Safety of Teeth Whitening for Teenagers

Are over the counter teeth whitening  products safe for our teens? The demand seems ever-increasing for over the counter whitening products, and there is serious concern regarding the safety of these types of treatments. Most of us can recall our own adolescent desires to improve our appearance, but what do professionals say? Many studies have revealed that cosmetics are not a primary cure for adolescent confidence issues. And yet, many adults are willing to pour time and money into their child’s appearance with the use of tanning beds, hair extensions, plastic surgery, etc. Similarly, our dentists have seen many cases of over-bleaching and chronic, addictive teeth whitening.

Over-Whitening Can Cause Tooth Erosion, Sensitivity, and Uneven Whitening

When patients overuse teeth whitening products – as is common within the teenage demographic – it often erodes the gum tissue, tongue, cheeks, and lips, and even the throat and stomach in cases where the product was accidentally ingested. Over-application of tooth whitening products is sure to cause sensitivity in a person’s teeth. Additionally, over the counter strips frequently cause whitening to be uneven since the strips exclusively cover the front part of the tooth and cannot access the area between the teeth. As a result, a noticeable difference occurs between the shade of the front and sides of the teeth.

The Real Cost of Teeth Whitening for teenagers

One reason teeth whitening for teenagers at home seems so appealing is because of the apparent cost of having this treatment performed by a professional. The common perception is that over the counter whitening kits are less expensive than professional bleaching. The FDA requires that at-home bleaching kits contain weaker solutions than professional whitening kits, making it necessary to repeat the treatment several times to achieve the desired results. Over time, the costs of home treatment are equal to, if not greater than, those of professional treatment.

If your teen is exploring the idea of having their teeth whitened, please encourage them to give our Lincoln whitening professionals a call. We would be happy to talk to them about the options, and we’re equipped to make sure they’re comfortable, confident, and satisfied with their results. Teeth Whitening is a dental procedure and should be evaluated and monitored by a whitening teeth professional. Call us today with any questions or concerns, or make an appointment online.