At What Age Can Teeth Be Whitened? The 18-Year Limit

Short answer

Cosmetic teeth whitening is generally done after the age of 18. Under European Union and Turkish cosmetics legislation, products containing more than 0.1% and up to 6% hydrogen peroxide must not be used on people under 18. Because young people have a larger pulp chamber, the risk of sensitivity is also higher. There is no upper age limit; whitening in later life is planned after the health of the teeth and gums has been assessed.

At what age can teeth be whitened?

Cosmetic teeth whitening is done after the age of 18. This limit is based on both legal regulations and the development of the teeth.

The whitening products used by dentists contain higher concentrations of peroxide than products sold over the counter. The use of these products on people under 18 is restricted by law. In addition, the structure of young people's teeth makes whitening-related sensitivity more likely.

Lower limit: 18 years for cosmetic whitening
Upper limit: none; suitability is decided at the examination
Prerequisite at any age: healthy teeth and gums

For this reason, when deciding on whitening, we look not only at age but also at the general condition of the teeth and gums. At any age, an examination is the first step of whitening.

The 18-year limit and EU/Turkish cosmetics rules

In the European Union and in Türkiye, teeth whitening products are regulated under cosmetics legislation. These regulations determine, according to the hydrogen peroxide concentration, who may apply the products and to whom.

Hydrogen peroxide concentration	Who can use it?	Age rule
0.1% or less	Sold over the counter, anyone	No specific age limit
Above 0.1%, up to 6%	Sold only to dentists; the first application is carried out by a dentist	Not used on under-18s

For products containing carbamide peroxide, the concentration is calculated on the basis that about one third of the carbamide peroxide is hydrogen peroxide. We explain this in detail on our page hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.

This rule aims to prevent young people from accessing high-concentration products outside a dentist's supervision and from unnecessary exposure.

What are the risks of whitening for young people?

The main risk of whitening for young people is more pronounced sensitivity. This is because their teeth are not yet fully mature.

Large pulp chamber: In young teeth, the pulp containing the nerve and blood vessels is larger and closer to the surface. Peroxide can reach the nerve more easily.
Immature enamel: In newly erupted teeth, enamel takes years to mature.
Uncontrolled use: Frequent and prolonged use of products of uncertain content bought online is more common among young people.
Orthodontics and fillings: Whitening may give uneven results on teeth undergoing brace treatment or with new fillings.
Unrealistic expectations: Social media images can be misleading about how white natural teeth can become.

For the general safety of whitening, see our page is teeth whitening harmful.

What can be done about discolouration in under-18s?

For under-18s, instead of cosmetic whitening, approaches aimed at the cause of the discolouration are considered. In many cases teeth can look cleaner without the need for whitening.

Scale and polish: Reduces surface stains.
Improving oral care: Prevents yellowing caused by plaque build-up.
White spot treatment: If there are white spots on the teeth, methods such as resin infiltration may be considered.
Special cases: In medical situations such as a single tooth darkening after trauma, the dentist assesses the case separately.

For white spots on teeth, take a look at our page white spot treatment.

Examination of tooth colour and dental health in a young patient under 18 — For under-18s, the cause of the discolouration is assessed at the examination. · Illustrative AI-generated image; not a patient.

Orthodontic treatment and the timing of whitening

For young people and adults having brace treatment, whitening is usually planned after the treatment has finished. Because brackets cover the tooth surface, whitening during treatment may give uneven results; darker areas may remain underneath when the brackets are removed.

After brace treatment, we wait for the teeth to be cleaned and the surface to recover.
If white spots have formed around the brackets, these are assessed first.
For people having clear aligner treatment, the timing is planned together with the dentist.
Young people who finish treatment before 18 still wait until 18 for cosmetic whitening.

Regular scale and polish after treatment can help the teeth look cleaner, even without whitening.

Why do teeth darken with age?

It is natural for teeth to darken with age. This change happens for several reasons:

Over the years, enamel wears and thins; more of the yellowish dentine underneath shows through.
Secondary dentine builds up inside the tooth, making it look darker.
Stains from tea, coffee and tobacco accumulate over the years.
Fine cracks in the enamel can hold on to colouring agents.

Age-related yellowing usually responds well to whitening. For more on the causes of colour change, see our page tooth yellowing and stains.

Can whitening be done in later life?

Yes, teeth whitening can be done in later life; there is no upper age limit for whitening. What matters is not age but the health of the teeth and gums.

When planning whitening in later life, particular attention is paid to the following:

Gum recession: Exposed root surfaces do not whiten and sensitivity may increase; these areas are protected.
Restorations: Fillings, crowns and bridges do not whiten; colour differences after whitening must be planned for.
Enamel wear and cracks: Can increase sensitivity.
Dry mouth: Some medicines cause dry mouth; this can affect sensitivity and staining.
General health: Medicines taken and health conditions should be shared with the dentist.

Middle-aged person smiling after teeth whitening in later life — There is no upper age limit for whitening. · Illustrative AI-generated image; not a patient.

What needs to be done before whitening at any age

Whatever your age, the same basic steps are followed before whitening.

Examination and X-rays if needed
Treatment of decay and gum problems
Scale and polish
Colour planning for restorations
Assessment of any history of sensitivity
Choosing a suitable method

These steps help whitening give a result that is both safe and in line with your expectations. At the end of the examination, the method, timescale and what to watch out for are clearly explained to you.

We have listed all the situations in which whitening is not recommended on our page who should not have teeth whitening.

Frequently asked questions

Can teeth be whitened at 16?

Cosmetic whitening is planned after the age of 18. For under-18s, options such as scale and polish can be considered for surface stains.

Is there an upper age limit for teeth whitening?

No, there is no upper age limit. Suitability is determined by assessing gum health, root surfaces and restorations.

Can young people use whitening toothpaste?

Over-the-counter toothpastes generally clean surface stains. As frequent use of abrasive products can damage enamel, it is advisable to consult a dentist.

Is whitening less effective in older people?

Age-related yellowing usually responds well to whitening. However, exposed root surfaces and restorations do not whiten.

Why is there an 18-year rule?

Under EU and Turkish cosmetics legislation, products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide must not be used on people under 18. In addition, the risk of sensitivity is higher in young people.

Can whitening be done during brace treatment?

It is usually not recommended, because the areas under the brackets do not whiten and uneven colour may result. Whitening is mostly planned after treatment has finished.