Anyone hoping to have teeth whitening treatment should always visit a qualified professional in order to have it done.

Dr Ian Erasmus, president of the South African Dental Association, said that a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures are now available through beauty therapists, but warned that if they are not done properly, they can cause "irreparable damage".

He added that it is the possibility of over-bleaching that is likely to cause the most damage, with tooth enamel particularly at threat.

Dr Erasmus recommended going to a professional instead of opting for a cheap treatment, as this will ensure the teeth turn "a considerably brighter natural colour" without glowing in the dark.

Earlier this month, AME Info quoted Dr Edward Lynch from Warwick University as saying that the technology behind teeth whitening has come on in leaps and bounds over the past decade, resulting in better, safer outcomes for patients.