The British Dental Association (BDA) has welcomed a government commitment to address concerns over teeth whitening treatments in the UK.

Edward Davey MP, parliamentary undersecretary of state at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, said whitening products should not be directly available to consumers.

He has also promised to raise the issue of chlorine dioxide in whitening products with the European Commission – a pledge that was met with approval by the BDA.

The association previously voiced concerns that the stance taken by trading standards officials over the procedure may prompt people to seek whitening treatments from unregulated practitioners and non-dental sources.

It warned that a tough approach from trading standards departments, as seen recently at Essex County Council, could potentially have dangerous consequences for consumers.

Meanwhile, a new awareness campaign designed to improve patients' understanding of the risks posed by uncertified tooth whitening operations has been launched by the General Dental Council.