The desire for a healthy and vibrant smile doesn't have an age minimum. Older adults and children alike share a passion for a bright white smile. If you have a child that has expressed an interest in teeth whitening, here is some important information to keep in mind.
Remember That Age Matters
When it comes to teeth whitening, age is a significant factor. Even if you're using a safe method to remove stains from teeth, depending on the age of the child, you could be wasting your time. In the same manner that you wouldn't paint a wall you plan to tear down in the next couple of weeks, it also makes little sense to whiten a tooth that will fall out soon.
Dental professionals typically suggest that parents wait until a child has all their permanent teeth before they start considering this option. Since all children get their permanent teeth at different times, you will need to rely on a professional to determine if your child is ready.
Consider a Whitening Toothpaste
If you don't think your child can tolerate an in-office whitening treatment just yet, whitening toothpaste is an excellent alternative that can be very effective. Whitening toothpaste generally contain polishing agents or gentle abrasives that clean the teeth while also helping to remove any stains.
Since they do not contain bleach, they will not deliver the same dramatic results that cosmetic whitening provides, but with continued use, your child will see an improvement in the look of their teeth.
Make Dietary Changes
One of the best things parents can do to improve the color of their child's teeth and prevent staining is to make specific dietary changes. For example, if your child's beverage of choice is grape juice or soda, you're basically asking for stains. The concentration of color in these solutions can easily cause lasting discoloration.
If you can't eliminate them entirely from their diet, at least try to limit their consumption and when they do indulge, make sure they are brushing soon after to minimize the risk of staining.
Before trying some new whitening technique you've found online or even purchasing an at-home whitening kit, it's best to speak with an oral health provider. A provider will examine your child's teeth to determine if a whitening treatment is necessary and if safe, and if so, perform this service in their office to ensure your child's teeth are protected. For more information, contact a business such as Cherry Hill Dentistry LLC.
Share10 January 2018
Do you have "bad teeth"? I do. Ever since I was a kid, every checkup turns up a number of issues ranging from cavities to dental fractures. It has always been frustrating to keep my smile in decent shape, which is one of the reasons I started focusing on understanding different dental problems. I wanted to know what I was getting into when I visited the doctor, so I began focusing on learning as much as I could. I wanted to create this blog all about dentistry so that other people could find out what to expect when they head to the dentist. Check it out!
