Teeth Whitening for Kids and Adolescents: Is It Safe?
Kids and adolescents, like adults, desire a perfectly aligned, bright, and flawless smile. This need is closely associated with the increased use of social media, with many adolescents looking for more likes and positive comments on their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp pages.
Dental imperfections like teeth stains can make them feel less attractive and self-conscious, affecting their self-esteem and confidence. If your child has teeth stains, you might wonder whether you can try teeth whitening to improve their smile and self-confidence. In this article, let’s explore the safety of teeth whitening for kids and teenagers.
At What Age Is it Safe to Whiten Your Child’s Teeth?
According to the ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should wait until your child is 14 to 15 years old to get whitening treatments. At this age, all or most of their permanent teeth are in. Baby teeth have thinner enamel, and teeth whitening can lead to significant sensitivity and other issues.
Why do Children Require Teeth Whitening?
Several reasons can cause kids and teenagers to develop teeth stains, including:
- Fluorosis. While little fluoride is good for strengthening teeth and protecting them from decay and fractures, excessive exposure to fluoride during childhood can cause teeth white, brown, or black spots on teeth.
- Dark-colored foods and beverages. Regular exposure to highly colored foods and beverages like soda, tea, chocolate, and sauces can cause teeth stains over time.
- Tooth decay or damage. Tooth injuries or decay can cause dark spots on the child’s teeth.
- Certain medications. Regularly using certain medications like antibiotics can cause teeth stains in children and teenagers.
- Poor oral hygiene. Inadequate or improper brushing and flossing can encourage the accumulation of bacterial plaque, tartar, and debris in the teeth, resulting in a dull, stained appearance.
Teeth Whitening Options for Kids and Teenagers
Teeth whitening involves using bleaching and abrasive products to remove teeth stains and lighten the shade of the teeth. You can achieve teeth whitening treatments through professional teeth whitening, over-the-counter products, and at-home treatments.
When considering teeth whitening, consult your child’s dentist to determine the best approach to enhance your child’s smile and self-confidence. The dentist will examine their teeth to determine the type of stains they have and whether they can respond to teeth whitening.
Professional teeth whitening
If your child is eligible for teeth whitening, the dentist can perform an in-office whitening treatment at the dental office. The dentist cleans their teeth and then applies a bleaching gel, often with a lower concentration of the bleaching agents than in adults. This treatment is relatively quick and offers immediate results within an hour.
Alternatively, you can whiten your child’s teeth at home with custom trays and whitening gel from your dentist. These should be used several for a specific time, and it takes a few weeks to show results.
At-home teeth whitening
Generally, we wouldn’t recommend over-the-counter and home-based teeth whitening products for kids and teenagers. Some products contain highly abrasive or bleaching agents that could hurt your child’s teeth or gums.
Therefore, consult your child’s dentist before using home or over-the-counter whitening products. Common options for teeth whitening at home include:
Over-the-counter:
- Whitening toothpaste
- Whitening strips and trays
- Whitening mouthwashes
Home-based remedies
- Activated charcoal
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
Which Teeth Whitening Method is Best for Your Child?
Professional teeth whitening in Phoenix, AZ, is customized based on your child’s need and supervised by a dental professional, making it the safest, most effective, and long-lasting option. Since over-the-counter and home-based whitening treatments are generic and not customized according to your child’s needs, there is a high likelihood of potential risks and complications like enamel erosion, teeth sensitivity, and gum irritation.
Tips for preventing or minimizing teeth stains in kids
- Excellent oral hygiene. Encourage your kid to brush twice daily and floss daily. Get them a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and show them how to brush and floss properly. It helps remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains, keeping your child’s teeth whiter.
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Children and adolescents should visit the pediatric dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups every six months. Professional cleanings help remove bacterial deposits and surface stains, keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
- Avoid staining habits. Limit your child’s consumption of colored foods and beverages like tea, soda, and berries. If they take these items, encourage them to use a straw and rinse their mouth afterward.
Contact our Dentist for teeth whitening in Phoenix
Are you considering teeth whitening in Phoenix for your child or teenager? Contact We Care Dental to speak with our dentist in 85023.