MEDIA RELEASE: Attention health and lifestyle editors
Experts push for peroxide-free teeth whiteners.
Embargoed till Thursday 3rd December, 2009. People who choose at-home
teeth whiteners should seek out peroxide-free treatments because they can
deliver
good results without the unwanted side effects of peroxide, says an
Australian dental expert.
Dentist and adjunct lecturer in dental studies at the University of Sydney, Dr
Yvonne Sum,
was speaking to healthcare professional journals at the official
launch of
Mirawhite®
Oxygen a peroxide-free tooth whitener that uses
oxidation to whiten teeth up to five
shades in two
weeks, without the side-
effects and sensitivity caused by methods that use peroxide.
The growing popularity of teeth whitening has triggered a debate among
dental health professionals and those that provide cosmetic services about
the appropriate use of these products.
Dr Sum however, believes that growing consumer demand for effective,
convenient at-home
products is inevitable, and that consumers should be
encouraged to seek out peroxide-free options.
“Outside the dental practice, using a peroxide-based formula can have a
number of side effects, including intense sensitivity and tissue irritation when
in contact with soft tissue inside the
mouth.
In compromised enamel, it may
accelerate further deterioration,” said Dr Sum.
“Some people are aware of these risks but until now there has not been a cost
effective, non-peroxide
teeth whitening treatment. So it’s great to see
consumers being provided with an additional option.”
Dr Sum’s views are supported by a new consumer survey released today
which shows consumers are concerned about the side effects associated with
peroxide and are more likely to use a teeth whitener where they can be
reassured those risks do not exist.
An online survey of 358 Australians showed one in two people said the
availability of a peroxide-free tooth whitener would make it more likely they
would use a product like this “because it would be good to reduce side effects
and risks.”¹
Only 1% said they would actually prefer a peroxide based treatment.
ENDS
For more information contact Martin Palin
(0418 419 258) or Karina Candia
(0402 307 056) at Palin Communications (02 9412 2255)
1. McCrindle Research. November 2009
NEWS 
