Netizens Speak Out Against Whitening Teeth Product That’s Strong Enough to Erase Permanent Marker Stains
Over on social media, we have seen and heard of countless health and beauty brands, that have not been approved by the Ministry of Health, making harmful products that could potentially deteriorate an individual’s wellbeing if it’s applied or consumed. However, despite all the complaints and warnings, there are still some brands that continue to operate, thus baiting gullible customers.
Recently, a video of an influencer named @sitijamumall promoting a special whitening magic charcoal toothpaste has been circulating Twitter.
@dyradyre thoughts? pic.twitter.com/PPNyCFpzEN
— Rezzuan In Labis (@RezzuanRahim) October 20, 2020
In the video, she is holding a white plate and on it are three blue dots that were drawn using a permanent marker. She then uses three different types of dental products to test if these products could get rid of the stain.
At first, she uses a normal toothpaste and begins rubbing on the stain which leaves no effect, followed by a so-called RM900 teeth serum. The latter didn’t seem to do the trick either which is when she brought out Whitekish’s Magic Charcoal. The product wipes the stain clean and she begins to show testimonies on how the product has worked on their customer’s teeth.
Many netizens on Twitter have stated their opinions about the product, claiming that it’s a recipe for disaster and how if it could be used to erase a permanent marker, the product is most likely highly abrasive and harmful to the teeth and mouth.
Cut the crap. Scaling je boleh buang karang gigi. If that thing can remove permanent marker, it means that it is highly abrasive and very harmful to teeth and mouth. Macam mana lah orang berani letak benda2 macam ni dalam mulut https://t.co/CPMg3ta3Vc
— Amir Harris (@AmirHarrisz) October 20, 2020
Another netizen had even stated that the product has received at least 800 orders. She also highlighted how cleaning a permanent marker stain is not the same as cleaning your teeth. Thus, using the same products to do both is harmful.
Scrolling her ig makes me worried. She received about 800 orders yesterday….. Pinggan & permanent marker are not your gigi & karang gigi…. how to explain to make u guys understand, malaysians https://t.co/CCoMbJWayN
— tengku hazirah (@tekuhazirah) October 21, 2020
Another Twitter user @doktorgiginajib who happens to be a dentist, also advised the public that using too much over the counter teeth whitening products could cause an erosion of your enamel. The enamel is the top layer of your tooth that protects against cavities and bacteria.
Nota tambahan untuk kesan OTC whitening
Credit: Dr. Syazana pic.twitter.com/c5eWYtay0a
— Drg Najib (@doktorgiginajib) October 20, 2020
Since Whitekish’s product contains charcoal, the tweet also explains that brushing your teeth with activated charcoal could actually scrape and damage your enamel since it’s coarse. Whitening products which contain a high content of bleaching chemicals also have the same harmful effect.
Doktor dia dah letak product tu dekat Pharmacy pic.twitter.com/H4aXzCZ8HR
— (@MimiErland) October 21, 2020
As of now, the two accounts of the product and the influencer on Instagram are currently private.
Netizens have revealed that Whitekish is currently being sold at some pharmacies despite arousing concern amongst the public. A netizen also said that the influencer claimed that the product is approved by the health ministry.
Tekuu, she claimed to have KKM cert and ada dalam pharmacy! Im speechless babe
— Ira Hargreeves (@aisyaramizu) October 21, 2020
According to Bright Now, there is a big difference between teeth cleaning and teeth whitening. The purpose of teeth cleaning leans more to a health purpose as it removes plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth whitening is to remove stains for solely cosmetic purposes.
Even so, it is worth mentioning that not all stained teeth are bad. As long as your teeth are rid of plaque and tartar, you’re doing good.
It’s always advisable to not venture into these kinds of products alone without the medical advice from your dentists. Wanting a bright smile is understandable but it should not be at the risk of your health. Always do your research and stay away from any harmful ingredients.