH WHITENING
  • TOOTH PAIN
Shipping icon: a box with a checkmark
FREE SHIPPING OVER $35
Hassle-free returns icon: a package with a return arrow
HASSLE-FREE RETURNS
Secure checkout icon: a shield with a checkmark
100% SECURE CHECKOUT

SUBSCRIBE! Discounts. Recommendations. New products.

smilebrilliant logo

Smile Brilliant makes it easy to improve your oral health & beauty through a suite of professional teeth whitening & oral care products shipped directly to your door.

MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION!

  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • ProShield Custom Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!  Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • ABOUT US
    • GUARANTEE
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
Menu
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
Shopping Bag
ORDER PROCESSING