The Trading Standards bureau of the Cardiff Council in Wales in the U.K. is advising consumers not to have their teeth whitened unless a dentist has assessed whether such treatment is right for them.
Also, while tooth whitening can improve the appearance of natural teeth, it is important that people are fully aware of what to expect and how it can be conducted safely, the council noted in a press release. There is particular concern over the dangers relating to the supply of illegal tooth-whitening products both for use at home and the use of such products by people who are not registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Cardiff Trading Standards has successfully prosecuted one company for selling a home tooth-whitening kit containing more than 10% hydrogen peroxide, and there have been reported cases of whitening kits containing 30% hydrogen peroxide.
"Cardiff Trading Standards is working with dentists to develop a process to deal with a number of issues related to tooth whitening, including advising providers about the legal position, followed by enforcement action (which may include prosecution) and/or notifying the GDC if appropriate," a Cardiff Council spokesperson said. "Trading Standards is also working with suppliers of tooth-whitening products to ensure they stay within the law."
It is illegal in Wales and other parts of the U.K. and Europe to supply tooth-whitening products that contain more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, the council noted.
