The European Commission (EC) is requesting an opinion from the Scientific committee on Consumer Products(SCCP) on the health risks associated with the use of hydrogen peroxide in oral hygiene products. In 2005, the SCCP concluded that the use of up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide in tooth-whitening products was safe. Similarly, it concluded that hydrogen peroxide formulated above 0.1% was not sage for over-the-counter use.
In its recent request, the SCCP finds the use of hydrogen peroxide in tooth-whitening products separate from its use in toothpastes and mouth rinses. To be consistent, the committee will now be evaluating the ingredients use in toothpastes and mouth rinses.
According to the committee the evaluation will divide use by dentists from use by consumers and consumers following the advice of dentists. The SCCP is interested in scientific peer-reviewed papers highlighting data extracted from risk assessments, hazard characterization studies, exposure assessment studies and epidemiological studies.
