Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.While Americans whiten their teeth at a kiosk in a shopping mall, Europeans are facing tougher restrictions to get their smiles pearly white.
On September 20, the European Commission announced new regulations - four years in the making - clamping down on teeth whitening kits, including strips, gels, and trays containing higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
Whitening products over 0.1 percent and less than 6 percent hydrogen peroxide now will only be available to patients following an examination and an initial treatment session carried out by a dentist. Products containing more than 6 percent are deemed illegal.
The rationale behind the move is consumer safety, noted Dr. Stuart Johnston, chair of the BDA’s Representative Body, in a statement: "This long-awaited decision is good for dentists and their patients. It puts patient safety first by recognising the importance of examination by a dentist before whitening treatments are provided."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments