At What Age Should Your Child Visit the Dentist for Teeth Whitening?

Posted on January 7, 2020

When your child loses the baby teeth and begins to have foods and beverages like colas, dark juices, popsicles, coffee and any other staining foods they can develop dark teeth. This is certainly not an indication that the child needs to visit the dentist for teeth whitening although he or she should be making regular visits to the dentist for exams and cleanings. It must be understood that whitening is entirely different from cleanings. A dark tooth in the mouth of your child could be the result of an injury or even cavities. Parents and children that are uncomfortable with the discoloration must discuss the problem with the dentist but refrain from trying teeth whitening treatments by themselves.

Why Do Children Develop Discolored Teeth?

It is common to notice children having discolored teeth after the permanent teeth have erupted. This is because the enamel of the baby teeth is thinner than the enamel of the permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists do not recommend bleaching a child’s teeth until all the baby teeth have fallen out.

What Can Parents Do When They Notice Isolated Teeth in the Mouth That Are Discolored?

Parents that understand why whitening is important will be encouraged to try over-the-counter whitening treatments for isolated teeth that are discolored. Here again, they are encouraged to visit the dentist for an examination rather than attempting any treatments by themselves.

A single discolored tooth could be the result of an injury or cavities because of tooth decay. Taking the child for an examination will be the better option because it will allow the dentist to examine the mouth of the child. They can provide treatment for the injury or even conduct a cleaning procedure to remove any tooth decay or cavities that are present. Fillings, if required, may also be provided by the dentist.

Parents Need to Understand Their Child’s Teeth

The enamel of baby teeth is whiter than that of permanent teeth. When a child loses some baby teeth and permanent teeth erupt parents will begin noticing the slightly yellow color and assume that the teeth of their child need to be treated with a whitening treatment. However, it is suggested that parents wait for all baby teeth to fallout and fresh permanent teeth to erupt because the difference will not be noticeable. Parents must decide to accept the natural beauty of their children’s teeth rather than consider bleaching as a method for whitening the teeth.

Are Over-The-Counter Products Safe for Teeth Whitening?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available in abundance. Everybody with a fear of the dentist is preferring over-the-counter products even for teeth whitening. These products are not as effective as a professional treatment and are better avoided even by adults.

Parents of children must attempt to understand the difference between in-house and professional treatments and perhaps even discuss the same with their dentist. They will then be in a position to make an informed decision that will help them provide the best treatment for their children.

What Is a Suitable Age When Children Can Undergo Teeth Whitening Treatments?

Jacaranda smiles will recommend that parents hold off decisions of teeth whitening or bleaching until after the age of 14. By this stage, the child would have lost all the baby teeth to be replaced by permanent teeth. The dental office will suggest that parents try over-the-counter products with low concentrations of bleach to understand whether the child is exhibiting any signs of irritation or sensitivity to the teeth and gums. An examination by the dentist will also be recommended to understand whether professional treatments will work better for the child. A decision about teeth whitening must only be taken after consulting the dentist concerned because independent decisions can create problems that will be harmful to the child’s mouth.

Discolored teeth are an example of improper oral hygiene and undesirable food habits. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that can be obtained by people that are suffering from this problem. However, the treatment must not be attempted on children until they have lost all their baby teeth and any discussion about whitening treatments must be held with the dentist. Parents are suggested not to consider cosmetic treatments for their child unless he or she is old enough to decide for themselves. They should rather concentrate on regular visits to the dentist for exams and cleanings and teach proper oral hygiene habits to the child as it can by itself prevent discoloration that may be observed.