The Heliyon study evaluates online information, labeling accuracy, and quantitative analysis of high-peroxide gels.
Since their introduction in the 1980s, teeth whitening products have been widely used by the general public. To date, the popularity of these items has grown significantly. As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, patient preferences have shifted toward online accessibility, effectively creating an online marketplace for telemedicine and health products, including teeth whitening items.1
In a study conducted by Heliyon, The authors aimed to assess the safety risks associated with high-peroxide dental preparations available online for home use. To conduct their study, the researchers examined search engine results, evaluated website content and product labels, and performed product quality analysis.1
The results showed that ingredient lists were either missing or incomplete for all online products. However, it is listed on the label or in accompanying documentation in four of the five samples. In addition, precautionary statements were rarely disclosed online at 16.7%, with contraindications and adverse effects listed on 80% of product labels.1
According to a recent study by Transparency Market Research, the market for teeth whitening products is expected to reach approximately $10.6 billion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2023 to 2031. The availability of these products through online retailers has made it easier for consumers to access that’s all.2
“We hypothesized that many patients were driven to obtain dental products during the coronavirus pandemic that should primarily be used only in an office setting and prescribed by a dentist,” the study authors wrote. “Improper use of dental products purchased for the purpose of ‘self-treatment’ in this form can not only lead to further damage to health, but may even cross the line of legality in cases of excessive peroxide content. After identifying teeth whitening products with the highest potential consumer risk, we conducted market research on high peroxide whitening gels available over the Internet and completed a comprehensive analysis of trial purchased products. The results of our study showed that gels with a high peroxide content are available online without information about their use and health risks.”
The authors went on to explain that they discovered many Internet vendors who provided misleading information about the safety and content of their products. Their research reveals a lack of information about the health risks of high-peroxide bleaching gels purchased online. In addition, misleading product information and questionable quality were identified as threats to consumer safety.1
In an article published earlier this month by Born2Invest, Angelique Moss suggested checking for dentist-approved products. She notes that consumers should also make sure products have enamel protection, as many products don’t properly protect enamel. the product is not abrasive; and non-irritating, as many popular whitening products contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide which can lead to severe gum irritation.3
The study recommends educating consumers about the dangers of using teeth whitening products with high peroxide content without professional guidance. Dentists are able to assess the appropriateness of bleaching interventions and understand the regulations regarding peroxide concentrations. The need for documented and unified legal arrangements for online product information, including ingredients, instructions and warnings, is highlighted. Stricter quality control measures are proposed for the online sale of high-peroxide bleaching products.1
bibliographical references
1. Rampant Online Marketing of Teeth Whitening Products: Evaluation of Online Information, Labeling Accuracy, and Quantitative Analysis of High Peroxide Gels. Heliyon. 27 August 2023. Accessed 16 November 2023. https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(23)06671-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve % 2Fpii%2FS2405844023066719%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
2. Teeth Whitening Products Market to Exceed USD 10.6 Billion, CAGR 6.2% by 2031 | TMR (Analysis, Outlook, Leaders, Report, Trends, Growth). GlobeNewswire. 8 November 2023. Accessed 17 November 2023.
3. Thinking about teeth whitening? Read this before you ruin your teeth. Born2Invest. 2 November 2023. Accessed 17 November 2023.
