Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening Among Various Age Groups

Teeth whitening can help create a brighter and more confident smile. It can also offset the discoloring effects of the aging process and of lifestyle factors such as the diet. Although teeth whitening treatments are generally safe and effective, they are not always suitable for use at any age. Younger teeth may not react well to teeth whitening products, and if they are overused, they can lead to permanent damage. It is, therefore, essential that children who use teeth whiteners do so under supervision and that they are not used before the teeth have matured and all of the adult teeth are in place.

Children under the age of twelve, or teenagers whose adult teeth have not yet grown, should generally avoid using any teeth whitening products. There is little point in using these types of products on teeth that have not yet matured. Milk teeth will eventually be replaced with new adult teeth, so any discoloration will only be a temporary problem. It is far more effective for children to be taught the habits of cleaning and looking after their teeth, and limiting items in the diet which could result in discoloration, such as soda, coffee and tea. This will ensure that once the adult teeth grow through, they will be kept in the best possible condition and discoloration will be prevented.

Children are also more likely to experience pain or discomfort when using teeth whitening products since they are likely to be more sensitive and the products are usually designed to fit adult teeth. This can cause problems when using mouth trays or strips since the bleaching products are likely to come into contact with the gums. The use of teeth whitening products which contain fluoride is particularly problematic in this age group since overexposure to fluoride at a young age can lead to permanent discoloration of the teeth. Teeth which are still growing and developing can be affected by fluoride, causing them to become discolored.

It is also important to remember that milk or primary teeth are naturally less white than adult teeth, so they should not be expected to be as white as adult teeth. Children should therefore be encouraged to avoid comparing their own teeth to those which they see in photographs of celebrities with perfect white smiles. Primary teeth, as well as being naturally less white than adult teeth, are also less affected by bleaching products. This means that even if a teeth whitener is used, it will not be able to make primary teeth as bright as adult teeth. If an individual still has a mix of primary and permanent teeth, the results of a teeth whitening procedure will be uneven. If there are teeth that have not yet fully emerged, then the section, which is visible when the teeth are bleached may end up looking brighter than the rest of the tooth once it has emerged.

As a general rule, it is best for children under the age of twelve to avoid all teeth whitening products. If children under this age are experiencing problems with stained teeth, then it is possible to use a mild whitening toothpaste. This can help remove stains from the surface of the teeth, without affecting their underlying structure. It can also be helpful for children to avoid foods and drinks that may stain the teeth, such as dark colored sodas.

Younger teenagers can experience many of the same problems as younger children, such as an increased sensitivity and a higher chance of pain and discomfort during treatment. Once a teenager has all of their adult teeth, then they can use teeth whitening products although dentists usually advise that these types of products are avoided until adulthood. It is sensible for any teenager who is considering using a teeth whitening product to consult a dentist in order to ensure that there are no underlying dental problems which could be affected by a teeth whitener. A dentist can also advise on the best treatment options for young teeth.

If a teenager does use teeth whitening products, the products which are chosen should be as gentle as possible, and they should not be overused. Overuse of teeth whitening products could permanently damage the tooth enamel, whether it occurs through leaving the products on for longer than instructed or because the teeth are being bleached too frequently.

Prevention is better than cure and teenagers who are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth may find that cutting back on items in the diet which can discolor their teeth, quitting smoking and ensuring that they clean their teeth well on a daily basis can help to make them whiter. The types of stains which are present at this age can often be eradicated without having to resort to bleaching products since they tend to be mainly on the surface of the teeth. A whitening toothpaste can often be effective.

Teeth whitening products should only be used in cases of the most severe discoloration and even then, it is best to wait until the teeth have fully developed. After discussing the use of teeth whitening products with a dentist, teenagers who feel that they need to use a teeth whitener should look for a gentle whitening product. Usually, this will be an over the counter or at home whitening product since it is usually advisable to avoid the stronger bleaching solutions used by dentists in the surgery. Teenagers should use the lowest concentration of bleach that they can find, and the highest concentrations should always be avoided, at any age since they can permanently damage the tooth enamel.

When using a teeth whitener, it is essential that the instructions are followed properly, and that the product is not used too often. Younger teenagers should only use teeth whiteners with adult supervision. Older teenagers should be very careful when using these products. It is also important to prevent the teeth from becoming discolored after using a whitening product. Avoiding coffee, soda and other causes of discoloration, and cleaning the teeth properly every day can make the whitening effects last longer.

Adults who choose to use teeth whiteners should follow the same advice. Teeth whitening products can be very effective at helping to remove stains, although as an adult ages their teeth will also begin to be affected by the natural discoloration associated with age. Adults can choose between home treatments and the stronger bleaching solutions and laser treatments offered by dentists. They should still avoid overusing teeth whiteners and ensure that they take care of their teeth in between whitening treatments in order to prevent discoloration.

Teeth whitening products are also suitable for older people, although as the teeth age they will become less white and the effects of bleaching products will be reduced and it can take longer to achieve the desired results over a number of treatment sessions. Adults and older people who use bleaching products should also be aware that these treatments cannot affect the color of any fillings, crowns or other dental work which has been performed, so the effect may be uneven if a lot of this type of work has been done. Older people who are considering teeth whitening should also seek advice from a dentist since they are more likely to suffer from dental problems that could be aggravated by bleaching. A dentist can advise whether it is safe to use teeth whiteners.