Should Children Use Teeth Whitening Products?

Every one of us, regardless of age, would love to have a bright, beautiful smile that lights up a room. For some, this is easily attainable through strong oral hygiene and, well, nature. For those among us who’ve not hit the dental genetic jackpot, some additional effort is required.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of toothpastes, at-home whitening kits, or professional, in-office teeth whitening services available to help your smile live up to its million-dollar potential. But… what about kids whose teeth are stained or discolored? Can parents safely turn to the same whitening solutions that they use to ensure the brightness and beauty of their children’s smiles?

At What Age Is It Safe to Begin Whitening Teeth?

While there’s no specific age at which teeth whitening products are safe to use, according to the American Dental Association, a person can safely begin teeth whitening procedures provided that:

• They no longer have any of their baby teeth
• Permanent teeth have been in place for at least two years
• They are not undergoing any orthodontic treatments at the time

If a child (more likely a teen) meets these criteria, they can, by ADA standards, begin teeth whitening. Having said that, it’s still a very good idea to consult with a qualified dental professional before starting any teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist can only determine if your child is, in fact, ready to begin teeth whitening but can also recommend products and treatments that are safe for them.

What Teeth Whitening Products Are Available for Children and Teens?

For adults looking to brighten their smiles, the easiest and most cost-effective option is a whitening toothpaste, of which there are several at your local supermarket or pharmacy. Unfortunately, whitening toothpaste is not recommended for youngsters whose tooth enamel is still hardening and can be susceptible to damage from abrasives in whitening toothpaste.

The next step up in intensity is over-the-counter, at-home whitening kits that employ gels and strips with hydrogen peroxide as the primary active ingredient. These, however, are also designed for adults and considered too harsh for younger, developing teeth and gums.

It is thus recommended that any child or teenager beginning teeth whitening treatments do so at their dentist’s office, under the watchful eye of professionals with whom both the child and their parent have consulted. These treatments, which can take place at the office or at home using a kit provided by the dentist (or some combination of the two), utilize mouthpiece-like trays designed to fit the wearer’s teeth and a milder, more kid-friendly whitening formula with a reduced concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

Again, however, each person’s case is unique, and it is vital that you and your child discuss teeth whitening solutions with your dentist and carefully follow their recommendations.

Teeth Whitening in Fairfax, VA… with Dr. Fairfax!

If you’re in the Fairfax area and would like to learn more about teeth whitening, either for yourself or someone in your family, contact dentist Dr. Cerina Fairfax and the team at Dr. Fairfax & Associates to set up a consultation appointment!