Tuesday, February 07, 2012
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, signed a Consumer Protection Notice ordering a company to recall DIY teeth whitening kits to protect consumers from high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that may cause chemical burns to a user’s mouth and gums.
The products recalled are ‘Bright White Express – Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit’ and‘Proteethwhitening – Professional Teeth Whitening Pen’, both supplied by Pro Teeth Whitening (Aust) Pty Limited.
“These products contain the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide in higher concentrations than the recognised safe limits as set out in the Poisons Standard 2011 and are unsafe for DIY teeth whitening,” said Mr Bradbury.
“Following negotiations with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), 22 teeth whitening products with unsafe levels of hydrogen peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide have already been voluntarily recalled by 8 other suppliers since December 2011.
“Consumers are advised to cease using these products immediately and visit the Recalls Australia website www.recalls.gov.au for more information on returning the goods for replacement or refund.”
Pro Teeth Whitening (Aust) Pty Limited has 3 days to comply with the compulsory recall order. Consumers can keep up to date by checking progress on the Recalls Australia website.
“DIY teeth whitening kits have grown in popularity, but kits with high concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide may cause painful injuries to a user’s mouth and gums, including sensitive teeth and chemical burns,” said Mr Bradbury.
“The Australian Dental Association has also reported to the secretary that dentists are seeing an increasing number of patients presenting with mouth injuries attributed to home teeth bleaching. Some cases have also been treated in emergency departments of hospitals.
Poisons Information Centres in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have received a combined total of at least 58 reports of injuries involving teeth whiteners since 2004.
If you experience any adverse symptoms after using a DIY teeth whitening kit you should seek medical treatment and for further information on teeth whitening see the ADA’s oral health information page www.teethwhiteningfacts.com.au
This article first published by the Australian Dental Association Inc. Link to original article.
