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When it comes to our teenagers, we would do anything to make sure they feel confident and at ease. And keeping their teeth looking their best is part of keeping self-consciousness away. A lot of teens, either from insecurity or because of what they’re seeing on social media, want to whiten their teeth. 

 However, teeth whitening for teens comes with its own set of considerations. Since their permanent teeth are still relatively new and developing, it’s essential to choose safe whitening methods to avoid damaging their teeth and gums. Whether your teenager has been asking about the latest TikTok trends for whitening or you’re simply looking for a safe solution… Here’s what you need to know about the best teeth whitening for teenagers:

(And if you’re a teenager searching this up yourself: know that a safe, slow option is going to keep your teeth healthy and strong for decades!)

What Teeth-Whitening Ingredients Are Safe for Teens?

When it comes to teeth whitening, the two most common active ingredients are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Both of these ingredients are effective whitening agents that work by penetrating the tooth enamel and breaking down stains. Hydrogen peroxide tends to work faster, while carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide over time, providing a more gradual whitening effect.

For teenagers, it’s crucial to use lower concentrations of these ingredients to minimize the risk of tooth sensitivity or damage to the tooth enamel. Teens may be tempted to use stronger products for quicker results, but this can lead to gum irritation or long-term damage.

According to the American Dental Association, over-the-counter teeth-whitening products are generally safe for teenagers when used correctly, but professional guidance is always the best option. The best teeth whitening for teenagers will be a slow, steady improvement that protects their teeth in the long term.

Know What Your Teen is Seeing on TikTok

Social media platforms like TikTok have made DIY teeth whitening trends extremely popular, and teens are often influenced by what they see online. One of the most concerning trends is using whitening strips or gels daily to achieve instant results. A recent video went viral of a pretty teen girl claiming she whitens their teeth every single night.

For me as a high school teacher — I hear a lot of things discussed in my classroom that are alarming. While this isn’t the scariest thing I’ve ever heard, I know how easily influenced these kids can be, and how quick they are to trust an influencer. I’m sure that there are teenagers out there who tried this trend and damaged their enamel! 

Excessive whitening can strip the tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and even gum disease. Other dangerous trends include using home remedies like lemon juice or baking soda, which can be highly acidic or abrasive to the enamel. For me, when my daughter reaches this age, I would rather buy her something safe and effective myself before she attempts to use baking soda and does herself some damage. 

If Your Teen is Looking for 1-2 Shades Brighter

For teens who are simply looking to brighten their smile by one or two shades, at-home whitening products with lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are typically the safest route. Whitening toothpaste and whitening trays can help remove surface stains from food and drinks like coffee, soda, and red wine. These products are designed for regular brushing and gradual whitening, offering a slow but safe way to achieve a brighter smile.

When choosing an at-home whitening solution, make sure it has the seal of approval from the American Dental Association or the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. These products are formulated to be gentle on teenager’s teeth while still providing the best teeth whitening for teenagers.

Personally, I’ve used a lot of whitening toothpastes, and I’m loyal to the Colgate Optic White. I don’t find it to be too harsh. Typically I’ll use this one in the morning. (I also use a remineralizing toothpaste as a “treatment” once a week–I wrote about that here.)

When I went to find this link, I saw that they now also sell it in purple?! So I’m very excited to try that too.

If Your Teen Needs Significant Whitening

For teens with more noticeable tooth discoloration, such as from braces or medications, professional teeth whitening may be necessary. In-office whitening treatments done by a dental professional offer stronger concentrations of whitening agents and produce faster, more dramatic results. These procedures are supervised, ensuring that the right concentrations of whitening agents are used to avoid any damage to the teeth or gum tissue.

I can not speak highly enough of the Opalescence line for teeth whitening — I’ve done the drugstore strips and they were fine. The Opal by Opalescence trays are terrific. If you want a home treatment that goes on for a week and then lasts, the pre-filled whitening trays are my favorite. 

They’re pricier than the strips, but still cheaper than an in-office treatment.

For significant whitening, a whitening gel or custom whitening trays provided by a dentist are some of the best options for maintaining the health of your teen’s smile. While professional treatments are more expensive, they are generally safer and more effective for teens with more stubborn stains.

Whitening for Your Teen After Braces

If your teen has recently had braces removed, they may be concerned about their smile not looking as white as they’d hoped. Whitening after braces can be an excellent way to even out the color of your teeth and eliminate any stains or discoloration that developed while wearing braces. However, it’s important to wait at least six months after braces removal before starting the whitening process. This gives the teeth time to recover from any minor gum irritation or enamel wear caused by braces.

Teens should also focus on maintaining good oral health after braces by using whitening toothpaste and avoiding staining foods. Once their teeth have fully recovered, they can safely use an at-home kit or visit a dentist for a professional whitening procedure.

When To Stop Whitening

While it may be tempting for teens to keep whitening their teeth in pursuit of a brighter smile, overuse of whitening products can cause more harm than good. Consistent use of whitening strips, gels, or counter products can lead to thinner enamel and increased tooth sensitivity, leaving your teen more prone to dental issues in the future.

For teens in particular: once they’ve gotten the results, they should last longer than they do on adults! Your teen doesn’t need to worry about re-staining her teeth with black coffee or red wine like many adults do. 

Sometimes it comes to the parent to step in to protect their child’s dental health. In the same way that many of us parents might have once overdone the tanning bed…sometimes our kids can lose sight of what’s “white enough”. 

It’s crucial to stop whitening if your teen begins to experience discomfort, tooth sensitivity, or gum sensitivity. If the teeth are not responding to over-the-counter products, it may be time to consult with a dental professional to ensure that the whitening process is both effective and safe. Remember, achieving a whiter smile is not worth risking the health of your child’s teeth.

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