What Is the Right Age for Zoom Teeth Whitening?

If you want teeth that are brighter and whiter after just an hour, then Zoom teeth whitening might be for you. The Zoom teeth whitening system uses an ultraviolet light along with a hydrogen peroxide whitening solution to whiten the teeth as much as eight to 10 shades. However, this procedure is not recommended for children who are under the age of 16. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that it can cause uneven results which can look worse than the yellowed or stained teeth might look otherwise.

The right age for Zoom teeth whitening

For children who do not yet have all of their adult teeth, Zoom teeth whitening is not a good idea. The baby teeth do not have as much mineral content as a permanent tooth does. This means that the child is at a higher risk of demineralization. If demineralization, or loss of minerals in the teeth, occurs, then the child may have irreversible tooth damage. For younger children, the consumption of the whitening agent is also a concern.

All of the permanent teeth are erupted by the age of about 12 or 13 for preteen children. However, the teeth have not fully matured by this age, and the process of enamel calcification has not yet taken place. This will usually take about two years after the last permanent tooth has erupted. If children undergo Zoom teeth whitening before this point, the peroxide may be overexposed to the pulp inside the tooth.

The chamber inside each tooth contains pulp, and before the age of 16, this chamber is larger to allow the tooth to develop better. Using Zoom teeth whitening under the age of 16 can cause severe tooth sensitivity for children. It can also lead to uneven whitening of the teeth, especially if the child has gingivitis. This will be extremely noticeable and potentially irreversible after the teeth have fully erupted and the tissue has healed.

Teeth whitening for children

There are not any commonly used methods for whitening baby teeth or adult teeth that have not fully erupted. However, if the child is experiencing distress from some severe, noticeable discoloration, there can be some exceptions. Parents who feel that their child would benefit from Zoom teeth whitening should talk to a cosmetic dentist. It is important for parents not to attempt to use at-home whitening kits on children. A dentist can review a child’s oral and health history to determine the potential risks and benefits for the child.

Visit a cosmetic dentist near you today

Zoom teeth whitening is a good choice to remove discolorations and stains from the teeth. However, it should not be used for children who are under the age of 16. This can cause severe tooth sensitivity that may not be reversible. A cosmetic dentist near you can help you decide if Zoom teeth whitening is right for your child and what a good course of action would be for you.

Request an appointment here: https://jacksonheightdental.com or call 82nd St. Dental at (718) 709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.

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