Your child may be eligible for teeth whitening if their permanent teeth have fully erupted and their enamel has fully calcified. Teeth whitening is a great way for older kids and adults of all ages to improve their smile by removing tough stains.
A bright smile can encourage children to take care of their teeth, along with giving them confidence that can help them through their formative years. The following is a review of whether or not children can get teeth whitening treatments and what that process may involve.
Children are eligible for teeth whitening when their permanent teeth have fully emerged and the enamel has fully calcified. Many dentists recommend waiting until children are 14 or older. This also gives the tooth pulp time to fully form. The risk of sensitivity is much greater for children under the age of 14, and dentists can perform treatment in a much safer manner once the child is in their teenage years. In addition, teeth whitening is not an option for children that have severe teeth stains.
It is also important for children to not try over-the-counter whitening products without approval from their dentist. Instead, dentists can perform in-office whitening to ensure optimal safety and quality of treatment. The dentist may be able to provide a professional at-home whitening kit, which is more effective and safer than store-bought products.
The most commonly reported side effect of teeth whitening in children is teeth sensitivity. This occurs particularly if the teeth are still developing or if the child has weakened or eroded enamel. Gum irritation can also occur if the teeth are not isolated from the gums properly during treatment.
Children are often vulnerable to teeth discoloration, especially if they eat a high sugar diet, drink dark beverages (e.g., soda), or do not practice good oral hygiene the way they should. Teeth can also become discolored naturally over time as well, regardless of the child’s diet and oral care routine.
First and foremost, brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to fight teeth discoloration. It is also helpful to encourage children to drink water throughout the day and limit their sugar consumption. Reducing the consumption of other foods that can cause stains may help as well, such as tomato-based dishes. Of course, eating candy or having a plate of spaghetti is certainly acceptable, but practicing good oral hygiene afterward can help keep teeth discoloration away.
If you would like to find out if your child is eligible for teeth whitening, then reach out to our friendly dental team today. We ensure optimal safety during our teeth whitening process, and our team helps throughout the treatment process, from the consultation to providing aftercare to reduce the risk of any side effects.
Request an appointment here: https://sandimassedation.com or call San Dimas Family and Sedation Dentistry at (909) 740-8294 for an appointment in our San Dimas office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in San Dimas, CA.
For many people, tooth discoloration is the primary oral issue that prevents them from smiling and speaking with confidence. There are many treatment options for a smile makeover, but few offer the instant and dramatic results that teeth whitening can provide. Professional teeth whitening can take years off of your smile and remove unsightly stains,…
Teeth whitening refers to the process of removing stains and lightening the shade of the enamel. It can be performed in-office at a dentist's office or at home. However, the most effective way to whiten the teeth is to visit the dentist in-office. Dentists have access to stronger products, which produce much more promising and…
Professional teeth whitening treatments are one of the most affordable ways to drastically improve the way that your smile looks. Not being happy with the way your teeth look can make you self-conscious and less willing to smile during interactions. The appropriate age to start whitening teeth is around the age of 13. At this point,…
Thinking that you should get a smile makeover so you can feel great about the way you look when you smile? New dental technologies allow for many makeover options nowadays, which means you get to pick and choose how you want your smile to look. You can even have your smile made over in one…
Every dental patient who undergoes professional whitening from their dental professional will receive a customized…
A laser dentist can assist with repairing cavities depending on their severity and in a…
It is important to treat a dental emergency as soon as possible to prevent any…
Outlined below are a few cosmetic dentistry options that general dentists recommend for patients who…
Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the…
Patients considering dental crowns may have concerns regarding the recovery period following the procedure.
