Oral care and tooth-whitening products

No. In Korea, toothpaste is classified as a quasi-drug and is sold after approval or notification with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. You can look for the word 의약외품 on the package, which also lists ingredients, directions and cautions.

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, whitening products with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or less are quasi-drugs, while those above 3 percent are medicines. Products sold over the counter to consumers are usually quasi-drugs. Check the label and approval status.

They mainly rely on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which release oxygen that bleaches stains in the tooth enamel and dentin. Results depend on your teeth and the cause of discoloration. Talking to a dentist before you start is the safest approach.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety advises that children 12 and under use hydrogen peroxide products only after consulting a dentist, and that children 14 and under and pregnant or breastfeeding women not use carbamide peroxide products. People with severe cavities, gum disease or mouth sores should also hold off.

If sensitivity or gum irritation continues, stop using the product. See a dentist if it does not improve. Higher concentrations may work faster but also carry a greater risk of side effects, according to official guidance. Getting a dental checkup before whitening is a safer approach.

At a dental clinic, a dentist checks your teeth first and plans the treatment. At-home quasi-drug products have limited concentrations, so following the directions is important. Ask a dentist which approach suits you. Regular checkups after whitening help keep track of your teeth.

Check for the quasi-drug label and whether the product is approved or notified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and be wary of exaggerated claims. The ministry has inspected online ads for quasi-drugs, including whitening products, and published cases of misleading advertising. You can search products on its Drug Safety portal.

Brushing after lunch at work or school is often described as a common sight in Korea. Many people keep a toothbrush and toothpaste at the office and brush in the restroom. Of course, habits vary from person to person. Many carry a small personal toothbrush kit for this reason.

Mouthwash helps freshen breath and supports oral care, but it cannot replace brushing, which physically removes plaque. It is usually used as an extra step after brushing. Follow the directions and cautions on the label. Check the age guidance, since children may swallow it.

Yes. Mouth rinses, known as 구중청량제, are regulated as quasi-drugs in Korea. The package shows the quasi-drug label and directions. Store them where children cannot swallow them. Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, so if your mouth is sensitive, check the ingredients and stop if it stings.

Many toothpastes contain fluoride to help prevent cavities, and the amount is listed in the ingredients on the package. For children's toothpaste, follow the age and amount guidance closely. A dentist can advise on fluoride use for kids. Supervise young children so they do not swallow too much.

Some whitening toothpastes remove surface stains, while others contain whitening agents, and results vary with the product and your teeth. Using abrasive products too hard or too often may stress teeth and gums. Ask a dentist if you are unsure.

Dark drinks such as coffee, tea and wine are commonly linked to tooth staining. Rinsing with water after drinking can help. If staining bothers you, ask a dentist for advice. Some people use a straw or wait a while before brushing after such drinks.

Brush thoroughly, clean your tongue, use floss or interdental brushes and drink enough water. If bad breath persists, it may relate to gum problems or your general health, so see a dentist or doctor. If your mouth often feels dry, review your fluid intake and habits too.

A toothbrush cannot reach everything between the teeth, so floss or interdental brushes are often recommended alongside brushing. Choose a size that fits the gaps between your teeth. If your gums keep bleeding, see a dentist. A dental hygienist can show you how to use them without hurting your gums.

Yes, dental clinics offer scaling, and members of Korea's National Health Insurance can receive coverage once a year under certain conditions. Conditions can change, so check with the clinic or the National Health Insurance Service. Tourists should ask in advance whether any coverage applies.

Convenience stores, drugstores and supermarkets all sell them, and small travel kits are common. Some hotels in Korea no longer provide disposable toiletries by default because of environmental rules, so check before you arrive. Some brands also offer toothpaste in paper packaging or tablet form.

Each product specifies how long and how often to use it, so follow the instructions closely. Leaving it on longer will not improve results and may increase irritation. If you feel sensitivity or gum irritation, stop and consult a dentist.

It depends on the cause. Surface stains from food may respond differently from discoloration inside the tooth, and crowns or fillings will not change color. Ask a dentist to identify the cause and the right approach. Knowing the cause helps you avoid buying products that will not help.

Brush thoroughly at least twice a day, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and get regular dental checkups. Whitening assumes healthy teeth and gums to begin with. If something feels wrong, consult a dentist. Replacing your toothbrush regularly is also part of the basics.