25 May 2011
The Australian Dental Association SA Branch (ADASA) is calling for tougher controls on ‘whitening shops’ in local retail strips and shopping malls to protect thousands of South Australians from the risk of permanent damage to their teeth and gums.
ADASA is calling on the government to regulate the sale of higher concentrations of peroxide. People without dental qualifications performing irreversible procedures on teeth, such as teeth whitening, are at risk of breaking the law and can be fined up to $30,000 under the Health Practitioners Regulation National Law Act 2009.
SA dentists reported an increase in the number of patients they’re treating for the adverse effects of allowing people with no formal dental training to attempt to whiten their teeth.
ADASA President, Dr Angela Pierce, said people need to be aware of the health risks surrounding teeth whitening procedures from non-dental professionals like hairdressers and beauticians, who do not have the professional training or experience to properly determine a person’s suitability for teeth whitening.
“There are numerous side effects associated with using chemicals to whiten your teeth, and some can be irreversible,” said Dr Pierce.
“Some of these side effects can include alteration of the enamel (outer) surface of teeth, reduced strength of resin (tooth coloured) filling materials, damaged and inflamed gums, chemical burns to the oral soft tissues, blistering of mouth and gum tissues, and severe tooth sensitivity. Inappropriate teeth whitening and failure to properly assess patients’ teeth prior to whitening can also result in the appearance of multi-coloured teeth.”
The process of teeth whitening involves oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide, that when used repeatedly and in high dosages for long periods of time, may cause irreparable damage to teeth.
Evanston Park resident Felecia Williams knows all too well the risks associated with allowing a non dentist to conduct whitening treatment.
She visited her local beautician in December for whitening treatment and immediately afterwards experienced severe redness, swelling and pain in her gums. Concerned, she visited her regular dentist - he diagnosed extensive ulceration to her gums and inner upper lip consistent with chemical trauma.
The beautician used a whitening treatment containing more than the 6 percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which the Dental Board of Australia has recommended should only be used by a registered dental practitioner with the necessary education, training and competence.
Worksafe Australia also lists hydrogen peroxide at concentrations above 5 percent as a hazardous substance in its current guidelines. They advise that direct exposure to the skin and eyes can cause severe irritation or burns, while ingestion may cause irritation to the oesophagus and stomach, resulting in bleeding.
“If people want to have their teeth whitened, it’s important that they seek the advice of a registered dentist before commencing with any treatment. Only a dentist has the formal training and experience to understand the risks associated with whitening and can assess an individual’s suitability for the procedure,” said Dr Pierce.
“Without diagnosing a patient’s suitability for whitening treatment including identification of enamel, white and porcelain fillings, management of gum sensitivity and gum irritation it leaves the person receiving the treatment extremely vulnerable.”
“The ADA is particularly concerned about the lack of infection control protocols, the risk of chemical burns and the blistering of mucosal tissues.”
The Australian Dental Association isn’t the only dental body pushing for greater controls on who is allowed to carry out tooth whitening.
Earlier this month, the General Dental Council in the UK called for tougher controls after complaints about poor treatment by non-dentists.
When compared to Australia, the UK already has strict controls - with over the counter tooth whitening products only allowed to contain 0.3% peroxide.
The European Commission Scientific Safety Committee concluded that the proper use of whitening products containing greater than 0.1 percent peroxide is considered safe only after consultation with and approval of the consumer’s dentist.
The ADASA is continuing to encourage anyone who has had a bad experience with tooth whitening by a non-dentist to come forward and report the matter to the Association.
The Association is collating this information and will supply to the relevant regulatory authorities for review.
The ADA has developed a range of fact sheets on teeth whitening, which can be accessed by visiting www.teethwhiteningfacts.com.au
Issued by Hughes Public Relations: Please contact Simon Hatcher at Hughes Public Relations on (08) 8412 4100 for further information.
