Tooth Whitening for Teens: How and When to Do It Safely

A smile is one of the first things that people notice about us. Tooth whitening can improve how a smile looks and feels. Here are some things parents need to know if their teen asks to get their teeth whitened.

Why Are Teeth Discolored?

Sometimes teeth look darker or are a different color. It is important to have your dentist check to see why a tooth is a different color. Your child’s tooth can be black, yellow, or discolored if it:

1. Has a cavity
2. Was hurt from an injury or infection
3. Is stained from antibiotics or supplements
4. Is stained from something that your child eats or drinks (like tea, coffee, soft drinks, dark juices, berries, beets, and spices)
5. Is affected by a genetic or medical condition

There are different types of tooth whitening and different places to get tooth whitening. The problem is, not all ways to whiten teeth are the same and not all ways are as safe as they can be. There are also different reasons tooth whitening may or may not work for your child.

Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

Dental bleaching should be avoided until all the baby teeth fall out. Reasons to avoid bleaching the baby teeth is that it could hurt the adult teeth, and the baby teeth are a different color than the adult teeth. Although teeth whitening can work, it can be unsafe if not done correctly or without adult supervision. Some of the side effects of bleaching could be tooth sensitivity, gum sensitivity, and damage to the teeth.

Over-the-counter products may be used with adult guidance like whitening toothpastes, bleaching gels, and whitening strips. Some beauty spas, tanning studios, and other commercial places may offer teeth whitening services by non-dentists. However, there may be more side effects and complications if tooth whitening is not done by a dentist.

Should They Do It?

One big reason to get tooth whitening is if your child does not feel comfortable with the look of their smile. Your dentist may recommend in-office or at-home whitening products. This may include making a tray that fits your child’s teeth and using a bleaching product at-home. Dentists can also do dental bleaching in the office. Sometimes, bleaching alone won’t whiten the teeth enough so your dentist may also recommend other treatments.

If you have concerns with the look of your child’s smile, please consult with your dentist to discuss the best options specific to your child.