Illegal teeth-whitening industry exposed by BBC

Illegal teeth-whitening treatments that can burn gums and destroy teeth are being handed over in car parks and on doorsteps, a BBC investigation has found.

Some gels, containing more than 500 times the legal limit of bleaching agent for over-the-counter products, are sold blatantly on social media.

As part of the investigation, a BBC North West reporter was able to obtain a fraudulent teeth-whitening qualification, as well as being given "extreme" bleach and advised to "practise on friends and family".

The British Dental Association (BDA) said it was "appalled" by the BBC's findings.

In one case, a seller boasted that there are "insane" profits to be made from providing the treatments.

In the UK, treatments using teeth-whitening products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only be carried out by dentists and other professionals registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).

And products used in treatments offered by dentists cannot contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide.

However, products sold to undercover BBC reporters were sent to a laboratory for tests where results showed they contained hydrogen peroxide levels of up to 53%.

Kellie Howson, 54, who lost four teeth after she paid £65 for a whitening treatment at a beauty salon in Lancaster, urged the public to be aware of the dangers.

She said: "I just remember not long into the treatment my gums starting to really hurt, and afterwards it just got worse and worse.

"I was in agony."

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Source: BBC News, 29 October 2025