The Risk of Buying Dental Products Online
1. The Risks of Dental Products Sold Online
The Internet has opened up a vast array of possibilities when it comes to buying and selling any type of product we can imagine. Medical devices and medications are no exception to this trend, with the risks this may pose to our health. In the dental sector, online sales of whitening kits, mouthguards, aligners, and polishers—which in most cases lack the minimum safeguards required for marketing—are on the rise.
2. Quality Control and Professional Oversight
According to information provided by the COEM (College of Dentists and Stomatologists of the 1st Region), “these products have not undergone any quality control and are therefore not suitable for sale in the European Union. Furthermore, these are treatments that must be administered exclusively under the control and supervision of a licensed dental professional, as they are otherwise likely to cause harm to people’s health.”
3. The Importance of Professional Care
It is essential to know the condition of our teeth and gums before using any product or undergoing any treatment, as well as to be aware of any existing conditions we may be unaware of. Therefore, consulting a professional is crucial before making a decision. Only in this way can the patient be assured of the treatment’s safety and success.
4. Legality and Over-the-Counter Sales
Regarding the legality of this type of commerce, the online sale of these products is limited to those that do not require a prescription. It is clear that there are treatments patients can perform outside the dentist’s office, but it is always advisable to be monitored by a qualified professional who can identify similar situations and ensure the treatment’s success.
5. The Danger of Products in Supermarkets
But the risk isn’t limited to online purchases. A few months ago, the COEM itself issued a warning about the sale of a teeth-polishing kit at a well-known supermarket.
6. The Damage That a Teeth-Polishing Kit Can Cause
The very operation of the kit (at excessive speeds) could burn the tooth, which may lead to pulpitis caused by heat transmitted to the tooth’s nerve, resulting in pain and potentially even requiring a root canal on a healthy tooth.
7. COEM Complaint and Product Recall
Through FACUA, the COEM filed a complaint against the supermarket chain where the product was being sold, demanding its recall.
8. The Risk of Self-Medication in Dental Care
According to the press release distributed by the COEM, “beyond the risk to patients, the direct-to-consumer marketing of these types of products conveys the idea to the public that they can diagnose and treat themselves using dental instruments, exposing them to unnecessary risk.”
9. The Importance of Consulting a Dentist
Without a doubt, before taking the plunge and purchasing these types of products and treatments, it is very important to consult with your trusted dentist.
