The pursuit of a bright, white smile could be causing serious harm to Australians’ oral health. With the increasing popularity of at-home teeth whitening, many are taking extreme measures to achieve the perfect smile for social media, leading to damage to tooth enamel. While 22 percent of Australians have whitened their teeth according to a 2021 survey, only one in three have done so under the supervision of a dentist. Dr. Fadi Yassim, the Australian Dentistry Association’s teeth whitening expert, warns of the alarming number of people using DIY kits or non-dentist professionals for whitening services. Social media and online platforms, the availability of treatment at a lower cost, and celebrity influencers are driving the increase in whitening, Yassim says. However, teeth shouldn’t be brilliant white, as yellowing is a natural characteristic of dentine under tooth enamel, and the stains from food and drink can cause it to discolor. Dental professionals like Dr. Justina Teo from Advanced Dental Artistry suggest that people seek professional advice and support for teeth whitening to avoid any pain or damage to teeth. Professor Alexander Holden from the University of Sydney School of Dentistry adds that proper care must be taken in the purchase and use of teeth whitening products for risk management.
Dentists in Australia warn about taking safe selfies.
