New Zealand health officials have developed new restrictions on the sale of teeth whiteners that contain more than 7% hydrogen peroxide. The new rules take effect June 30.
Products with 7% to 12% hydrogen peroxide will only be available from a dentist, a registered oral health practitioner, or a nonregistered practitioner working under the supervision of a dentist, according to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Those with more than 12% hydrogen peroxide will only be available from a dentist or an oral health practitioner working under the supervision of a dentist. All teeth-whitening products with hydrogen peroxide in them will now have to carry a series of safety warnings, including a statement saying the product is not recommended for children younger than age 16.
There is also a requirement for other oral hygiene products that have hydrogen peroxide to carry a statement telling people to stop using them if they cause irritation.
The rules were created in response to concerns raised by the New Zealand Dental Council and the Ministry of Health, according to the EPA.
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