Talking Mom To Mom, Teeth Whitening Options for Teens: What You Need to Know

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I Don't Know, Should I Whiten My Teeth Or Not?
I Don’t Know, Should I Whiten My Teeth Or Not?

In the Know for You to Know

As a Mom we love to look at our child’s big adorable grin. We know that a big welcoming smile is a great way to meet people and make friends.

Yet many children and teens are self-conscious about their smiles because of discolored or not so white teeth. This concern is even more prevalent now with the emphasis on whitening teeth.

A smile can have an enormous impact on a child’s self-esteem. Children who are self-conscious about their smile’s seem reserved and don’t appear to be interested in making friends.

We’ve all seen those children during our after school pickups. The ones who are hiding their mouths behind their hands or actively keeping their mouth’s closed to avoid showing their teeth to the world.

Today I’m answering your questions about what’s important for you to know about tooth whitening.

Causes Of Discolored Teeth And White Spots

There are many possible causes of discolored teeth and white spots on a child’s tooth enamel.

Some of the most common include:

  • Trauma to a tooth,
  • Illness during tooth development that disrupts enamel formation,
  • Teeth can also discolor if a child takes certain medicines during key stages of tooth development,
  • Poor oral hygiene, especially during orthodontic treatment can also lead to discolored areas on teeth, white spots and cavities.

Teenagers Mostly Request Whitening

Teenagers especially will focus on an off-white smile. They usually request bleaching during prom season, spring break and when they’re going off to college.

Tooth Whitening Kits

Home tooth whitening kits are similar to those used in the dental office. But the concentrations of active ingredients are lower than in a dental professional’s product.

In the office, the pediatric dentist can control the application of the whitening agent. This allows us to work with higher concentrations.

It’s important to keep an eye on overly enthusiastic teens. Watch out for them disregarding the instructions on the home whitening kits. They’ll apply them for more than the recommended time. This can lead to:

  • Prolonged sensitivity and,
  • Damage to tooth enamel.

Remember, consulting with your pediatric dentist is always necessary, especially when discussing at-home whitening kits and possible risks.

Should We Whiten Our Teeth?
Should We Whiten Our Teeth?

Are There Other Options?

Let’s look at tooth colored fillings and whitening toothpaste.

What About Tooth Colored Fillings?

Another option for children with discolored teeth is tooth colored fillings. These fillings are also known as composites or bonding.

Bonding uses a composite resin to make cosmetic changes to teeth. For the front teeth, the composite covers the flaws with a thin plastic coating on the front surface. After the coating is applied it’s sculpted, shaped and polished to give a desired result.

Bonding Has Limitations

There are some limitations when it comes to bonding:

  • Bonded teeth are not as strong as original tooth structure,
  • Nail biting, biting into anything, biting on anything (like a computer pencil or stylus) and accidents can damage or break the composite,
  • Over time the composite can become discolored or worn and need to be redone,
  • You can’t use tooth whitening on a bonded tooth.

Whitening Toothpaste

What about whitening toothpaste for older children and teens?

A key aspect whether it’s whitening toothpastes or whitening kits is to determine the extent of tooth root development. Nobody wants stunted roots, which can happen when using whitening agents.

The more complete root development is the better. After that a whitening toothpaste with fluoride should be used only 1 time a day. This is because these products are abrasive. They can wear away tooth enamel, making teeth sensitive to hot and cold.

For the 2nd daily brushing, it’s important to use a regular non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride.

Now We Understand About Tooth Whitening
Now We Understand About Tooth Whitening

What To Remember

No child should feel like they have to hide their teeth. With today’s advances all children should have the freedom to meet the world with a big wide smile.

Has your child asked you about whitening their teeth? Have you thought about tooth whitening for your child? Are you considering at home whitening or in office whitening? Do you use a whitening toothpaste? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

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Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.