Teenagers tend to follow the crowd when it comes to the latest trends. Once a friend or classmate shows up to school flaunting a freshly whitened smile, it’s incredibly likely that your child will soon be coming to you asking for a DIY teeth whitening kit. As these types of at-home whitening products become more available, it’s vital to understand the risks and possible side effects of applying teeth whitening products to a developing smile.
In most cases, teeth whitening is safe for teens who are hoping to achieve a whiter smile. However, there are essential things to keep in mind when it comes to all teeth-whitening products.
Teeth Whitening Risks For Teens
Potential Dangers of most teeth whitening products such as whitening strips, gels, and pens increase for kids and teens due to the products utilizing hydrogen peroxide solution as a primary ingredient. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in many of these whitening treatments is up to 13%, and as the concentration level raises, the higher the chance of adverse effects on young teeth. Primary teeth have thinner enamel and dentin and larger pulp (the living connective tissue inside the teeth) than permanent teeth do.
Teens can easily misuse teeth whitening products. The strong chemicals used as whitening agents can lead to:
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Dentin demineralization
- Variations in tooth coloration
- Damage to the gum tissue
- Injured tooth or pulp nerves
- Enamel pitting and disintegration
The Right Age To Whiten
The right age for teeth whitening depends on your dentist’s recommendation and your teen. Most dentists agree that teeth whitening should be done no earlier than age 14-16. Many pre-teens do not have all of their permanent teeth yet, so it’s best not to undergo teeth whitening until all adult teeth are present, and there are no longer any baby teeth in your child’s mouth.
Teeth whitening should be considered on an individual basis, so if your child already has all of their adult teeth by 13, they may be ready for whitening products.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Dentists strongly recommend that in-office laser teeth whitening treatments are ideal for teenagers who want a brighter smile. These professional treatments allow for a quick and easy whitening process that is proven to be safe without room for user-error.
During an in-office whitening treatment, your teen’s eyes and gums are fully protected from the laser light to ensure safety. After whitening, there will be an immediate difference with no mess or complications.
Whitening Strips
At-home whitening kids come in the form of strips or gels. These whitening products are applied directly to the teeth with a brush or in the form of a thin strip. At-home kids are not customized to each patient, which can result in an improper fit leading to gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. These products are intended to be applied daily for up to two weeks.
Whitening Toothpaste
Brushing teeth thoroughly twice a day with whitening toothpaste will help to prevent stains and remove surface stains. Brushing with a mild whitening toothpaste is far more gentle than using products with bleach. Always check with your dentist to ensure that whitening toothpaste is safe and appropriate for your child’s teeth before using a specific product.
Custom Dental Trays and Gel
Custom whitening trays can be made for your teen to ensure the treatment is personalized and will yield great results. Custom made dental trays will be created from impressions taken in our office, and a professional-strength whitening gel will help to whiten your teen’s smile over two weeks.
In-Office Teeth Cleaning
Having your child’s teeth thoroughly and properly cleaned every six months will help to keep their smile bright and white. If teeth cleanings aren’t enough, talk to your dentist about professional in-office whitening treatments. Together, we can evaluate the state of your teen’s oral health, and offer assistance in how to help them achieve a healthy and white smile.
Always consult with a trusted dentist before starting any teeth-whitening treatments for your teen. Call Elite Dental & Denture PC today so we can help your child avoid any potentially-painful side effects common with at-home teeth whitening.
FAQs
Most doctors tend to recommend against teeth whitening until after a child's teeth have fully matured, which is typically after the age of 16.
Who is not suitable for teeth whitening? ›
Whitening is not suitable if you're pregnant or don't have healthy teeth and gums. Treatment with a GDC-registered dentist who has undergone 5 years' training, or who supervises a GDC-registered nurse or hygienist.
Is teeth whitening at the dentist safe? ›
In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening.
What is the best teeth whitening for a 16 year old? ›
Colgate® Optic White® Overnight Whitening Pen
A teeth whitening pen with an enamel safe whitening serum formula designed for no tooth sensitivity.
Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›
If you are allergic to peroxide, you will not be able to have your teeth whitened, since peroxide is the active ingredient in whitening systems. If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening.
What disqualifies you from teeth whitening? ›
Teeth Whitening Disqualifications
Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.
Who is not a good candidate for tooth whitening? ›
Patients with the following conditions or circ*mstances may not be the best candidates: Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age.
What is the safest form of teeth whitening? ›
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening? ›
What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
Is it better to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›
The main advantage of professional teeth whitening is that it's more effective than at-home treatments. This is because the bleaching agent used in professional treatments is usually stronger than over-the-counter products.
However, dentists recommend waiting until children are at least 14 years old before considering teeth whitening for kids.
How to whiten a 13 year old's teeth? ›
You can certainly use natural whitening agents, such as baking soda and whitening toothpaste, on your 13 year old's teeth. Depending on if your child has all of their adult teeth and their enamel is calcified, you can also begin to use whitening strips or hydrogen peroxide.
Can a 14 year old use whitening toothpaste? ›
Staining, such as mild stains caused by coffee or other dark beverages, can often be removed with whitening toothpaste. Teenagers can use whitening toothpaste at least twice daily during their regular brushing and flossing routine.
What is the least toxic way to whiten your teeth? ›
Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:
It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent. It also helps in killing bacteria.
Why is it not good to whiten your teeth? ›
However, teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Enamel damage can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth. It's essential to consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products to ensure they're safe for your teeth.
When is teeth whitening not recommended? ›
Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
Who should not use teeth whitening kits? ›
“Even with over-the-counter products, it is still recommended to see your dentist prior to starting a whitening procedure.” Dr. Scheier says. Those who are susceptible to sensitivity, either from gum recession or worn-down enamel, may inadvertently increase that sensitivity by using a teeth-whitening kit.
What type of teeth cannot be whitened? ›
Teeth that have yellowed with age
Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
Why does teeth whitening not work for some people? ›
If you have gray teeth or internal stains, dental whitening may not be an option. People who have had the antibiotic tetracycline or too much fluoride as a child may have gray stains that are impossible to remove with tooth whitening. People who have had root canal therapy may also have gray teeth.
