Question: I am a minor with yellowish-looking teeth. I hate to smile because I do not have white teeth, and my mom will not pay to whiten my teeth at the dentist. I also asked to use whitening strips, but she says she was told they could make your teeth sensitive and would prefer for me not to. Is that true? And can I still buy them if I am a minor? 

Answer: Your mother is correct. Whiten strips can make your teeth sensitive. You can find a lower dosage product or use them for a shorter time. If your teeth are getting sensitive to the strips, you may want to stop treatment for a while. However, that being said, it is still something your mother would need to approve before you use any white strips. Ask your mother if you can start using a *toothpaste product with whitening. As for whether you can buy white strips as a minor, I suggest not going behind your mother’s back and doing something that she has already advised against.

•  Toothpaste products with whitening agents can help remove surface stains from your teeth, making them appear brighter and whiter. However, they may not be as effective as other whitening treatments, such as professional dental or whitening strips. It’s essential to note that toothpaste products with whitening may take longer to show visible results, but they are a safer and more affordable approach to whitening teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding foods and drinks that can stain your teeth is also important.