Introduction: A rise in post-operative complications (POCs) was observed following the second national lockdown due to the ongoing Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This prompted our Oral Surgery Department to investigate this to understand why this increase had occurred. Aim: To evaluate the rise in POCs at The Eastman Dental Hospital Oral Surgery Department during and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Materials and methods: A two cycle audit to assess the effect of the restrictions and ease imposed by lockdown on the number of POCs reported within the department. Results: A spike in POCs was observed during the second lockdown. Following the ease of these restrictions, POCs reduced by half. Discussion: As lockdown eased, the number of patient’s contacting the department following surgical procedures significantly reduced. Did the pandemic cause patients to become more observant with regards to their post-operative site? Conclusions: COVID-19 has had a lasting effect amongst our society and healthcare professionals are seeing not only the physical detriment but also the mental effects on our patients. We must ask if the increase in our POCs be caused by underlying “health anxiety” amongst members of the general public and if so, how can it be overcome?

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An increase in patient awareness and education has seen the demand for cosmetic dentistry rise. The use of social media applications such as Instagram provide patients with a plethora of information on procedures, such as direct composite bonding, veneers of different types and the align, bleach and bond protocol. When using social media applications, it is common to see advertisements for ‘peroxide-free’ gels, from a range of brands, many of which ‘influencers’ and celebrities are paid to endorse. These direct-to-consumer products allow the patient to bypass the traditional method of speaking to their dental practitioner. This coupled with the reach that some of these companies possess on social media platforms means that patients could be putting their future dental health at risk. This article outlines the risks involved in the use of ‘peroxide-free’ bleaching gels, which are becoming increasingly popular among patients. Furthermore, the article also outlines the potential pitfalls associated when ‘peroxide-free’ gels are used in conjunction with other unregulated dental products such as ‘charcoal toothpastes’ and ‘direct-to-consumer aligners’ CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article aims to help clinicians to recognize and discuss the dangers associated with unregulated whitening products and direct-to-consumer orthodontics with patients.