One of the most important things that you can possibly do is to take care of your body–and this also includes your oral health too! Doing the basics, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash, and flossing are some of the most crucial steps to take for the best oral health, but many people are still left with variations of yellow teeth–and not feeling confident in their smile.
Teeth whitening is a popular treatment that is done to get rid of insecure yellow teeth that you may have and instead give you the pearly white smile you’ve always dreamed about. There are many people who sign up for teeth whitening treatments–as they are affordable and can make a huge difference on the confidence in your smile, but how old should you be in order to get it done?
Let’s take a look at teeth whitening for teens and learn more about the procedure and how old you should be to get this treatment done!
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?
There are a number of reasons why it’s hard to maintain a pearly white smile–and it could simply be because of your diet!
Many people suffer from having an insecure smile due to yellow teeth, which can range from a slight tinge of the color to extreme. Regardless of the level of yellow your teeth may be, there could be a number of reasons why they are the color that they are–such as lifestyle habits, diet, and even aging.
Common Lifestyle Habits That Cause Yellow Teeth
A big reason why many people suffer from yellow teeth is due to unhealthy lifestyle habits that we pick up. One of the big reasons why many people have yellow or discolored teeth is due to addictive habits, such as smoking or chewing tobacco. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can leave nasty stains on your teeth that can be hard to get off–plus they can cause tooth loss, gum problems, and even mouth cancer with long-term use.
Foods That Cause Discoloration of the Teeth
Another reason why your teeth may appear yellow even without picking up bad habits like smoking or chewing tobacco is due to the foods that we eat. Whether they are healthy or not, there are many kinds of food and drinks that people consume that can lead to the discoloration of teeth.
Some of the most common foods and beverages that cause yellow teeth include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Tomato sauce
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Candy
While many of these drinks and foods are enjoyable to consume, it doesn’t mean you have to cut them out completely. By consuming a healthy amount, it can help prevent your teeth from yellowing at a much more rapid rate.
Aging and Other Factors That Can Stain Teeth
There are also many other natural factors that can stain teeth overtime–the big one being aging. As we continue to age, our enamel will thin out and it can reveal the yellow dentin underneath. There can also be microscopic holes that can enlarge and make your teeth more susceptible to staining, along with the intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining foods and beverages.
Along with aging, medications, like blood pressure medicine, can have an impact on staining your teeth as well. Many older people will be prescribed medications for a number of reasons, and many of them can cause tooth discoloration. Medical conditions and treatments, such as liver disease, celiac disease, and even metabolic disorder can have a negative impact on your teeth and cause them to yellow over time.
How is the Teeth Whitening Procedure Performed?
Teeth whitening is a popular procedure done to get rid of yellow teeth for a happy, healthy smile!
There are many people who get their teeth whitened on a regular basis because it can boost their confidence and fix any imperfections that they may have with their smile due to staining. It’s important to get familiar with the benefits of teeth whitening, the cost of it, plus how the procedure works to determine if it’s right for you.
Three Types of Teeth Whitening
There are a couple different types of teeth whitening procedures that consist of at-home over-the-counter methods, along with the professional one by seeing a dentist. Many people start out with teeth whitening toothpaste or even brushing their teeth with hydrogen peroxide to get rid of surface stains. The next can also be done at home by getting whitening strips that you can use once a day until the pack is complete.
Getting your teeth professionally whitened at a dentist option is by far the most visible and quick way to see results. Your dentist will sit you down in the chair and rinse your teeth with a powerful hydrogen peroxide solution for twenty to thirty minutes. It is important to note that with any teeth whitening method, your teeth are more prone to sensitivity, although it is only temporary.
The Cost of Teeth Whitening
When thinking about teeth whitening, it is important to know that it is considered a cosmetic procedure–which isn’t covered by insurance. Many people will have to pay out of pocket for teeth whitening procedures, which could cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 at a dentist office. While this is the most expensive method, it does provide the fastest and best results. There is also an option to get professional-strength gels from your dentist that can be done in the office or at home that can cost anywhere from $150 to $600.
If you’re opting for an at-home method of teeth whitening, a tube of toothpaste could cost around $5, but whitening strips could be at a steeper price and could be upwards of $55 for a pack that delivers faster results.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening has its many benefits, but most consist of their overall appearance and how they can make someone feel. Once you get your teeth whitened professionally, it is important to keep up with it with regular visits or even at-home treatments.
The benefits of getting your teeth whitened include the following:
- A confidence boost when smiling
- Look younger with a brighter smile
- Touch-ups can be done at home with an at-home whitening kit
- Customizable treatment
- Affordable with flexible payment options
The Best Age to Start Getting Your Teeth Whitened
Many people opt for teeth whitening to give them a brighter smile, but how young is too young for the treatment?
Whenever you meet someone new, the first thing that they’ll notice about you is your smile. A smile can make or break anyone’s self-confidence, and procedures such as getting braces, teeth whitening, or even gum contouring can be beneficial for a bold, bright smile. For teeth whitening, it’s important to get familiar with what is too young to get the procedure and know all of the proper information beforehand.
The Recommended Age to Get Teeth Whitening Treatment
There are many teens who are insecure about their smile–as teenage years can be some of the most intimidating times in our lives. Insecurity can play a huge part in this stage of growing into adulthood, but it is recommended for many parents that their child be of fourteen to sixteen years of age and have all of their adult teeth before getting teeth whitening treatments.
Depending on the intensity of teeth whitening treatments, many other dentists will recommend waiting until the age of eighteen to get their teeth whitened due to the risk of sensitivity and the risk of harming the enamel if it’s still developing.
While most teens have all of their adult teeth by the time they are fourteen, it may take a few more years for the enamel on their teeth to fully develop and calcify. If the enamel is not fully developed and a teeth whitening treatment is done, it can cause patchy areas to show with uneven results.
What is Recommended For Teens That Want to Whiten Their Teeth?
Many dentists recommend that teens start using a mild whitening toothpaste that can help them get rid of surface stains caused from common foods and beverages. It is recommended to talk to your dentist to see if any in-office treatments are available in low doses, but it is strongly encouraged to supervise your teen on high-concentration whitening strips that can be damaging to their teeth.
Teeth whitening is a popular treatment that gives individuals bold and confident smiles no matter where they go or who they meet. Make sure to weigh your options with your teen if they are considering teeth whitening options and talk to your dentist today!
If you’re in the Washington, PA area and are looking into teeth whitening options––consider contacting Elizabeth L. Wakim—where exceptional smiles start here!
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS, is the founder of Enhanced Wellness. She’s a compassionate and highly-regarded dentist with her own practice in Washington, Pennsylvania, known for providing modern, comprehensive dental care, botox and facial aesthetics with a focus on patient comfort and anxiety reduction, serving general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry needs.
