Article: Bleaching Products for Teeth Draw Questions From Federal Agency, Dental Group

Teeth bleaches offered by dentists and in over-the-counter products have raised concerns among federal officials, who three years ago unsuccessfully sought to ban them.

In 1991, the Food and Drug Administration ordered 20 U.S. companies to stop selling their teeth-bleaching products, saying they were new drugs that had not been approved by the FDA. There was no proof that the products were safe and effective, the agency said.

The action hit at a large and growing industry. Consumers spend about $100 million a year on tooth whitening products, according to Rembrandt Oral Care Products, a major manufacturer of whitening products.

The active ingredient in both over-the-counter kits ...

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