DIY teeth whiteners ordered off the market

Several brands of teeth whitener have been found to be dangerous.

Two do-it-yourself teeth whiteners are being recalled because of harmful side-effects that include chemical burns to users' mouths.

The products recalled are "Bright White Express – Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit" and 'Proteethwhitening – Professional Teeth Whitening Pen", both supplied by a company called Pro Teeth Whitening.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, David Bradbury today signed a Consumer Protection Notice ordering the company to recall the kits to protect consumers from high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that may cause chemical burns to a user's mouth and gums.

“These products contain the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide in higher concentrations than the recognised safe limits as set out in the Poisons Standard 2011 and are unsafe for DIY teeth whitening,” Mr Bradbury said. “Following negotiations with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, 22 teeth whitening products with unsafe levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide have already been voluntarily recalled by eight other suppliers since December 2011.

“Consumers are advised to cease using these products immediately and visit the Recalls Australia website www.recalls.gov.au for more information on returning the goods for replacement or refund.”

Pro Teeth Whitening has three days to comply with the compulsory recall order.

“DIY teeth whitening kits have grown in popularity, but kits with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide may cause painful injuries to a user's mouth and gums, including sensitive teeth and chemical burns,” Mr Bradbury said.

“The Australian Dental Association has also reported that dentists are seeing an increasing number of patients presenting with mouth injuries attributed to home teeth bleaching. Some cases have also been treated in emergency departments of hospitals.

“Poisons Information Centres in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have received a combined total of at least 58 reports of injuries involving teeth whiteners since 2004.”

If you experience any adverse symptoms after using a DIY teeth whitening kit you should seek medical treatment.

Article Source http://www.smh.com.au/national/diy-teeth-whiteners-ordered-off-the-market-20120206-1r1fz.html#ixzz1lfs45zbi

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis is more commonly known as "bad breath", a condition that can sometimes have severe social repercussions. It is usually caused by overactive bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria are normally found in the mouths of most people – however, in some cases, they can be over-stimulated and produce a far larger amount of their normal waste product, known as volatile sulphur compounds. This, in turn, causes bad breath.

Who it affects

Bad breath can affect anyone, as there are a range of different causes, each with its own treatment. Many people believe bad breath is directly related to the foods that they eat, which is true – but only in the short term. Foods such as garlic and onions do have the ability to cause bad breath, but those symptoms are generally short-lived.

However, people who suffer from halitosis are more prone to prolonged bouts of bad breath, caused by sulphur-producing bacteria. The symptoms include a white film on the tongue and / or teeth, dry mouth, a constant bitter or metallic taste and bad breath.

There is no single treatment for halitosis, due to the numerous causes – your doctor or dentist can offer proper diagnosis and recommend treatments.

How to prevent it

Avoiding halitosis can be as simple as improving your oral hygiene regimen. There are several mouthwashes and toothpastes on the market that have been formulated to help fight the bacterial cause, and mask or negate many of the unpleasant symptoms.

In extreme cases, a course of antibiotics may be suggested by your health care professional.

Healthy Teeth

Keeping your teeth in good condition not only gives you a great smile, but it may also reduce your risk of a stroke. Researchers at Hiroshima University in Japan found that
people with fewer than 24 of their own teeth (adults should have 32) are 60 per cent more likely to suffer a stroke.

The main cause for tooth loss in adults is gum disease. It's believed that the bacteria associated with gum disease contributes to the narrowing of the artery walls. Strokes are
caused by blood supply to the brain being blocked. Other research has shown that gum disease is linked with heart disease, so there's even more reason to take care of your
chompers.

 Top tips for healthy teeth: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and stay away from sugary foods.

When to see a dentist: It's recommended that you get a dental checkup every six months. If you notice that you have bleeding red or swollen gums, or if your teeth have gotten more sensitive or loose, you may be showing signs of gum disease.

 Call 1300 764 537 or click here for an appointment.

Tea anyone?

Did you know that tea is one of the highest sources of fluoride in the diet? What a delicious way to improve dental health! Drinking a cup of black, white or green tea will deliver this important mineral.

Fluoride helps attract calcium and other minerals to harden the enamel of the teeth, known as remineralisation. But the fluoride must be present in the saliva.

Tea also contains antibacterial substances that reduce the amount of acid-producing bacteria that cause cavities. So drink tea, as well as brushing and flossing, to protect those pearly whites. It’s just what the dentist ordered.

Article Source - bodyandsoul.com.au

Merry Christmas from the team at Cairns Central