At What Age is Teeth Whitening Appropriate?

Most pediatric dentists do not encourage teeth whitening until after all the primary teeth have fallen out. Most parents are instructed to wait until their child is 13 or 14 years of age to ensure that all baby teeth have fallen out and that permanent teeth have fully descended. Tooth color difference won’t be as noticeable once all teeth have come in. If your child is interested in teeth whitening after this, consult with Dr. Botero about safe, low-bleach options to protect your child’s teeth and smile.  

Your child’s oral health is a group effort. A visit to your Li’l Sunshine Smiles dental home can help you learn more about preventive treatments to keep smiles bright, white, and safe. Call to schedule an appointment at 813-576-0200!

The Side Effects of Teeth Bleaching

Bleaching products can have multiple side effects such as damaging the dental enamel, causing irritation to the gums, tooth sensitivity and more. Some of these effects are long-lasting; for example the damage to the dental enamel is permanent and irreversible. Young patients are the most susceptible to the side effects of bleaching products as their teeth are more permeable. Teeth are highly porous and more likely to absorb teeth whitening products so they need to be introduced when it is safest for developing mouths. 

Because teeth have not fully developed yet in kids, the teeth could become damaged if teeth whitening is done too early on. It is best that kids be given teeth whitening procedures only after eight-year molars come in or once their late teenage years start. This way, they will be well prepared for teeth whitening and parents will ensure that it does not harm teeth. It is essential that teeth are left alone when they are still developing.

Teeth Whitening for Older Teens

When your child has reached the appropriate age, teeth whitening is a safe way to achieve the whiter, brighter smiles. Teeth Whitening can be done at home by following simple instructions or in a dentist office during an appointment. Teeth that have never been treated before may experience temporary sensitivity and should be monitored, but it will disappear shortly after the teeth whitening process has concluded. Professional teeth whitening systems are very effective at removing stains from teeth making them look brighter and healthier than before.

Why Do Teeth Become Stained or Yellow?

Over time, teeth can change color because of exposure to different chemicals in foods, beverages, and medicines. Some children’s teeth can yellow or stain more easily than others because of the child’s genes. 

Foods that contain high levels of sugars make teeth more susceptible to plaque buildup. Plaque makes it easier for stains and discoloration to appear on your child’s teeth. 

Even Baby Teeth Can Become Stained

Baby teeth are still developing underneath the gum line, but that doesn’t not mean that they aren’t affected by the things your newborn ingests. Infant formulas, medications, and juices can leave behind stains on your baby’s smile even at a young age. Yes, even infant mouths need oral care! Free infant dental exams are offered at Li’l Sunshine Smiles because we know a healthy start is your best start! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children be seen for an exam as early as 1 year of age or within 6 months of the eruption of the first baby tooth. 

Even before an infant has teeth, there is a benefit to cleaning the gums twice a day.  Clean gums in the morning after the first feeding and before bedtime to 1) remove bacteria from developing areas; and 2) establish an oral healthcare routine. Then, after tooth buds emerge, start adding  an infant toothbrush (softer, smaller bristles) and water to your routine.  Gently clean the tooth/gum surfaces around the tooth bud to help protect the tooth from bacteria.

If you want to learn more about how to safely whiten your child’s teeth, or if you want to learn more about how to prevent tooth discoloration, call us at 813-576-0200 today to schedule a consultation and dental exam today!