Teeth whitening is regulated in the UK as the practice of dentistry. Products with 0.1% to 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be supplied by a dentist, and cosmetic use above 6% is prohibited. The dental regulator and the British Dental Association both advise whitening by a dentist.
If a beauty salon or kiosk offers whitening, ask who is the registered dental professional, and who examined your teeth first.
What patients are quoted
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At a glance
- How long do results last?
- Not covered by the sources we reviewed.
- Legal limit (UK)
- 0.1% to 6% hydrogen peroxide: dental professionals only; above 6% prohibited for cosmetic use (GDC).
- Under 18?
- Products of 0.1% to 6% cannot be used on anyone under 18 except to treat or prevent disease (GDC).
- Ask first
- Who examined me, and are they a registered dentist?
What the UK regulator says
- Who may whiten. Registered dental professionals: dentists, hygienists, therapists and clinical dental technicians working to a dentist’s prescription. The GDC states that non-registrants are not entitled to provide whitening, which falls within the practice of dentistry under the Dentists Act.
- Strengths. Below 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (such as in toothpaste or mouth rinse) is freely available. From 0.1% to 6% only dental practitioners can supply it. Above 6% is prohibited for cosmetic use.
- First application. For each cycle of use, the first application must be done by a dental practitioner or under their direct supervision; the practitioner can then give the product to the patient to complete the cycle.
- Examination first. The practitioner should carry out a clinical examination to check for risk factors or oral pathology.
- Illegal whitening. Breaking these regulations is a criminal offence. The GDC prosecutes non-registrants who whiten teeth illegally.
These rules are UK rules, given as an example of good practice. Rules in other countries differ, and we have not reviewed Turkish rules on whitening.
What the British Dental Association says
- Whitening should be done by a dentist, because that is “the only safe and effective way” to protect oral health.
- Home kits and in-surgery whitening fall under the same rules, and a clinical examination is needed before use.
- Sodium perborate and chlorine dioxide-based products raise serious concerns about safety and should not be used.
- Unlicensed practitioners risk prosecution.
What to check before you whiten
- Ask who will carry out the whitening and whether they are a registered dentist or dental hygienist or therapist.
- Ask what active ingredient and what strength is used, and why.
- Make sure you were examined first.
- Do not use whitening on someone under 18 unless a dentist advises it for treating disease.
- The sources we reviewed do not cover side effects, how long results last, or whitening of crowns and fillings, so ask the dentist about these.
Questions to ask before you agree
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Whitening checklist
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Before you book in Türkiye
The same checks apply whichever treatment you choose. Each links to a full guide.
- Check the authorisation. Make sure the clinic, and any agency, holds a Ministry of Health authorisation for international patients. How to verify it
- Get the plan in writing, tooth by tooth. It should name the treatment, materials and brands for each tooth, and the full price. Questions to ask
- Read the guarantee before you pay. Find out what it covers, for how long and who pays for travel if something needs fixing. Guarantees
- Know what you are agreeing to. You have the right to clear information about risks and alternatives before you consent. Informed consent
- Take your records home. Ask for X-rays, scans and a written summary, including implant brands and sizes. Dental records
- Plan aftercare before you go. Find a dentist at home who will see you for checks and problems. Follow-up care
- Know where to turn if things go wrong. Complaint routes
Frequently asked questions
Is a home whitening kit from a shop legal in the UK?
Kits above 0.1% hydrogen peroxide may only be supplied by a dentist (GDC). Products below 0.1% are freely available.
Can a beauty salon whiten teeth?
In the UK the GDC says non-registrants are not entitled to whiten teeth.
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
The sources we reviewed do not cover side effects. Ask your dentist.
Can teenagers whiten?
Products of 0.1% to 6% cannot be used under 18, except to treat or prevent disease (GDC).