Teeth Whitening for Teens: Is It Safe? – All the Pros & Cons
Teeth whitening is usually something you might need later in life, after years of wear and tear, but it’s not uncommon for people to want treatment at younger and younger ages.
However, in the UK, there are strict regulations on underage teeth whitening, leaving some with very few options.
Dr. Sanjay Patel touches on everything you need to know about getting your teeth whitened when you’re young and unpicking some of the misconceptions about teeth whitening in your teens.
Can teens undergo teeth whitening treatments?
In the UK, it’s illegal to have a professional whitening treatment, particularly those that involve hydrogen peroxide in quantities of 0.1% to 6.0%.
Also, the General Dental Council (GDC) does not recommend professional or at-home treatments. Because of the ongoing development of permanent teeth, there is the potential for teens to suffer increased sensitivity or harm in the future because of treatments.
However, it isn’t completely off limits — there are some situations where teens under the age of 18 can still access treatment.
Suppose your child or someone you know under the age of 18 has a medical condition that causes discolouration of the teeth. In that case, practitioners are allowed to practice dental bleaching treatments without fear of disciplinary actions.
To qualify, teens will have to be suffering from one of these conditions.
· Dental conditions that cause discolouration can be treated by a GDC-compliant dentist.
Blunt trauma (which can cause a tooth or teeth to turn black).
· Fluorosis — A condition caused by exposure to excessive fluoride. This can cause faint white spots or streaks to brown stains or pitting in more severe cases.
· Chronic conditions that cause discolouration.
· Your mental health or self-esteem is dramatically impacted because of the appearance of your teeth.
What whitening options are available as a teen?
Because teeth whitening treatments that involve bleaching or whitening agents aren’t available to those under 18 unless there are exceptional circumstances, there aren’t too many options for teens other than practicing good oral hygiene or visiting a hygienist to improve the look of the teeth.
This hasn’t stopped some from trying to get the law changed. Teeth whitening activist and professional dentist and whitening specialist, Dr Linda Greenwall, has long been campaigning for change as she, and other dentists, maintain it’s perfectly safe.
Read our interview with Linda here.
Is teeth whitening safe for teens?
While it’s not intrinsically dangerous for teens to have teeth whitening treatments involving bleaching agents, it can potentially cause damage down the line.
Because a lot of teens’ teeth and gums are still developing, they can be more sensitive to whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide, which can damage teeth and enamel over time.
It can also cause:
· Increased tooth sensitivity
· Enamel erosion
· Gum irritation
However, teeth whitening is incredibly safe when performed by a qualified, experienced specialist. They have all the know-how and tools on hand to limit any damage to give results.
If you’re looking for a treatment, but are concerned, consult your dentist. They’ll be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend treatment or suitable alternatives if there’s any risk of damage with whitening agents.
Pros and cons of teeth whitening for teens
Like anything, there are pros and cons to undergoing teeth whitening at an earlier age. However, it’s important to note that when you’re younger, you run the risk of damage when undergoing teeth whitening.
Any decision you make should be balanced against the risks.
Pros of teeth whitening for teens
· Boosts Confidence
Teens can feel self-conscious about their appearance, and whiter teeth might help improve their self-esteem, especially during a time when peer perception matters a lot.
· Motivates Better Oral Hygiene
The desire for whiter teeth often encourages teens to brush more regularly, floss, and make better food choices (like cutting back on fizzy drinks and sweets).
· Can Improve Staining from Braces or Medication
In some cases, mild whitening (like stain removal toothpaste or a hygienist clean) can help lift stains left behind after braces or from certain medications, under a dentist’s supervision.
Cons of teeth whitening for teens
· Not Legally Allowed (Under 18)
In the UK, it’s illegal for dentists to carry out professional whitening on under-18s, and high-strength at-home kits are unsafe and often unregulated.
· Underlying Issues May Be Missed
Discolouration could be caused by:
- Fluorosis
- Trauma to the tooth
- Medication side effects
- Developmental enamel issues
Attempting to “whiten” teeth without understanding the cause can mask deeper problems that need proper dental care.
· Risk of Damaging Young Teeth
Teen enamel is often thinner and still developing, making it more prone to:
- Sensitivity
- Gum irritation
- Enamel erosion
- Long-term damage
Teeth whitening products for sensitive teeth by Enlighten
Although teens might not be able to access our teeth whitening treatment, we offer a range of toothpastes to help whiten your teeth without the need for treatment.
Our clinical-grade whitening toothpaste helps tackle plaque and stains, while our Enlighten Serum toothpaste works to seal enamel micro-cracks and reduce sensitivity.
Dr Sanjay Patel
Sanjay Patel is a dentist and co-founder of Enlighten Smiles, a UK manufacturer of premium and professional teeth whitening products. With a background in clinical dentistry and a passion for innovation, Sanjay has dedicated his career to advancing cosmetic dental solutions that combine science, safety, and aesthetics. Under his leadership, Enlighten Smiles has become known for its market-leading whitening systems used by dental practices across the UK.
