It’s natural for teeth to get a yellow tint over time as we get older. However, it is still one of the most common reasons that young people today are self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. The good news is that if your child’s adult teeth have all developed and come in, usually in the teen years, they are likely a candidate for professional teeth whitening. However, their dentist will first need to ensure that they don’t have any existing tooth decay. Continue reading to learn why this is so important!
What Happens If You Whiten Teeth with Cavities?
When your teen has a cavity, using a whitening kit of any kind is not a good idea. The whitening agent that’s used in most whitening treatments is hydrogen peroxide. This is effective for removing stains, but it can cause irritation to teeth that are already sensitive, even if they are otherwise healthy. When there is a cavity, the whitening agent will be making contact with the sensitive inner layers of their teeth, causing significant discomfort. Ultimately, your child needs to have their teeth examined to ensure that they don’t have any existing decay, cracks, or other damage to their smile that could get in the way of the whitening process.
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?
One of the major downsides of over-the-counter teeth whitening kits is that there isn’t a good way to tell if tooth decay is present. By seeing a dentist, your child can whiten their teeth safely with a professional-grade whitening kit. They will examine your child’s smile beforehand to ensure that it’s in good shape. In addition to enjoying more dramatic results, you can be confident that your child’s smile is in good health.
With a professional take-home teeth whitening kit, your child will be provided with custom-made trays and a supply of whitening gel that is stronger than anything you can find at your local drug store or supermarket. They will see results within a couple of weeks. With proper care, their beautiful pearly whites can stay white for several months to several years after their treatment.
Your teen shouldn’t risk their smile with an unreliable, ineffective store-bought treatment. Instead, they should see their dentist for professional teeth whitening. They will see beautiful results without the risk!
About the Practice
At Castle Rock Smiles, Dr. Layne Benzley and Dr. Bianca Hoffman work together to serve children in the Castle Rock community. With their combined experience and expertise, your child is in good hands. If your teen is interested in cosmetic options, like teeth whitening, they’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (303) 660-5373.
