People want to look their best—it’s just human nature. Teenagers are especially likely to fall into this category, as the pressures of their friends, peers, and environments push them to follow all the latest trends and put their best foot (or teeth) forward.
If your teenager is interested in improving their appearance through teeth whitening, you probably have some questions, such as is teeth whitening safe for teens?
We understand your concern and are here to help. Read on to evaluate the safety of teenage teeth whitening yourself!
Know the Options
Teeth whitening is not a one-size-fits-all world. There are several popular whitening methods, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. To navigate through this unfamiliar world, it’s important to know the options.
Whitening Strips
The most popular at-home whitening products are typically strips and gels. The problem with these universal options is just that—they are not customized to individuals. This can lead to poor fitment, improper use, and unintended consequences such as irritation of the gums and tooth sensitivity.
Toothpaste
There are seemingly endless kinds of whitening toothpastes on the market, all claiming miracle results. The truth is that a mild whitening toothpaste will probably help remove basic surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. Even though they seem harmless, it’s still a good idea to check with your dentist before using such a product.
Custom Options
Having a treatment custom-made for your teen’s unique situation is one of the best ways to ensure positive results. Custom trays, for example, are personalized to your teen’s teeth and use stronger whitening agents than over-the-counter alternatives. Under your dentist’s supervision, this option can be extraordinarily safe, as well.
In-Office Cleaning
Visiting the dentist every six months is a fantastic way to keep teeth not just white but also healthy. If cleaning isn’t quite enough to achieve the appearance of your teen desire, the dentist can evaluate their oral health and work with you to develop a suitable plan to whiten their teeth safely.
Teen Teeth Whitening Safety
Equipped with your newfound knowledge of the available whitening methods, it’s time to get into the crux of this conversation—is teeth whitening safe for teens?
Unfortunately, the answer is anything but clear. Misuse of whitening products is not uncommon, which can lead to damage to the gums, disintegration of enamel, tooth sensitivity, and more. Under the supervision of a dental professional, however, teeth whitening is far safer.
Age also plays a role. The common consensus is that an individual should be at least 14 to 16 before whitening their teeth.
As far as scientific research is concerned, more work needs to be done before the data support either position.
What Does It Mean?
Talk to your dentist. The best way to determine the safety of teeth whitening for teens is to evaluate each case individually.
Even if the dentist advises against the use of teeth whitening agents, they will happily provide a customized plan to care for your teeth. From a strict regimen of brushing and flossing to subtle changes in diet, there is a myriad of healthy, safe strategies that can help brighten up your teen’s smile!