---

Teeth-whitening Treatments

Answer

The European Union scientific committee on cosmetics and consumer products (SCCP) was asked to review the safety of increasing the percentage of hydrogen peroxide in over the counter tooth whitening products from 0.1 per cent. to 6 per cent. This report published in March 2005 outlined and reviewed all the relevant research into the safe levels hydrogen peroxide used in tooth whitening and concluded that in the opinion of SCCP:"the use of tooth whitening products up to 0.1 per cent, hydrogen peroxide is safe;""the proper use of tooth whitening products containing greater than 0.1 per cent, to 6 per cent, hydrogen peroxide, or equivalent for hydrogen peroxide releasing substances, is considered safe after consultation with and approval of the consumer's dentist. Tooth whitening is not recommended prior to or immediately after dental restoration and care should be taken by persons with gingivitis and other periodontal diseases or defective restorations;""there is an absence of good clinical data and long-term epidmiological studies that assess possible adverse effects within the oral cavity; and""new additional data supplied does not provide the necessary reassurance in terms of risk assessment to support that safety of hydrogen peroxide up to 6 per cent. in tooth whitening products freely and directly available to the consumer."The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department have noted and support the outcome of the committee's findings.Tooth whitening products are cosmetic products and are therefore not provided as part of the national health service in meeting patients' reasonable clinical needs.Tooth whitening products, along with other oral hygiene products are regulated by the Cosmetics Directive, implemented in the United Kingdom in the Cosmetic Product (Safety) Regulations. The European Commission and member states are currently considering how the SCCP opinion can be implemented to allow consumers to buy products containing up to 6 per cent. hydrogen peroxide. Any proposal will address the concerns of the SCCP including requiring industry to conduct epidemiological studies to assess the long-term effects of usage of this type of product.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

449 c2175-6W; 88053

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Tooth whitening Hydrogen peroxide

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk