Dental News - New Zealand changes rules for tooth-whitening products

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 25. June 2013

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand: On 30 June, new regulations on tooth-whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide will come into effect in New Zealand. The rules were amended two years ago to protect customers from undesirable side-effects. The decision includes new requirements for labelling of tooth-whitening products, as well as sale and use restrictions for products with a high peroxide concentration.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced that restrictions will be placed on the sale of all tooth-whitening products containing more than 7 per cent hydrogen peroxide. In particular, products containing more than 7 per cent and up to 12 per cent hydrogen peroxide will only be available from a dentist, a registered oral health practitioner or a non-registered practitioner working under the supervision of a dentist. However, products with concentrations of less than 7 per cent will continue to be freely available on the market.

Moreover, the EPA resolved that all tooth-whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide will have to carry safety warnings in the future, including a statement advising that the product is not recommended for children younger than 16.

“The EPA expects the industry to be ready to comply as soon as the new rules come into force, as the industry has had two years to prepare for the change,” said Andrea Eng, the EPA’s General Manager for Compliance.

The rules were amended in response to concerns raised by the Dental Council of New Zealand and the Ministry of Health that tooth whiteners containing hydrogen peroxide may cause irritation to gums, tooth sensitivity, and more severe damage when used excessively.

In Europe, the Council of the European Union passed an amended directive on tooth-whitening products in 2011, which resolved that tooth-whitening products containing more than 0.1 per cent and up to 6 per cent hydrogen peroxide may only be sold to dentists.

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