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Is Teeth Whitening FDA Approved?
Teeth whitening procedures performed by dentists at their office are FDA approved. However, some OTC products may not be.
FDA approval assures patients of their safety in choosing certain procedures. While office teeth whitening is approved by the FDA, store-bought teeth whiteners are not. Here is more about the approval status of these options.
Office Teeth Whitening
In office teeth whitening, a variety of FDA-approved peroxides, including hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, are used to bleach teeth. Activation methods, such as the use of a special light in Zoom whitening, are also approved by the FDA. Approval in these cases is often given to individual procedures.
Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening
Teeth whiteners sold on store shelves are generally recognized as safe, also called GRAS, because of the low levels of peroxides they contain. As a result, these products remain classified as cosmetics rather than drugs and are not under FDA jurisdiction. Although the ADA has repeatedly asked the FDA to regulate OTC teeth whitening products, the FDA has remained firm on this issue.
Choosing office teeth whitening ensures better results than what is possible with OTC teeth whiteners, but it also offers peace of mind thanks to FDA approval. Professional bleaching gels, techniques and supervision add up to a safer, more impressive experience overall. At a consultation with our Beverly Hills tooth whitening doctor, patients can learn more about the FDA approval status of whitening procedures.
