Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can improve your smile and confidence. However, it is not suitable for everyone, especially for young people whose teeth are still developing and changing. If you are wondering how old do you have to be for teeth whitening, this article will answer your question and explain why age matters for teeth whitening.
Why Age Matters for Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening involves applying a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to your teeth to break down the stains and discoloration on the enamel. The bleaching agent can penetrate into the inner layers of your teeth and change their color from within.
However, this process can also have some risks and side effects, such as:
Sensitivity: The bleaching agent can make your enamel more porous and expose the dentin layer underneath, which contains nerve endings that can react to hot, cold, sweet, or sour stimuli. This can cause temporary or permanent tooth sensitivity.
Irritation: The bleaching agent can irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, such as your gums, lips, or tongue. This can cause inflammation, pain, or burning sensations.
Damage: The bleaching agent can damage your enamel or dentin if used too frequently, too long, or too concentrated. This can weaken your teeth and make them more prone to decay, erosion, or fracture.
These risks and side effects are more likely to occur in young people whose teeth are still developing and changing. Therefore, age is an important factor to consider before using any teeth whitening product or procedure.
The Stages of Tooth Development
Your teeth go through different stages of development throughout your life. These stages include:
Primary teeth: These are also known as baby teeth or milk teeth. They start to erupt in your mouth when you are about six months old and fall out when you are about six years old. They are smaller and whiter than your permanent teeth.
Secondary teeth: These are also known as adult teeth or permanent teeth. They start to replace your primary teeth when you are about six years old and finish when you are about 14 years old. They are larger and stronger than your primary teeth.
Enamel calcification: This is the process of hardening and strengthening your enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. It starts when your secondary teeth erupt and continues until you are about 18 years old.
Pulp maturation: This is the process of developing and aging your pulp, which is the soft tissue inside your teeth that contains blood vessels and nerves. It starts when your secondary teeth erupt and continues throughout your life.
These stages of tooth development affect how your teeth respond to whitening products and procedures. For example:
Primary teeth should not be whitened at all because they are more sensitive and prone to damage than secondary teeth. They also have a different color and structure than secondary teeth, so whitening them may cause uneven or mismatched results.
Secondary teeth should not be whitened until they have fully erupted and matured in your mouth. This means waiting until you are at least 14 years old or older. Whitening them too early may interfere with their growth and development and cause sensitivity, irritation, or damage.
Enamel calcification should be completed before whitening your teeth. This means waiting until you are at least 18 years old or older. Whitening them too early may compromise their stability and durability and cause sensitivity, irritation, or damage.
Pulp maturation should be considered before whitening your teeth. Younger pulps are more resilient and tolerant to the bleaching agent than older pulps. However, older pulps may have less blood flow and vitality than younger pulps, which may affect their healing ability.
The Legal and Recommended Age Limits for Teeth Whitening
The legal and recommended age limits for teeth whitening vary depending on the type of product or procedure you use and the country you live in. In general, you should follow these guidelines:
Teeth whitening products: These are products that you can buy over-the-counter or online and use at home, such as toothpastes, strips, gels, or kits. They usually contain a low concentration of the bleaching agent, ranging from 0.1% to 6% hydrogen peroxide or equivalent. In the UK, you cannot use products containing or releasing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide on any person under 18 years. In other countries, the regulations may vary, so you should check the label and the local laws before using them. Even if they are legal, you should use them with caution and follow the instructions carefully. You should also consult your dentist before using them, especially if you have any dental problems or concerns.
Teeth whitening procedures: These are procedures that are performed by a dentist or a dental professional in a clinic or a salon, such as trays, lights, lasers, or veneers. They usually contain a high concentration of the bleaching agent, ranging from 6% to 35% hydrogen peroxide or equivalent. In the UK, you cannot have these procedures done on any person under 18 years. In other countries, the regulations may vary, so you should check the local laws before having them done. Even if they are legal, you should have them done by a qualified and experienced dentist or dental professional who can assess your suitability and safety for the procedure. You should also follow their advice and instructions carefully.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that can improve your smile and confidence. However, it is not suitable for everyone, especially for young people whose teeth are still developing and changing. If you are wondering how old do you have to be for teeth whitening, the answer depends on the type of product or procedure you use and the country you live in. In general, you should wait until you are at least 18 years old or older before using any teeth whitening product or procedure. You should also consult your dentist before using them and follow their advice and instructions carefully.