Advertising for D-I-Y teeth whitening kits have long pervaded mainstream TV, but now you have an additional option beside at-home kits and your trusted dentist – the mall kiosk. As these booths pop up in malls across the country, it’s quickly becoming evident that these operations are not being regulated by any government agency. That includes the American Dental Association and the State Dental Board of Examiners, leaving many to wonder: just how safe is unregulated teeth-whitening at a mall kiosk?



In 2008, ABC News reported on the teeth whitening mall phenomena to learn exactly what a consumer is getting for their money. What they learned was that a teeth-whitening treatment by a dentist generally costs consumers $ 500 to $1000 depending upon your location. But these mall booths are charging significantly less anywhere from $100 to $300 per treatment.

Further investigation revealed that not all employees in these booths were trained in the same manner nor were they licensed. For instance, when asked by an ABC Reporter what’s in the teeth-whitening gel they use, the employee reported hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 35 percent. However, what you get is carbamide peroxide. By the way, the American Dental Association has stated that hydrogen peroxide at that level would cause severe burns to your gums. While many people like the easy accessibility of mall whitening, the American Dental Association has some serious concerns about the practice.

NC news agency WRAL, reported on a consumer, Brian Runsick, who took advantage of such a treatment with a “patented blue light” at a local Raleigh Mall. For only $99 he was promised whiter teeth in just 15 minutes. But what Mr. Runsick got was more than just a brighter smile. His gums were so sensitive and painful that they bled whenever he brushed or flossed. Eating was totally out of the question. Rusnick noted that the employees were dressed in the professional scrubs, similar to what licensed dental professionals wear. Just because a person looks, talks and offers dental treatments similar to your dentist doesn’t mean they are, well – licensed, board certified, trained dental professionals. Many dental professionals are not totally comfortable with this, or believe that it’s 100 % safe.

But I do teeth whitening at home what’s the big deal?

The big deal is that the over-the-counter, D-I-Y teeth-whitening kits have a bleaching solution of no more than a 10 percent concentration of carbamide peroxide. Higher concentrated bleaching solutions are available at dentist offices. And while dentists are fine with the FDA-approved home bleaching kits, they take issue with teeth-whitening mall kiosks using these higher concentrations without dental training. Only dentists are qualified to find potential problems that may adversely affect your dental health and the teeth-whitening procedure like those suffered by Mr. Runsick of Raleigh.

Dr. Bruce Lee of Centennial Colorado clearly explains “it’s a dentist’ job to be concerned about a patient’s overall dental health, even when applying bleaching solutions. Adding the light accelerates the process by stimulating the bleaching chemicals. Non-dental technicians, even those at a mall, do not have the expertise to recognize tooth decay, gum disease or other preexisting dental problems. Any of these issues can have an adverse affect on the results, as well as cause long-term damage.” Another good point to make is that while many of these kiosks offer great prices, many do not offer follow-up assistance should something happen.

According to Dave Leiber of ctwatchdog.com, as of 2010 only 10 states regulate non-dental teeth whitening procedures. In his interview with Dr. Mary Swift, of Dental Laser Dentistry of Dallas, consumers should be asking questions. Rather than gamble on a spur of the moment decision, here’s a quick list of questions to ask yourself before you commit:

How are gums protected?

How is sensitivity controlled?

What is the concentration of bleaching agents?

What type of light source will you be using?

If they don’t answer your questions to your satisfaction, then the answer may just be to walk away.

As for Mr. Runsick of NC, he got help and was placed on antibiotics. He has since filed with the NC Board of Dental Examiners. Since his complaint the NC State Dental board filed law suits against these businesses to “cease and desist.” The FTC intervened stating that the N.C. Board acted illegally and does not have the right to stop the competition. According to the Carolina Journal the court sided with the FTC, where the Board filed appeal with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. On May 31, 2013, the appeal was denied.

Until more states adopt regulation, consumers must bring a “buyer beware” mentality into their decisions. So the next time you’re at the mall, you might want to ask yourself these questions when you pass a teeth-whitening kiosk, is it sanitary, is cheaper really better and how will it affect my teeth. More importantly, is it really worth taking a chance?

About the Author

Dr. Bruce Lee has become part of the dental industry since 1983 when he attended the University Of Oklahoma College Of Dentistry. His practice at Dr. Bruce Lee in Colorado has become more than a job – it’s a family tradition. Putting in close to 50 to 60 hours a week at the office, Dr. Bruce Lee has a passion for dentistry.