Teeth whitening is incredibly popular with teenagers. This isn’t at all surprising as just about everyone wants to have a perfect sparkling smile. Now, many of you may be wondering if teeth whitening is safe. To help clear things up, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief discussion on this subject. If this is something that you’re interested in learning about, read on as we talk about teeth whitening for teens.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Many people think teeth whitening isn’t safe, but that’s not true. Teeth whitening is safe when done properly. What is important to understand is that it can cause permanent damage when overdone. The enamel on teeth is temporarily removed during the whitening process, and if it’s overdone, the enamel can be damaged long-term.
Is Teeth Whitening Suitable for Teenagers?
For the most part, teeth whitening can be done as a teenager. Dentists don’t recommend teeth whitening for children or patients with baby teeth because they are not developed yet. Adults are usually the best candidates for the procedure because they have developed their teeth and have years of stains.
Is Sensitivity Normal?
Yes. Teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity to hot or cold food. This is because whitening products use peroxide, which strips the enamel from the teeth, leaving them more vulnerable to damage. Be sure to remember this so that you aren’t unnecessarily concerned if you do push through with teeth whitening.
What Are the Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening?
To begin with, teeth whitening bleaching gels can cause reparable harm to the oral health of adolescents. One significant risk of teeth whitening is the shrinking of the nerve root during the development of permanent teeth throughout the teenage years. After the permanent teeth have developed completely, the nerves continue to rotate and grow, thereby minimizing tooth sensitivity. As such, any bleaching agent used before setting the final tooth will cause nerve damage.
Teenagers are at risk of having thin, weakened tooth enamel when their teeth are whitened. This might happen because the concentration of the whitening chemicals is too high. The whitening chemicals can also cause pain and irritation of the gums, too. To prevent damage to the gums, teenagers who want white teeth can request custom-made bleaching trays that limit their contact with the whitening chemicals and lessen their risk of irritation.
Can You Get Teeth Whitened If You Have a Cavity?
Any existing dental problems, like a cavity, should be attended to before attempting to whiten your teeth. Whitening products are strong, and if they leak into a cavity, they can seriously damage the tooth and cause a painful toothache.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you gain a better understanding of how teeth whitening works for teens. While it does carry some risk, there’s very little to worry about when it’s done correctly. Be sure to keep everything that you’ve learned here in mind so that you can make the most informed decisions that will keep your teeth in the best condition possible.
If you need a dental clinic in Lethbridge, you can book an appointment with us at London Road Dental. We offer cosmetic, preventative, and restorative treatments for all ages. Contact us to book a slot!