Patients wanting teeth whitening will need to see dentist

21^st September 2011 - The British Dental Association (BDA) has welcomed an agreement to amend regulations governing the availability and use of teeth whitening products. Once approved, it would mean that patients would need to see a dentist before using kits containing all but the lowest concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

A meeting of the European Commission's Council has backed recommendations put forward by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products in 2007.

The BDA said it had been lobbying for the changes during the past four years.

There are several teeth whitening systems available. These include whitening toothpastes, over-the counter gels, strips and trays and whitening agents obtained from a dentist.

Hydrogen peroxide

The new regulations would mean that products containing or releasing over 0.1% hydrogen peroxide will not be available directly to the consumer. Whitening products over 0.1% and less than 6% hydrogen peroxide will only be available to patients following an examination and an initial treatment session carried out or supervised by a dentist.

Dr Stuart Johnston, Chair of the BDA's Representative Body and Chair of the Council of European Dentists' working group on tooth whitening, said in a statement: "This long-awaited decision is good for dentists and their patients. It puts patient safety first by recognising the importance of examination by a dentist before whitening treatments are provided and updates the legal position on whitening products for dental professionals.

"It is also good news for Trading Standards Officers, who now have a clear indication that they should pursue non-dentists who supply whitening products. We welcome this announcement and look forward to its implementation."

The agreement does not change the official position on products containing or releasing more than 6% hydrogen peroxide which remain illegal to use.

The European Commission has asked the Council of European Dentists to help monitor the use of whitening products and any ill effects they might cause in order to build up a fuller picture of the use of whitening products throughout Europe.