In a recent joint statement, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Deputy CEO, Eithne Irving and Melbourne-based dental practitioner, Dr Toni Surace have advised parents and teens that DIY teeth whitening kits and products are unsuitable for children and teens under the age of 18.
Teens under pressure to look “perfect”
In this day and age of social media, too many teens feel pressured to live up to unrealistic standards of perfection, in order avoid negative comparison, criticism and bullying from their peers. As a result, they are experiencing problems with their health and wellbeing.
Along with anxiety, loss of self confidence and eating disorders, teens are now risking their oral health in an effort to look “perfect”. Unfortunately a lot of teens are attempting to achieve a dazzling, bright smile with DIY teeth whitening products that are primarily aimed at the adult market.
DIY teeth whitening products are unsuitable for developing teeth
According to Ms Irving, off-the-shelf DIY whitening kits and products were not only ineffective for maturing teeth, but had the potential to seriously damage a child’s teeth and gums.
Most teens don’t realise that their adult or permanent teeth don’t reach their maximum “whiteness” until lighter coloured enamel develops after several years. But in order to achieve their best smile and gain more “likes”, teens are resorting to “quick fix” DIY whitening products that pose a number of risks to their oral health.
Furthermore, if teens use high concentrations of bleach – that aggressively remove their tooth enamel – they may end up spitting out their “liquefied” teeth down the sink.
Dental problems that teens may experience through using whitening products include:
- irreversible erosion & thinning of developing tooth enamel
- ulcerations
- chemical burns to gums
- gum shrinkage
- patchy teeth
- tooth sensitivity & toothaches
- oral infection
- stomach problems from swallowing bleaching products
Teeth whitening products & remedies that teens (under 18) should avoid include:
- over-the-counter teeth whitening kits
- LED light treatment
- whitening strips
- whitening toothpaste
- lemon juice
- charcoal
