Australian Dentists Says Be Safe When Seeking the Perfect Selfie Smile

While bright, pearly white smiles can look great and make you feel healthy, underneath it could be something more sinister.

The drastic rise in at home teeth whitening may be causing irreparable harm to thousands of Australians’ mouths. Tooth enamel bleaching is a common practice in Australia, where people are constantly trying to take the perfect picture.

The Australian Dentistry Association’s 2021 consumer survey of 25,000 Australians found 22 percent had whitened their teeth—an increase of eight percent since 2017.

Survey results show that whitening is more popular for women than for men, with the majority of those aged between 24-34 being whitened.

The most alarming aspect is the high number of DIY kits purchased, according to Dr Fadi Yassim (Sydney dentist).

One in three people whiten their teeth with the guidance of a dentist. You can also buy whitening kits online or over-the-counter, and almost one in 10 use whitening services offered by non-dentists.

“The reason for the increase in whitening is multi-factorial,” Yassim stated this to AAP.

“There is increased awareness through social media and online platforms; treatment being more readily available and at a much lower cost; clients placing more value on teeth aesthetics as it is normally associated with beauty and good health; and of course, celebrity and social media influencers being known to have had teeth whitening which has popularised the procedure.”

Dr Justina Teo, Advanced Dental Artistry, considers “yellow teeth shame” This is a result of the obsession with social media and selfies, but it’s important to remember that teeth aren’t meant to look perfect.

“Teeth naturally have a yellow shade to them due to the dentine under the enamel,” Teo said.

“Dentine is the yellow tissue that makes up the bulk of the tooth and it’s generally more opaque than enamel. Stains can also be picked up by pigments from the foods we eat or drink.”

Teo says that bleaching yellowing teeth can be done with a simple dental scale and polish. This will remove plaque, tartar and stain.

“A dentist is the best person to help diagnose the cause and severity of the discoloured teeth and suggest the best treatment for whiter teeth.”

They will also identify any dental problems that may make whitening difficult or damaging.

“Imagine putting peroxide on a decay,” Teo warns.

Professor Alexander Holden of the University of Sydney School of Dentistry stated that professional advice and support are essential when teeth whitening is done.

“Teeth whitening should follow after a full examination and clear bill of oral health has been given by a dental professional,” Holden told AAP.

“Otherwise, whitening can cause damage to teeth that need additional care or from a consumers’ perspective, not achieve expected results.

“Some whitening products can also cause irritation or burning of the gums. It is therefore important that a properly fitted tray be used for take-home whitening.”

In Australia, there is much less regulatory restriction on how to buy the products and who can perform teeth whitening services than there is in other parts of the world, Holden added.

“Holden stated, “The balance is between not unduly restricting accessibility, while also making sure the public aren’t put at risk.”