“Is teeth whitening safe forchildren?” is a dental question that pediatric dentists are hearing more often at Kids Dental since so many at-home teeth whitening products have become readily available.
Because permanent teeth are naturally not as white as primary (baby) teeth, it may be tempting to allow your child to use whitening treatments, especially if your child is self-conscious about his or her smile.
TheAmerican Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Statement on Tooth Whitening
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has stated that the research involving teeth whitening in children is insufficient to answer, therefore cannot recommend teeth whitening treatments as safe for kids and teens under age 15. Pediatric Safety, an organization specializing in children’s health and safety, recommends waiting until the age of 18 before considering teeth whitening. Potential Danger of Teeth Whitening in Children Most teeth whitening products, such as whitening strips, gels, and pens, utilize a hydrogen peroxide solution to bleach the teeth. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in many of these whitening treatments is up to 13%, and as the concentration level raises, the higher the chance of adverse effects on young teeth. Primary teeth have thinner enamel and dentin and larger pulp (the living connective tissue inside the teeth) than permanent teeth do.
Teeth whitening products on children’s teeth can result in:
- Increased teeth sensitivity
- Dentin demineralization
- Variations in tooth color
There is also significant concern that teeth whitening products can easily be misused by children or teens.
Strong chemicals used in teeth whitening agents can:
- Damage gum tissue
- Injure tooth pulp or nerves
- Interfere with composite or plastic fillings (whitening treatments do not work on crowns, fillings, or veneers)
- Cause enamel pitting and/or disintegration
No teeth whitening product should be used before tooth pulp is fully formed and all the permanent teeth have completely erupted, which typically occurs by age 12 or 13. Enamel calcification then takes approximately 2 more years. Any whitening treatment administered before this time has the potential to damage the teeth if not closely supervised by a dental professional. Overuse is another consideration, as adolescents and teens may try to hasten or intensify the whitening process by leaving products on longer than recommended or using them too frequently. Studies suggest that overuse of whitening products can result in over oxidation, which may break down tooth structure. Additionally, whitening children’s teeth may mask other reasons that the teeth have become discolored and delay needed treatment.
Teeth discoloration in children may be caused by:
- Injury to a tooth
- Iron supplements or vitamins
- Decay/early childhood caries (ECC)
- Medications, such as antibiotics
In extreme or isolated cases of discolored teeth in children, a pediatric dentist should be consulted. Your dentist can safely treat one or two affected teeth if necessary and minimize the impact on surrounding teeth and/or gums.
Alternatives to Teeth Whitening Treatments in Children
Since neither high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or green light treatments have not been studied thoroughly enough for children’s use, stain prevention is the safest way to keep your child’s teeth white.
Tips to prevent staining or treat minimal existing stains include:
- Avoid foods and drinks that unnecessarily stain teeth: Colas, fruit sodas, and candy laden with dyes can quickly stain teeth if consumed frequently. Creating a bubbly drink with sparkling water and fruit can serve as an alternative to sugary sodas. Coffee is also becoming a major contributor to stained teeth in adolescents and teens.
- Use whitening toothpaste: Simply brushing teeth thoroughly at least twice per day will help prevent staining. If you still feel it is necessary, brushing with a mild whitening toothpaste is much gentler than bleaching the teeth. Be sure to check with your dentist to ensure that the whitening product is safe and appropriate for your child’s teeth.
- Visit your pediatric dentist regularly: Kids Dental recommends a thorough teeth cleaning every 6 months, however, if your child needs a professional cleaning prior to that (especially after braces removal), do not hesitate to schedule an appointment.
At Kids Dental, your child’s health and safety are a top priority. If you have questions about your child’s teeth, or if you’re wondering, “Is teeth whitening safe for children?” please schedule a consultation with one of our pediatric dentists by completing an Online Appointment Request or calling either office.
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Carrollton OfficePhone:972-394-2140
FAQs
No teeth whitening product should be used before tooth pulp is fully formed and all the permanent teeth have completely erupted, which typically occurs by age 12 or 13.
Can you safely whiten kids teeth? ›
Most children lose all of their baby teeth and have all their adult teeth by the time they are 12 or 13 years old, and enamel calcification takes about two more years. Therefore, children should not bleach their teeth until about 14 or 15 years old.
Is Crest whitening safe for kids? ›
We have not conducted research with children under 12. No Crest 3D White Whitestrips product is intended for use in children under the age of 12. NOTE: Crest Whitestrips Supreme should NOT be used in persons under age 18).
What age is teeth whitening safe? ›
Most dentists agree that teeth whitening should be done no earlier than age 14-16. Many pre-teens do not have all of their permanent teeth yet, so it's best not to undergo teeth whitening until all adult teeth are present, and there are no longer any baby teeth in your child's mouth.
What is the minimum age for teeth whitening? ›
You cannot use products containing or releasing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide on any person under 18 years of age.
Can you fix kids yellow teeth? ›
You can remove your child's tooth discolouration by promoting good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing and flossing their teeth at least two times a day, as well as avoiding food or drink that are sugary or acidic. You can also make a natural solution of lemon juice and baking soda.
Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
What is the minimum age to use whitening strips? ›
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends waiting until your child is 18 before trying whitening products, including strips and gels. The issue is that these products contain hydrogen peroxide to bleach your child's teeth. By the age of 18, your child's tooth enamel should be fully calcified.
How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
Why are my 11 year old's teeth yellow? ›
Since dentin has a natural yellow appearance, your child's teeth may look yellow and unmatched if several of their permanent teeth come in at different times. The good news is that this is an entirely normal occurrence. Adult teeth will eventually lose their yellow shade, brightening and whitening over time.
Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.
Who Cannot get teeth whitening? ›
Your dentist will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn't suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns.
Can I whiten my 7 year old teeth? ›
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Statement on Tooth Whitening. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has stated that the research involving teeth whitening in children is insufficient to answer, therefore cannot recommend teeth whitening treatments as safe for kids and teens under age 15.
How to make children's teeth whiter? ›
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and brush your kid's teeth with it twice per week. Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that helps to whiten stained teeth. For efficiency, you can mix it with baking soda and brush your kid's teeth with it twice a day for a week.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.
Is baking soda safe for children's teeth? ›
The Journal of the American Dental Association states that baking soda is safe for daily use. It is a good idea to only use baking soda to brush the teeth once per day. Use a good fluoride toothpaste to brush teeth the rest of the time.
Can a grey baby tooth turn white again? ›
If your kid develops discoloration and there is no infection, there is a high chance that the tooth will fall out eventually, and a healthy tooth will grow in some time. So, if you think your grey tooth will turn white again, yes, it is possible, but it may take some time.
Is Hismile safe for 11 year olds? ›
Warning or Restrictions. Caution: Do not swallow. Do not use in eye area. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN 6 YEARS AND YOUNGER.
Why are my kids teeth stained white? ›
Numerous factors can lead to white spots or discoloration on the teeth. Among these are illnesses and infections, vitamin deficiencies, excessive fluoride, and even trauma to the teeth. In many instances, these white spots are not harmful to their teeth, but they can make your child feel self-conscious.
