General dental practitioners can now provide dental bleaching treatment for diseased teeth in patients under the age of 18, without fear of disciplinary action by the General Dental Council (GDC).

The GDC has updated its guidance after two years of campaigning by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) and senior dentists. A revised position statement on the GDC's website states: 'Products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide cannot be used on any person under 18 years of age except where such use is intended wholly for the purpose of treating or preventing disease.'

Dental bleaching to correct discolouration of teeth prevents the need for destructive removal of sound tooth structure. Up until now, EU legislation has effectively prohibited the use of scientifically proven, safe, low concentration bleaching products from being used in patients under age 18. Common causes of tooth discolouration include trauma, inherited dental conditions, or the swallowing of medicines while the adult teeth are developing. Opacities are among the commonest type of enamel defect.

In a recent paper Martin Kelleher, a consultant in restorative dentistry at King's College London, raised concerns regarding the psychological impacts of discoloured teeth on young patients, which can cause bullying and unhappiness.1

Dr Kelleher said of the updated guidance: 'I am glad that this unscientific position has been revised so that all patients, irrespective of age, can benefit from safe and effective treatment of their discoloured teeth in a regulated environment'.

Claire Stevens of the BSPD and consultant in paediatric dentistry said: 'We are grateful to many people for their support with our lobbying, particularly Kathy Harley, Dean of the Faculty of the Royal College of Surgeons on England, who has been instrumental in achieving the change.

'We are delighted that we can now treat [young patients] without fear of disciplinary action.'