Consumers warned of harm from illegal teeth whitening products sold online

Due to the potentially harmful side-effects from hydrogen peroxide, the HPRA urged consumers to consult a dentist before teeth whitening, especially if they have existing dental or medical conditions.

Nearly 7,000 illegal teeth whitening products were seized by health authorities last year, as consumers were warned of potentially harmful items being advertised online.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority said products containing high levels of hydrogen peroxide were entering the Irish market through online sales.

Due to the potentially harmful side-effects from hydrogen peroxide, the HPRA urged consumers to consult a dentist before teeth whitening, especially if they have existing dental or medical conditions.

“Millions of teeth whitening kits have been sold across the world to consumers looking to brighten their smiles,” HPRA cosmetic product manager Lisa Byrne said.

“However, we have noticed an increase in the number of teeth whitening products — being sold directly to consumers online — containing hydrogen peroxide levels far above the legal EU limit, sometimes as high as 15% to 40%, well above the EU permissible limit of 6%.

High levels of hydrogen peroxide, without appropriate dental supervision, may cause chemical burns to the gums, tooth sensitivity, damage to dental restorations as well as increasing the risk of long-term oral health complications.

Last year, the HPRA detained 6,849 units of teeth whitening products and was involved in the removal of 105 website URLs linked to the sale of non-EU compliant teeth whitening products, it said.

Sold typically as strips or gels, they are often marketed on social media platforms.

Its active bleaching ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, but it is strictly regulated to protect consumer health. Higher concentrations in such products are associated with an increased risk of adverse side-effects.

In Ireland and the EU, the maximum permitted concentration of hydrogen peroxide that can be sold directly to the consumer is 0.1%.

For between 0.1% and 6% concentration, a registered dentist must supply them and supervise the first use.

The HPRA added people should always consult a dentist if you are considering teeth whitening, particularly if they have existing dental or medical conditions.