ACCC Raises Concerns Over Do-It-Yourself Teeth Whitening Products
Sydney Morning Herald Article reporting ACCC recalls on non-dentist teeth whitening products...
Click here to view the article on the Sydney Morning Herald website or read the story below:
Teeth whiteners pulled over peroxide danger
Rachel Wells
December 9, 2011 - 12:57PM
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/teeth-whiteners-pulled-over-peroxide-danger-20111209-1omo2.html
A handful of do-it-yourself teeth whiteners have been recalled from the Australian market after reports they caused harmful injuries such as headaches and chemical burns to the mouth.
Nine DIY teeth-whitening products, supplied by three different brands, including White My Bite, WhiteSmile and DaVinci Elite, were recalled by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission because they contained unsafe concentrations of peroxide.
"The ACCC has identified a number of products which exceed safe peroxide limits and has negotiated recalls to remove these products from the marketplace," ACCC commissioner Sarah Court said.
Ms Court said: "In addition to chemical burns to gums and the mouth, other reported injuries have included blistering or ulceration of the mouth and throat, tooth sensitivity, marbled or unnaturally coloured teeth, tissue tingling and headaches."
She said consumers seeking a pearly white smile should be "extremely cautious" before undertaking DIY teeth whitening treatments.
She said people should not use kits that contain more than 6 per pent hydrogen peroxide and/or more than 18 per cent carbamide peroxide.
The ACCC has also notified all known suppliers of DIY teeth whitening kits that products containing more than these safe levels of peroxide should not be supplied to consumers.
"If the concentration of the bleaching agent is not clearly labelled, consumers are advised not to use the products," she said.
The recalled products include:
Three products supplied by White My Bite, White My Bite Sensitive, White My Bite Professional and White My Bite Advanced kits
Four products supplied by WhiteSmile Pty Ltd, DayWhite Teeth Whitening Gel, NiteWhite Teeth Whitening Gel, Sunshine Health Teeth Whitening Gel, and Crest Teeth Whitening Strips
Two products supplied by DaVinci Elite Pty Ltd, DaVinci Elite tooth whitening pen and DaVinci Elite take-home teeth whitening kit.
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