New regulations governing the use of a chemical found in tooth whitening products have come into force.
The directive, passed by the European Council, regulates the use of hydrogen peroxide. The regulation bans the use of tooth-whitening products that contain over 6% hydrogen peroxide and limits tooth whitening to adults over the age of 18 years.
From now on consumers may only be sold products containing up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. Products containing more than 0.1% and up to 6% can only be administered initially by a dentist, and thereafter on the prescription of a dentist
This new ruling has been welcomed by the Irish Dental Association.