The new legal landscape

As a dental professional, you will no doubt be aware of the clinical benefits and risks associated with cosmetic tooth whitening. However, it is also important to be aware of the legalrisks associated with cosmetic tooth whitening, particularly as this area has been subject to significant change of late.

Between 1976 and 2012, the percentage of hydrogen peroxide permitted in cosmetic tooth whitening or bleaching products within the European Union (EU) was 0.1 per cent. In 2011, the Council of the EU issued Directive 2011/84/EU, which stated that the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety had decided that cosmetic tooth whitening or bleaching products containing more than 0.1 per cent and up to six per cent hydrogen peroxide were safe for use, subject to compliance with certain safety conditions. On October 31, 2012, The Cosmetic Products (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 came into force in order to bring UK law into line with the EU Council’s Directive.