Chemical Burn from GoSmile teeth whiteneing at Lotus Spa

Normally we don't do that stuff on board, but we had wanted to get them whitened before we left for the cruise and ran out of time. So, since it was our honeymoon, we decided to splurge on teeth whitening for our 1st formal pictures that night.

During the treatment it started to burn, I asked the lady if it was supposed to hurt and she said "tingle a little". Eventually my gums went numb so it stopped hurting.

My husband and I BOTH ended up with chemical burns on our gums. They were blistered and bleeding for 4 days. We couldn't snorkel, eat, or brush our teeth without them hurting horribly.

The technician at the spa tried to tell us that we had higher bacteria in our mouths than anyone they'd seen before. I can't imagine that's true considering we both had our semi-annual dental cleaning 3 weeks prior.

The spa didn't charge us for the whitening (of course) and paid for medical on board to get medicine (which was Codeine so we couldn't even have any drinks!). However, for those of you considering doing this, I'd stick to the professionals. Not saying this happens to everyone, if it did they'd never get business. I'm just stating that I have never had any teeth sensitivity, cavities, I'm not allergic to medicines, and take very good care of myself.

Horrible painful experience...has anyone else had this happen?

Yikes, not good, no I have never heard of this and now will be sure to keep my teeth as they are :eek:.

I had read in some thread on here (buried now) about the same thing happening to another couple. They complained about the pain and not being able to eat for 3 days. I think they did it on the first day they boarded because there was a special. I think that it's horrible that some people have experienced this. What a way to quickly derail a trip.

I have read recent about the increased reports of people suffering from chemical burns from having their teeth whitened. This wasn't on a cruise ship but land based facility. Can't say I'm surprised about the reports. You have to wonder what stuff they use to virtually bleach your teeth white and is it really worth it.

I have heard reports of this also. I agree with you - stick with your local professionals.

Sorry about this happening on your honeymoon!

Wow. Think I would make an appointment with my dentist for when I got home and get to him/her ASAP, perhaps my lawyer also as you could have some perminant damage. Make sure you get ALL information pertinent information including names etc before getting off that ship. Wire Princess in on board as well as the outfit running the Spa is only a contract company employed by Princess. In my opinion procedures of this nature should be under the supervision of a Dentist or MD.

Wow. Think I would make an appointment with my dentist for when I got home and get to him/her ASAP, perhaps my lawyer also as you could have some perminant damage. Make sure you get ALL information pertinent information including names etc before getting off that ship. Wire Princess in on board as well as the outfit running the Spa is only a contract company employed by Princess. In my opinion procedures of this nature should be under the supervision of a Dentist or MD.

Trust me I was on it! I got copies of all our medical stuff and a copy of the formal report made with Princess and Steiner (the spa company). We thought about contacting a lawyer but just aren't "those people". We do want compensation just to be able to go back to Bonaire though. We spent a lot of time and money to be able to scuba on our honeymoon and weren't able to :( That was the whole reason we did that itinerary! I am definitely going to see my dentist ASAP.

The Steiner people called me yesterday and asked for a letter stating what I want. I don't even know whats reasonable or where to start :confused: I want to rewind time and redo our honeymoon, but obv that can't happen!

If it is back to Bonaire that you want let them know. After all they did cause you to miss much of what you wanted to do on your cruise. No they can not bring back your anniversary but they can make it right so it may not be a total disaster. I would ask for bare minimum for them to provide you with a comparable cruise experience that their staff prevented you from enjoying. That would be the minimum I would ask for. Replacing what they took form you and also payment of any dental bills you will have to pay to correct any damage.

That's why they license dental professionals. I would not trust any sort of medical/semi-medical treatment (spa - not treatment from the medical center) on a cruise ship or at a land based resort.

Hi There

So sorry that this happened to you, hope you get this worked out

could never work out why folks wanted to do this,

looks so odd when you see some one with glow in the dark teeth.

yours Shogun

Trust me I was on it! I got copies of all our medical stuff and a copy of the formal report made with Princess and Steiner (the spa company). We thought about contacting a lawyer but just aren't "those people". We do want compensation just to be able to go back to Bonaire though. We spent a lot of time and money to be able to scuba on our honeymoon and weren't able to :( That was the whole reason we did that itinerary! I am definitely going to see my dentist ASAP.

 

The Steiner people called me yesterday and asked for a letter stating what I want. I don't even know whats reasonable or where to start :confused: I want to rewind time and redo our honeymoon, but obv that can't happen!

Think I would move very slowly until you have time to evaluate everything.

I had my teeth whitened on the Emerald October 2010 and am still using the whitener that I purchased from them. I thought that they were all professional people and licenced to do whatever service they offer. I do know it was a lot more expensive than my local clinics charge.

:eek:I'm SO sorry for you! Firstly,how would some Lotus spa attendant know ANYTHING about the bacterial count in your mouth???That response was RIDICULOUS!! You are a victim so no need to "lecture" you about doing procedures like this outside your dentist office but to others,I would say"Don't do it!". I am a registered nurse. I have also had tooth whitening,Restylane,and Botox in my own qualified practioners' (doctors and dentist) offices. I was APPALLED to see such things offered on a cruise ship. To a medical professional it borders on something from "Saturday Night Live" when I read of a "Doctor so-and-so" onboard doing such stuff. I admit though that even I thought the whitening was probably just some weak version that only would damage your wallet. WOW! This is terrible! On my cruise,I heard that even the onboard comedian made jokes about having a liver transplant done onboard,as reference to these treatments. Hopefully,cruise ships will realize this is risky business and potential litigation will end it. One should always have access to follow up for these things and how doing these procedures on a cruise is acceptable to the practioners is beyond me,especially the dermal fillers and botox. The spa at sea is about SELLING,not treating whether its "detoxifying" or a total makeover. Best we all stick to massages and light facials in these places. Again,I am so sorry for what you went through.

That's why they license dental professionals. I would not trust any sort of medical/semi-medical treatment (spa - not treatment from the medical center) on a cruise ship or at a land based resort.

How right you are - I was in the SPA on the Crown last week for the first time - thought I would treat myself - what a disappointment and waste of money. I had a seaweed massage - and the spa employee started telling me that I needed anti-inflammatory oils/creams ( that they just happen to sell - over $300 worth) for my knees. On top of the heavy sell - I did not buy - I felt really miserable afterwards because of her "diagnosis" - maybe my knees are inflammed but that was the first I had heard of it - I did not go there for a medical check-up; I went for a massage

As for the OP - what a shame - I feel so saddened for your experience. A couple of cruises ago - our dining companions were dentists and they had quite a bit to say about the teeth whitening by non-professionals - so fortunately when I was given a "free" sample when I was in the SPA last week I just threw it out.

Hope that you are feeling well now. Congratulations on your marriage!!!

How right you are - I was in the SPA on the Crown last week for the first time - thought I would treat myself - what a disappointment and waste of money. I had a seaweed massage - and the spa employee started telling me that I needed anti-inflammatory oils/creams ( that they just happen to sell - over $300 worth) for my knees. On top of the heavy sell - I did not buy - I felt really miserable afterwards because of her "diagnosis" - maybe my knees are inflammed but that was the first I had heard of it - I did not go there for a medical check-up; I went for a massage

 

As for the OP - what a shame - I feel so saddened for your experience. A couple of cruises ago - our dining companions were dentists and they had quite a bit to say about the teeth whitening by non-professionals - so fortunately when I was given a "free" sample when I was in the SPA last week I just threw it out.

Hope that you are feeling well now. Congratulations on your marriage!!!

Oh,dear,I wish you had not wasted a moment giving a thought to what one of those snake oil salepeople in those cruiseline spas tell you. I believe they are heavily pressured to SELL as part of their job. I have had some pleasant massages and facials,but when that "let's talk" part comes,I say no thanks firmly. Once I had an attendant in that spa look like she was gonna cry when I refused to buy a THOUSAND dollars worth of product on the spot! I felt like she was going to be flogged if she didn't meet some sales quota. And when they push those nonsensical detox and firming,etc...I just laugh cuz those claims are pretty much physiologically impossible. And don't even get me started on the "QVC at sea" jewelry selling cult on those ships and CLASSES about buying jewelry from their partners in port. I believe that some nice high end stuff can be had duty free if you know what you are shopping for,but the jewelry and ART selling is almost comical.

Not something I would want to do on a cruise.

So sorry that it ruined a few days of your cruise.

Hi There

 

So sorry that this happened to you, hope you get this worked out

 

could never work out why folks wanted to do this,

 

looks so odd when you see some one with glow in the dark teeth.

 

yours Shogun

Hi Shogun,

If done right you won't come out with glow in the dark teeth. Just a brigher smile.:)

I wouldn't respond to Steiner until either you've spoken to a lawyer or a paralegal. I know you mentioned you didn't think this is something a lawyer would handle. Not being a legal expert I don't really know what type of lawyer you would call. But, you might start with a paralegal and see what they say. I know most lawyers and paralegals will give a free consultation.

So sorry this happened to you.

My favorite Lotus Spa treatment is when they want to hook you up a 1985 model compaq computer and print out a complete body analysis. Its a shame but the Lotus Spa is a seagoing snake oil medicine show.

Vanity isn't all it is cracked up to be. To sue them I think is ridiculous. Look at medications people take some have reactions but most don't. You had a reaction to a vanity product but most don't. Just chalk it up to a lessoned learned and don't do it again.

Why on Earth would anyone let a non-professional do anything to their teeth is beyond me!

I don't blame the OP for wanting a splurge on a spa service during her honeymoon. I've considering teeth whitening but can't seem to find the time for something cosmetic like this but on a cruise, suddenly I've got lots of time.

Still, this is a good cautionary tale. You don't hear much good about the spas on board with the high pressure sales and overpriced services, but this is an even better reason to just avoid them all together. :(

Husband and I went to a Detox roadshow on a cruise through the Canal last year. Paid to have the "evaluation" done, was no aware they were going to pressure us to buy product. Was told I was overwieght - I agree, 15lbs over ideal for weight - would take a year of product to lose the weight. Husband who has been fighting Valley Fever for a couple of years was told to stop all meds and go on the body cleanse and all would be perfect. So called specialist had absolutely no idea what Valley Fever is and what the consequences of stopping meds would be. Cost would be close to $500 per month to be product. Needless to say we knew enough not to pursue. Specialist become very unpleasant when we did not sign contract, told us we had waisted his time. Felt extremely uncomfortable when we used the fitness facitilities after our appt. as he was always around.

I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you! Thanks for saving us from future agony.

I've been trying to think of a good answer to what is reasonable compensation...

Here's the best I have..

In terms of lost cruise time, an amount equal to the prorated cost of 3 days of the cruise, plus airfare. This represents the basic cost of going back to missed days.

In addition, they should pay for a full dental health checkup and agree to cover any costs related to the procedure, indefinately. Any final agreement should include no waiver of medical liability.

Finally, I would ask for a Princess gift card or some other compensation in the amount of $1K each to cover discomfort, etc.

This seems fair to me without being overly puntitive.