Are you looking into teeth whitening options for your child? Teeth whitening can be extremely useful for helping discolored teeth become whiter, brighter, and more aesthetically appealing. Many children have yellow-ish teeth due to inconsistent brushing habits, and so it’s natural for parents to consider teeth whitening. Let’s talk about it!
Teeth Whitening & Your Child’s Age
Did you know that your child’s baby teeth are whiter and thinner than your adult teeth? When your child’s adult teeth start to come in, their teeth may naturally look discolored as their adult teeth grow in next to their baby teeth. Because of this, it would be advisable to wait until your child’s baby teeth have all been replaced by adult teeth that have fully grown in before considering teeth whitening.
Meanwhile, encourage your children to brush their teeth regularly. Encourage them to limit their consumption of soda, dark juices, and other foods or drinks that will discolor their teeth. Help them practice taking care of their teeth, so they can be more prepared to take care of their adult teeth.
Considering White Strips?
Because white strips work by coating your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, it can be a tricky subject. It’s safe for adults to be exposed to low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, but it might not be as safe for your child. The main reason why professionals discourage children from using white strips is because there isn’t enough data to show that it is safe for children to use. Another reason is tooth sensitivity. High concentrations of bleaching can cause tooth sensitivity for adult teeth. Since baby teeth are thinner than adult teeth, and so it is unknown whether or not bleaching via white strips can cause any more sensitivity than it can for adult teeth.
Safe Options for Kids Battling Yellow Teeth
As mentioned above, your child’s best option for teeth whitening is to learn how to take care of their teeth. Help your child prepare to keep their adult teeth white by using a chart or even our superhero brushing punch cards. You should also be cautious about the amount of fluoride your child is exposed to via their drinking water as too much could discolor their teeth. Investing in a water purification system could help with this and help you take more control over how much fluoride your child consumes. It should be noted, however, that fluoride can be beneficial when it comes to preventing cavities if exposed to an appropriate amount.
Talk to Your Dentist!
Before having your child try any store-bought product or DIY teeth whitening hack, make sure to consult your dentist. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not it is a safe option and perhaps guide you to better options for your child’s teeth. Feel free to direct any questions you may have to a dentist at one of our Utah locations. We look forward to talking with you!
