Some kids at school get their teeth whitened. It is becoming really popular especially with the cheerleaders. I want to get my teeth whitened but I am in middle school and my mom says I need to wait. Is there anything wrong with teenagers getting teeth whitening? – Ciera

Ciera – Teeth whitening is not recommended for teenagers under 16 years of age. Even when you are 16 years old, you need to have your teeth examined by a dentist to determine if teeth whitening will help or hurt your teeth.

When you are under 16 years old, the nerve in each tooth is larger than an adult’s tooth nerve. Whitening your teeth can irritate the tooth nerve and make it sensitive. You can feel a sharp tingling sensation in your teeth or pain in your teeth if you whiten them too soon in your teenage years.

It is best to wait to have your teeth whitened, and then only by a dentist who can monitor the progress and make any needed adjustments to the treatment.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.