Is your teenager too young for teeth whitening?

Ever since the first at-home whitening system was introduced to Americans in 1989, the U.S. has enthusiastically embraced whitening products, establishing teeth whitening as one of the nation's most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments. In 2006 alone, Americans spent $1.4 billion on over-the-counter whitening products like strips, trays, gels, rinses, and toothpastes [source: Mapes]. Why do we value white teeth so much? Many believe a bright smile enhances social appeal, making us appear younger, more attractive to potential partners, and even more successful in our professional lives. That's a significant burden for our teeth to carry.

Over time, teeth naturally stain or darken due to aging. Our dietary choices, such as coffee or red wine, impact tooth enamel, often resulting in a yellowish hue. However, it's not just food and drink that are culprits. Certain medications, health conditions, and genetics also influence the whiteness of our teeth.

Several whitening solutions are available to address discoloration. Over-the-counter options include bleaching strips, trays, whitening toothpastes, and mouthwashes designed to remove stains. Dentists also provide professional treatments, such as custom take-home trays and in-office laser whitening procedures.

Regardless of your choice, you can expect noticeable whitening results. Products containing bleach (peroxide) will effectively whiten teeth, but not all treatments are equally effective. The key factors are the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the duration of contact with your teeth. While at-home kits are safe for adults when used correctly, professional treatments supervised by a dentist are typically more potent and include additional safety measures like gum protection. Your dentist or dental hygienist can provide the best guidance for achieving a brighter smile.

While tooth whitening appears safe, is it suitable for everyone? Let’s explore the potential side effects, drawbacks, and the reasons behind the recommended age restrictions.

Drawbacks and Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

Although tooth whitening delivers a radiant smile, it comes with some downsides, particularly for younger individuals. The most common issue is tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, which can persist for 1 to 2 weeks after bleaching.

Over half of those who whiten their teeth report mild tooth sensitivity, while 10% experience moderate sensitivity and about 4% face severe sensitivity [source: Jorgensen]. Those with gum recession or gingivitis are especially prone to sensitivity during and after the bleaching process.

Although over 30% of children and teenagers desire whiter teeth, dental professionals advise against bleaching for anyone under 16, recommending waiting until late adolescence [source: Lee]. This is because younger individuals face more than just sensitivity issues. Beyond the risks of overuse or improper application of bleaching strips or trays, the primary concern for kids and teens is their dental development stage.

Achieving full dental maturity is a lengthy process. Younger teens may not yet have a complete set of fully developed permanent teeth, which can complicate the teeth whitening process in several ways.

First, consider aesthetics. Teens with mixed dentition (a mix of baby and permanent teeth) might notice uneven whitening as new permanent teeth emerge. Matching the shades between newly grown adult teeth and previously whitened ones can be challenging.

Another reason to delay whitening is immature enamel. The last baby tooth typically falls out around age 12, and even after all permanent teeth have grown in, it takes an additional two years for the enamel to fully mature through a process called enamel calcification. During this phase, the enamel is more permeable, and the tooth's pulp (nerve) is larger. Since permeability decreases with age, bleaching agents may act more quickly on younger individuals. Whitening before full enamel maturity could expose the pulp to excessive peroxide, leading to irritation or nerve sensitivity. The recommendation? Hold off on bleaching until at least age 16.