SA:Unsafe teeth-whiteners recalled

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2011
SA:Unsafe teeth-whiteners recalled

ADELAIDE, Dec 9 AAP - Nine teeth-whitening products have been recalled after causing
injuries including chemical burns to users' gums and the mouths.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said it had acted to stop
the supply of the do-it-yourself teeth-whiteners which contained unsafe levels of peroxide.

"The ACCC is concerned that high concentrations of peroxides used in these products
have resulted in injuries such as chemical burns to gums and the mouth," commissioner
Sarah Court said.

Other injuries including blistering or ulceration of the mouth and throat, tooth sensitivity,
marbled or unnaturally coloured teeth, tingling around the mouth and headaches.

The products recalled included three by White My Bite, four produced by WhiteSmile
Pty Ltd and two by DaVinci Elite Pty Ltd.

The ACCC said more recalls were likely after it recently notified suppliers that products
containing more than six per cent hydrogen peroxide or more than 18 per cent carbamide
peroxide were unsafe.

It checked on the do-it-yourself teeth-whitening kits after receiving reports of injuries.

"Consumers should be extremely cautious before undertaking any do-it-yourself teeth-whitening
treatment," Ms Court said.

"If the concentration of the bleaching agents is not clearly labelled, consumers are
advised not to use the product."

Safe limits for bleaching agents are based on the requirements of the Poisons Standard
2011, expert clinical advice published by the Australian Dental Association and a scientific
risk assessment published by the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products.

AAP tjd/mjs

KEYWORD: WHITENING (WITH FACTBOX)

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