Teeth Whitening 101: Safe Practices to Make Your Teen’s Smile Even Brighter

Teeth whitening for kids.

Stained and discolored teeth are among the most common complaints people have about their smiles. And this concern is by no means restricted to adults. Teens are often concerned about the appearance of their smiles. With the right guidance and a variety of different treatment options, teeth whitening can help provide your teen with confidence in their smile.

Understanding Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become stained and discolored due to a wide range of factors. One of them is staining from food and drinks, such as coffee, soda, tomato sauce, and more, which can have a major impact. There’s also plaque buildup, which creates a distinctive yellowish color on teeth. Proper oral hygiene goes a long way, but many teens face other challenges, such as wearing braces, which make cleaning every nook and cranny difficult.

There is a wide variety of teeth whitening methods used to brighten smiles by removing stains and discoloration. The majority of teeth whitening solutions have hydrogen peroxide, which is why you’ll also hear enamel lightening treatment referred to as teeth bleaching.

You can find a variety of off-the-shelf whitening products. However, they are often slow and ineffective compared to the cosmetic dentistry treatment you can get from your teen’s dentist. They simply don’t have the same strength as treatments that are only available from a trained and experienced dentist.

Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments

When you talk to your dentist about whitening options for your teen, you’ll typically find two different options—in-office treatment and at-home teeth whitening trays. Both can deliver better and faster results than over-the-counter options, and each has its own unique benefits.

In-office treatment involves the application of clinical strength whitening gel to the teeth. The dentist then activates the gel using a specialized UV light or laser. This greatly increases the activity of the hydrogen peroxide, allowing it to remove stains faster and deeper. There’s a noticeable difference after just one treatment, perfect for getting your teen ready for an important social event!

At-home treatment also makes use of clinical strength whitening gel. Your dentist will prepare custom trays that match your teen’s smile perfectly. At home, your teen will follow instructions to apply gel to the trays and wear them for about half an hour per day over the course of approximately two weeks. The custom trays are comfortable and ensure proper distribution of the gel.

Safety and Best Practices

It is incredibly important that your teen doesn’t try any at-home whitening solutions they’ve found online or through other sources. Many of these methods are permanently harmful to teeth, wearing away enamel in an effort to remove stains. Similarly, using strong whitening gel without professional guidance can lead to tooth sensitivity and irritated gums.

Instead, always consult with a professional. There are many different factors at play that will help the dentist determine whether teeth whitening is safe for your teen. Proper development is a top priority, so whitening is only suitable once all permanent teeth have emerged. If your teen has damaged or decayed enamel, then tooth whitening may not be an advisable solution.

Maintaining Your Whitened Smile

Tooth whitening treatment can deliver incredible results, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t provide protection against staining in the future.

If your teen keeps up with the same practices that stained their teeth in the first place, they’ll eventually develop discoloration again. Of course, they can always have another whitening treatment, but taking time to prevent staining in the first place is often a better and more cost-effective solution.

First, keeping up with oral hygiene is key. Plaque can discolor teeth, and bits of food left behind can have an increased impact. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and ensuring that your teen is brushing for two minutes each time can help support a bright smile.

Avoiding staining foods is another tip recommended by dental professionals. Drinks such as coffee, soda, tea, and dark juices can lead to stains. Acidic foods, such as those with tomato sauce, can also contribute to stains. Avoiding these foods in excess will keep your teen’s smile white for longer.

Professional Whitening From Your Children’s Dentist in Omaha, NE

You can find effective guidance and treatment options for safe teeth bleaching from your trusted local associates in pediatric dentistry. Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska can offer advice on oral hygiene and diet to improve the look of your teen’s smile, and we also provide both in-office and at-home cosmetic dental whitening. Schedule an appointment today to find the right option for your teen’s smile.