SOME TEETH WHITENING products being sold online have unsafe amounts of bleach in them, the cosmetics consumer watchdog has warned.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has said unsafe teeth whitening products that do not comply with EU safety regulations are entering the Irish market.

Some of these products, which are often advertised and sold online, contain far higher levels of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) than they should under EU law.

High concentrations of bleach can cause chemical burns, damage dental restorations, inflammation of the gums, pain and sensitivity.

The HPRA said it detained almost 7,000 teeth whitening items last year and removed more than 100 websites selling them.

“These products, typically sold as strips or gels, are often marketed online, including through social media platforms,” the watchdog said in a statement today.

In the EU, over-the-counter teeth whitening products can only contain a maximum of 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, while other products that have 0.1 to 6% can be obtained from dentists.

Anything with a concentration higher than 6% is prohibited in the EU.

“All teeth whitening products sold in the EU must include specific safety information on the labels,” the HPRA said.

“The product must also display the name and EU/EEA address of the Responsible Person. Items without this information may not meet EU safety standards and should not be used.”