Is your teenager asking about teeth whitening? Are they becoming self-conscious about their appearance and believe that a brighter, whiter smile will help?
As a parent, you might wonder if it’s safe for your teenager to use teeth whitening products. Of course, you want to do what’s best for them. If whitening their teeth will make them happier and give them the confidence boost they need, you might feel tempted to go for it. However, you likely also worry about the risks.
With so many options available in the market today, it can be hard to discern between the risks and benefits of teeth whitening. Read on to discover whether or not this cosmetic dental treatment is right for your child!
RECOMMENDED AGE FOR TEETH WHITENING
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAPD), you should not bleach your child’s teeth until all of their baby teeth have fallen out and permanent teeth have come in. Dentists specifically recommend not whitening children’s teeth before age 14. (Source)
One of the reasons pediatric dentists suggest waiting on teeth whitening for kids is because the concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in most teeth whitening strips can lead to sensitivity, especially in kids.
ADVANTAGES OF TEETH WHITENING
However, if your teenager has lost all primary teeth, then he or she may be a good candidate for teeth whitening treatments. A bright smile can do wonders for a teenager’s self-esteem. Here’s how teeth whitening might benefit your teen:
Confidence Boost: A whiter smile can make teenagers feel more confident in social settings. It can improve their self-image and encourage them to smile more freely.
Improved Oral Hygiene: The process of teeth whitening often involves increased attention to oral hygiene. Teens might pay closer attention to brushing and flossing to maintain their results.
Stain Removal: Teenagers are notorious for indulging in stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, soda, and sugary snacks. Teeth whitening can help remove these surface stains and reveal a brighter natural tooth color.
RISKS OF TEETH WHITENING FOR TEENAGERS TO CONSIDER
Before choosing any professional or at-home whitening option, be sure to consult your pediatric dentist at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry to discuss potential risks and to determine the best treatment option for your child. Some potential risks associated with teeth whitening for teenagers include:
Enamel Sensitivity: Teeth whitening products often contain bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These can irritate the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth, leading to sensitivity to hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks. This sensitivity is usually temporary, but it can be uncomfortable for teenagers.
Gum Irritation: Whitening products can also irritate the gums, causing redness, soreness, or discomfort. This is more likely to occur if the product is misused or if your teen has existing gum problems.
Uneven Results: Teenagers might have naturally uneven tooth coloration. Over-the-counter whitening products might not address these differences effectively, potentially leading to a patchy or uneven whitening effect.
TEETH WHITENING OPTIONS FOR TEENS
TOOTHPASTE
Many toothpastes offer whiter teeth and a brighter smile. However, many whitening toothpastes also contain chemical agents and abrasives to remove the stains. While these products may effectively remove stains from the surface of teeth, the chemicals can also damage the enamel.
When enamel is damaged, the tooth’s nerves may be exposed to acidic drinks, food dyes, and bacteria. This will lead to tooth sensitivity and eventually gum disease.
WHITENING STRIPS
Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips are one of the most popular options available. Many people turn to them because they’re cheaper than a visit to the dentist. However, teenagers often misuse or overuse these products. Additionally, these strips can contain ingredients harmful to the teeth and gums.
If your child wants to try whitening strips, you should supervise them throughout the regimen. Ensure they don’t keep them on their teeth too long or use the strips beyond the recommended number of days.
CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
At Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend custom, take-home teeth whitening or bleaching trays as the most effective option for teenagers who would like to achieve a noticeably brighter, whiter smile.
Whitening your teenager’s teeth with help from a dentist is the best option so the dentist can oversee the process. Your child’s dentist can also examine their mouth for possible problems, such as enamel loss, inflammation of the gums, or damage to the soft tissue or nerves.
CONCLUSION
Teeth whitening has become a popular option for teenagers who want to improve their appearance. While there are some risks associated with the procedure, they can be minimized when done correctly and under the recommendation and supervision of your teenager’s Houston dentist.
If your teenager is interested in teeth whitening, consult your dentist at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry before selecting any treatment option.
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