New rules for dental whiteners

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has amended the rules around dental whiteners containing hydrogen peroxide.

The New Zealand Dental Council and the Ministry of Health requested a rule change in response to concerns that tooth whiteners containing hydrogen peroxide may cause irritation to gums and tooth sensitivity. Excessive use may cause more severe effects.

The Authority’s decision includes new requirements for labelling of tooth whitening products. It also divides tooth whitening products into three categories and places sale and use restrictions on the highest two of these categories, including requiring dental supervision of the products posing the highest risk.

Products containing less than 7 percent hydrogen peroxide will continue to be able to be used and sold without restriction.

Products containing more than 7 percent hydrogen peroxide will be subject to restrictions on their sale and use. For example, products containing more than 12 percent hydrogen peroxide will only be able to be used under the supervision of a dentist.

The new rules will take effect 24 months from the day the decision is publicly notified.