Last updated: December 2025. This guide covers UK teeth whitening regulations, costs, and safety for 2026.
Quick Summary: Teeth Whitening UK 2026
In a hurry? Here's what you need to know:
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional cost | £200-£1,000 |
| Who can legally whiten teeth | Only GDC-registered dental professionals |
| Over-the-counter limit | 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (minimal effect) |
| How long results last | 6 months to 3 years |
| NHS availability | Not available (cosmetic procedure) |
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
Key warning: Beauty salons, hairdressers, and mobile practitioners cannot legally perform teeth whitening in the UK. Using them risks chemical burns, nerve damage, and tooth loss.
What Are Your Teeth Whitening Options?
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the UK. But with options ranging from professional dental treatments to over-the-counter products and illegal beauty salon services, understanding what's safe, legal, and effective is essential.
Professional In-Chair Whitening
Professional whitening at a dental practice uses higher concentrations of whitening agents under careful supervision.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Treatment time | 60-90 minutes |
| Results | 6-8 shades whiter in a single session |
| Cost | £450-£1,000 |
| How long it lasts | 6-24 months with proper care |
Popular professional systems include Philips Zoom and laser whitening.
Best for: People wanting dramatic, immediate results for a special occasion.
Dentist-Prescribed Take-Home Kits
Your dentist creates custom-fitted trays and provides professional-strength whitening gel for use at home.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Treatment time | 2-6 weeks (30 mins - 2 hours daily) |
| Results | Gradual whitening, similar to in-chair |
| Cost | £200-£400 |
| How long it lasts | 6-12 months with proper care |
Best for: People who prefer gradual results and want to control the process at home.
Over-the-Counter Products
Whitening toothpastes, strips, and gels available in shops and online.
"In the UK, over-the-counter products can only contain up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide - far less than professional treatments (up to 6%). This significantly limits their effectiveness." — General Dental Council, Tooth Whitening Guidance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Results | Minimal whitening, mainly surface stain removal |
| Cost | £20-£100 |
| How long it lasts | A few months at best |
Best for: Maintaining results after professional whitening, or minor surface stain removal.
Natural and DIY Methods: Do They Work?
Methods like baking soda, activated charcoal, or lemon juice are popular online but come with risks:
| Method | Verdict | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | Too abrasive for regular use | Can damage enamel |
| Activated charcoal | No evidence it works | May be abrasive |
| Lemon juice/vinegar | Highly acidic | Can erode enamel permanently |
| Oil pulling | No whitening evidence | Waste of time for whitening |
"There is no evidence that whitening with activated charcoal is safe or effective." — British Dental Association
UK Law: What's Legal and What's Not?
The UK has strict regulations on teeth whitening to protect consumers.
Legal Hydrogen Peroxide Limits
| Product Type | Maximum Concentration | Who Can Use |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-counter | 0.1% | Anyone |
| Professional treatment | Up to 6% | GDC-registered dental professionals only |
Who Can Legally Perform Whitening?
Only these GDC-registered professionals can use whitening products above 0.1%:
- Dentists
- Dental hygienists (under dentist prescription)
- Dental therapists (under dentist prescription)
- Clinical dental technicians (for dentures only)
"UK law states that products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only be administered by General Dental Council (GDC) registered dental professionals." — General Dental Council, Tooth Whitening Guidance
Illegal Whitening: The Real Dangers
Beauty salons, hairdressers, and mobile practitioners CANNOT legally perform teeth whitening — even if they claim to use "legal" products.
A BBC investigation found illegal whitening products containing 500 times the legal limit of hydrogen peroxide being used in beauty salons.
"In the wrong hands, teeth whitening can be extremely dangerous. It isn't just the excruciating pain, or the burnt lips and gums, but also the fact that it can lead to nerve damage and even tooth loss." — Eddie Crouch, Chair of the British Dental Association
Risks of illegal whitening:
- Severe chemical burns to gums and lips
- Permanent tooth sensitivity
- Nerve damage
- Tooth loss
- Stomach problems if gel is swallowed
Since 2015, the GDC has launched 126 prosecutions against illegal practitioners, with fines exceeding £3,000.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in 2026?
Professional Whitening Costs
| Treatment Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| In-chair whitening (Zoom/Laser) | £450-£1,000 | Immediate, dramatic results |
| Take-home kit from dentist | £200-£400 | Gradual results, cost-conscious |
| Combination (in-chair + take-home) | £500-£800 | Best of both approaches |
| Top-up treatments | £100-£200 | Maintaining results |
Regional price variations:
- London practices typically charge 20-30% more than regional practices
- Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 10-20% lower than England
Is Teeth Whitening Available on the NHS?
"Teeth whitening is not available on the NHS. You have to pay for it as a private patient at a dental surgery." — NHS, Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by the NHS, except in rare cases where it's medically justified (e.g., severe discolouration significantly affecting mental health).
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
When performed by a qualified dental professional using legal products, teeth whitening is safe. However, there are side effects to be aware of.
Common Side Effects
Research shows that 57% of patients experience some tooth sensitivity after whitening, and 63% experience at least mild side effects.
Temporary side effects include:
- Tooth sensitivity (usually resolves within 48 hours)
- Gum irritation
- White patches on gums (from gel contact)
These typically resolve within a few days of completing treatment.
Who Should NOT Have Teeth Whitening?
| Group | Reason |
|---|---|
| Under 18s | Illegal in the UK; teeth still developing |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding | Precautionary measure |
| Untreated decay or gum disease | Must be treated first |
| Severe sensitivity | May worsen symptoms |
| Crowns, veneers, or fillings on front teeth | Won't whiten; will look mismatched |
Your dentist will assess your suitability before any treatment.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
"Teeth whitening is not permanent, but if you follow your dentist's advice the effect may last for around 3 years." — NHS, Teeth Whitening
Duration by Treatment Type
| Treatment | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Professional in-chair | 6-24 months |
| Dentist take-home kits | 6-12 months |
| Over-the-counter products | A few months |
What Affects How Long Results Last?
- Diet — Staining foods and drinks
- Smoking — Major cause of discolouration
- Oral hygiene — Regular brushing and flossing
- Professional cleanings — Every 6-12 months
- Touch-up treatments — Using take-home trays periodically
Foods and Drinks That Stain Teeth
To maintain your whitening results, be aware of these staining culprits:
Top Staining Offenders
| Food/Drink | Staining Level | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tea | Very High | More tannins than coffee |
| Red wine | Very High | Acids, tannins, natural dyes |
| Coffee | High | Tannins (but less than tea) |
| Cola/dark soft drinks | High | Acids and colouring |
| Berries | Medium-High | Natural pigments |
| Curry | Medium-High | Turmeric and spices |
| Soy sauce | Medium | Dark pigmentation |
Tips to Reduce Staining
- Add milk to tea and coffee (casein helps prevent staining)
- Use a straw for staining beverages
- Rinse with water after consuming staining foods
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing after acidic foods
- Book regular hygienist appointments for professional cleaning
How to Choose a Safe Whitening Provider
Step 1: Verify GDC Registration
Before any whitening treatment, check your practitioner is registered:
- Visit gdc-uk.org and use "Check a Professional"
- All registered professionals have a unique GDC number
- If they won't provide a GDC number, walk away
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| What concentration of hydrogen peroxide will be used? | Legal limit is 6% for professionals |
| How many shades whiter can I realistically expect? | Manages expectations |
| What are the risks for my specific situation? | Shows proper assessment |
| What aftercare is included? | Good practices include this |
| Do you offer touch-up treatments? | For maintaining results |
Red Flags to Avoid
- Treatment offered at beauty salons, hairdressers, or mobile services
- Products shipped from abroad claiming higher strength
- No consultation or assessment before treatment
- Prices that seem too good to be true (under £150 for professional treatment)
- Practitioners who won't provide their GDC number
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does teeth whitening cost in the UK?
Professional teeth whitening in the UK costs between £200-£1,000 depending on the treatment type. Dentist-prescribed take-home kits cost £200-£400, while in-chair treatments (like Zoom whitening) cost £450-£1,000. London prices are typically 20-30% higher than regional practices.
Is teeth whitening available on the NHS?
No. The NHS considers teeth whitening a cosmetic procedure, so it's only available as private treatment. The only exception is rare cases where severe discolouration significantly affects mental health.
Can beauty salons legally whiten teeth?
No. In the UK, only GDC-registered dental professionals can legally perform teeth whitening using products above 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. Beauty salons, hairdressers, and mobile practitioners performing whitening are breaking the law and putting your health at risk.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening typically lasts 6 months to 3 years, depending on your diet, oral hygiene, and whether you smoke. In-chair treatments last 6-24 months, while results from take-home kits last 6-12 months. Touch-up treatments can extend results.
Is teeth whitening safe?
When performed by a GDC-registered dental professional using legal products, teeth whitening is safe. About 57% of patients experience temporary sensitivity, which usually resolves within 48 hours. Illegal whitening at beauty salons carries serious risks including chemical burns, nerve damage, and tooth loss.
What age can you get teeth whitening in the UK?
You must be 18 or older to have teeth whitening in the UK. It's illegal for anyone to perform teeth whitening on under-18s, even with parental consent. This is because teeth are still developing and whitening agents can cause damage.
Do whitening toothpastes actually work?
Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains but won't change the actual colour of your teeth. UK regulations limit over-the-counter products to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide — far too weak for significant whitening. They're best used for maintaining results after professional treatment.
Why is teeth whitening at beauty salons dangerous?
Beauty salon whitening is dangerous because: (1) it's performed by unqualified practitioners, (2) illegal products often contain dangerous concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (up to 500 times the legal limit has been found), and (3) there's no proper assessment of your suitability. Risks include chemical burns, permanent sensitivity, nerve damage, and tooth loss.
Key Takeaways
- Only use GDC-registered dental professionals — beauty salons are illegal and dangerous
- Expect to pay £200-£1,000 for safe, effective professional treatment
- Over-the-counter products have limited effectiveness due to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide limit
- Results last 6 months to 3 years depending on your habits
- You must be 18+ to have teeth whitening in the UK
- Always verify GDC registration before booking treatment
Considering teeth whitening? Find a registered dentist near you who offers cosmetic treatments using our dental practice finder.
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Dentists Closeby Team
Editorial Team
The Dentists Closeby editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information about dental care in the UK. Our team includes dental professionals, health writers, and patient advocates.
