4 Tips For Teeth Whitening For Teens

If your teen is having a problem with teeth discoloration, you may want to take action to help whiten their teeth. This will ensure that improper teeth whitening measures are avoided so that your teen's teeth stay strong. Here are four tips for whitening your teen's teeth:

1. Visit the Dentist Every 6 Months: First off, it's important that your teen is visiting the dentist every 6 months if they are not already. In some cases, the reasons for discoloration could be because of plaque buildup, which will easily be removed by the dentist. Eventually, plaque turns into tartar, which cannot be removed by toothbrushing and flossing alone, so a visit to the dentist is necessary. They have the right tools to remove tartar, which can help with improving teeth discoloration.
2. Teeth Whitening Kits for Children: You can purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening kits made for kids over the age of 12 who have all of their adult teeth. It's important to talk to your teen's dentist before doing this to ensure that it is a good teeth whitening option for your teen. Be sure that your teen is using these kits according to the directions so that they are not over whitening, which can damage the tooth enamel. 
3. Talk About Whitening Trays: Whitening trays are definitely an option to consider if your insurance covers it or if you can afford the treatment. The trays are provided by your dentist along with special teeth whitening treatments that your teen will wear overnight. The benefit of doing this over using over-the-counter teeth whitening kits is that they are more specifically designed for your teen, and your teen's dentist approves it and checks on the whitening process as it progresses. 
4. Bleaching: If your teen needs teeth whitening to be immediate for an upcoming special occasion, such as a graduation or prom, then you may consider in-office bleaching. The dentist will perform this with a teeth whitening bleaching solution that is then lasered onto the teeth to provide immediate results. 

When you consider these four tips for teeth whitening solutions for your teen, you can determine which is best. Keep in mind that all these solutions are safe, so long as you are working alongside your teen's dentist and still bringing them in for regular teeth cleanings. Regular teeth cleanings will continue to keep your teen's teeth white so that they are less likely to have to go through teeth whitening treatments in the future.

Talk to a dental professional like Dr. David K. Skeels to learn more.