IDA issues warning on tooth whitening products

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The Irish Dental Association has issued a warning, advising members of the public to avoid potentially dangerous tooth whitening products.

According to members of the IDA, the products range from “useless to dangerous” and the association has also expressed concern about untrained practitioners offering whitening treatments. Under new EU regulations, which are due to come into place soon, only trained practitioners will be able to provide whitening services. However, this has not yet come into practise and at the moment, practitioners without dental qualifications are offering whitening treatments.

Under the new EU regulations, fully qualified dentists will be the only professionals allowed to offer whitening services. Currently, whitening treatments are available at many places, including shopping centres and beauty salons.

Tom Feeney, from the IDA, said that dentists are trained and qualified to determine whether an individual is a suitable candidate for tooth whitening; untrained practitioners do not have this expertise and may therefore treat somebody who should not be offered the treatment. Tooth whitening agents, including bleaching products, can cause serious damage to the teeth if given to a patient with dental problems. Mr Feeney also said that there may be concerns over infection control and waste disposal.

The Irish Dental Association also warned the public against buying whitening products of the internet, as some contain unsafe levels of hydrogen peroxide. Some products contain very high levels, which can be dangerous, while others contain very low levels, which renders them useless.

Representatives from the IDA said that they hoped that government would support the new EU regulations, which will ensure that members of the public are protected.

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