Teeth Whitening for Teens in St. Petersburg, FL

If your teen has fully developed permanent teeth and is ready for a cosmetic boost, we offer Zoom Whitening as a safe and effective option to achieve a whiter smile

Teeth whitening is not recommended for young children or kids with baby teeth. That is why we reserve this service for teens who are good candidates and ready for professional treatment under expert supervision.

We offer Zoom teeth whitening for teens at our pediatric dental office in St. Petersburg, FL.

Why We Do Not Whiten Children’s Teeth

Teeth whitening is not appropriate for children whose mouths are still developing. Baby teeth and newly erupted permanent teeth have thinner enamel and are more sensitive to whitening agents.

We do not recommend teeth whitening for:

• Children with baby teeth or mixed dentition
• Kids under the age of 13
• Patients with active decay or poor oral hygiene
• Children with enamel defects that need diagnosis first

Instead, we may suggest professional cleaning, dietary guidance, or fluoride treatments to help manage tooth discoloration in younger children.

Learn about Pediatric Dental Exams and Cleanings.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teen Teeth Whitening?

Teens may qualify for teeth whitening if they:

• Have all their permanent teeth
• Have no untreated cavities or gum issues
• Practice good oral hygiene
• Understand the benefits and limitations of cosmetic treatment

We will evaluate your teen’s dental health during their regular exam and let you know if they are ready for whitening.

What Causes Tooth Staining?

Tooth discoloration is common among teens and can develop from both internal and external factors. These fall into two categories: extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains.

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains affect the outer surface of the tooth (the enamel). These are the most common type of stains in teens and are usually caused by:

• Pigmented drinks like soda, tea, coffee, and sports drinks
• Dark-colored foods such as berries, tomato-based sauces, and soy sauce
• Poor brushing or flossing habits that allow plaque and stain buildup
• Use of tobacco products, including vaping and chewing tobacco

Because extrinsic stains sit on the outside of the tooth, they can often be removed or significantly lightened with professional whitening.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains develop inside the tooth, beneath the enamel. These can be more difficult to treat and may require additional care beyond whitening. Intrinsic discoloration can be caused by:

• Certain medications, such as tetracycline taken during early childhood
• Excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development (fluorosis)
• Trauma or injury to a developing permanent tooth
• Genetic enamel or dentin conditions

Zoom Whitening is most effective on extrinsic stains. If your teen has intrinsic discoloration, we will evaluate the severity and discuss whether whitening, microabrasion, or cosmetic restorations such as bonding might be appropriate.

What Is Zoom Whitening?

Zoom Whitening is one of the most trusted professional whitening procedures available. It uses hydrogen peroxide gel and a special LED light to break down deep stains and discoloration on the tooth’s surface.

In just one visit, this system can lighten teeth by several shades, making it a great choice for special events like:

• School photos or yearbook portraits
• Senior pictures
• Proms and dances
• College or job interviews

Teens love the quick results and brighter smile, while parents appreciate that the treatment is done safely in a monitored setting.

How Zoom Whitening Works

Each treatment begins with a dental exam to make sure your teen is a good candidate for whitening. Once approved, we follow these simple steps:

1. A protective barrier is placed over the lips and gums.
2. A professional-strength whitening gel is applied to the teeth.
3. A blue LED light activates the gel and accelerates stain removal.
4. The process is repeated up to four times in a single visit.

After whitening, we provide care instructions and guidance to help maintain results at home.

Tooth Whitening Trends on Social Media To Stay Way From 

Teeth whitening has become one of the most talked-about beauty trends among teens. While these videos often show dramatic results, many popular whitening methods are unregulated, unsafe, or simply ineffective.

Common trends include:

• DIY whitening with baking soda or lemon juice: These can erode enamel and cause lasting sensitivity.
• Hydrogen peroxide rinses: High concentrations can damage gum tissue and weaken enamel when used without supervision.
• Purple toothpaste: These products temporarily alter the appearance of tooth color but do not actually whiten teeth.
• Unverified whitening pens and gels: Many contain unknown ingredients or concentrations that are not safe for teen teeth. Some examples include:
  • Whitening pens with no listed peroxide strength. These may be too weak to work or dangerously strong.
  • Gels labeled as “natural” or “non-toxic” with no active whitening ingredients. These may do nothing at all or cause irritation.
  • Imported products without ingredient transparency. Some contain harsh abrasives or illegal additives not allowed in U.S. dental care.
• Activated charcoal toothpastes: These are too abrasive and wear down enamel over time.
• LED light kits: Without professional guidance, these can lead to uneven results and gum irritation.

While it is understandable that teens want to follow these trends, professional whitening is the safest way to achieve noticeable, even results without damaging teeth or gums. 

At Sunny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we take time to educate teens and parents about what works and what can do more harm than good.

Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options

While there are many over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products available they are not always the best fit for teen smiles.

Here is how professional whitening compares:

Feature	Professional Zoom Whitening	Over-the-Counter Products
Effectiveness	Removes deeper stains and brightens several shades in one visit	Mild improvement; limited to surface stains
Safety	Supervised by a pediatric dentist; customized for your teen	No supervision; higher risk of misuse or sensitivity
Speed	Noticeable results in about 60 minutes	Takes weeks or months for gradual changes
Comfort	Includes desensitizing agents and gum protection	May cause gum irritation or enamel sensitivity
Cost	Higher upfront cost but more predictable results	Lower cost, but often less reliable or long-lasting

At Sunny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we only recommend whitening for teens who are ready. If your teen has been asking about OTC products, we are happy to discuss safe, supervised options that truly work and explain why store-bought kits may not deliver the results they expect.

Frequently Asked Questions