FDA consulting sought by the American Dental Association after fears over tooth whitening chemicals.
The number of people who want whiter teeth has massively increased as celebrities display a set of whiter than white teeth. We like to emulate out favourite stars and believe that having whiter and straighter teeth is a way to knock years off our looks, indeed beauty is seen in white teeth. But, only let your dentist whiten your teeth for you or recommend the best and safest over-the-counter product otherwise you will have a very sore mouth.
A rise in the number of unlicensed and unqualified individuals giving tooth whitening treatments to unsuspecting customers has led the ADA to ask the FDA for stricter regulations over the chemicals used in tooth whitening products that are available over-the-counter.
This is because there are hundreds of products available over the internet which claim to get results that you would see if you had professional treatment at a dentist, however you would only have to pay a fraction of the price. However many customers are charged extortionate hidden costs like international handling fees or repeat purchases. When you think you are trying a free trial of ‘brilliant’ teeth whitening gel and then you end up paying $300 in renewed fees, you really are losing out.
However you might receive more than just damage to your finances when you take up these offers. The high levels of chemicals and the unregulated nature of the products mean that poor application or over use might result in gum erosion and infection. When you are after white teeth and end up with green gums, you know you have been conned.
These stories has led the ADA to ask the FDA to implement classifications on the various chemicals used in tooth whitening products. This is hoped to increase customer awareness of the risks you subject yourself to when trying over-the-counter gels and pastes in the hope of getting whiter teeth.
If the FDA decides to implement classifications, then tooth whitening treatment manufacturers will require FDA consulting on the chemicals and ingredients that it deems as safe and those it does not.
