Nigeria, Sept. 6 -- In a world where a dazzling smile signals confidence and beauty, teeth whitening has become increasingly popular among Nigerians, from over-the-counter strips to professional dental procedures.

But behind the gleam lies a risk, as dental experts warn that not all whitening methods are safe for oral health.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that lightens teeth by removing stains and discolouration. According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), whitening should only be carried out safely by a dentist or other regulated dental professional, though many people turn instead to at-home products.

Most whitening treatments use bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down stai...