Teeth whitening DIY kits are dangerous, councils warn

DIY teeth whitening kits sold online with dangerous levels of chemicals are being used by 'rogue' beauticians, councils have warned.

The Local Government Association has said the "dangerous" levels of hydrogen peroxide in some kits is like "brushing with bleach".

High level bleaching gels can cause mouth infections, blistering and burns to gums, damage to nerves and tooth enamel, and gum-shrinking.

Simon Blackburn, from the Local Government Association, said councils want the government to introduce harsher punishments to unlicensed staff who perform the treatment with illegal kits.

Only professional dentists are legally allowed to perform teeth whitening services at a business premise.

Warwickshire County Council alone seized more than 15,000 dangerous DIY teeth whitening kits between May 2015 and February 2016, bound for shops, salons and homes.

Some of the kits contained more than 33% hydrogen peroxide - the maximum legal limit for use by the public in the UK is 0.1%, or 6% for dentists and other registered practitioners.