Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Kids and Young Children?

A bright smile isn’t only about color since it is also about health, confidence, and care. At Lema Dental Clinic, Istanbul, is of we believe that it is important to give your best even to your child’s smile that is still in its early stages of development and growth. Our team of dental professionals specializing in children’s dentistry is experienced in performing safe and health-conscious procedures as well as treatments that aim at ensuring good dental hygiene in the long run, and not just a quick relief.

If you have a dream that in the future your child can have the same Hollywood Smile as the movie stars, today is the right time to start that journey, with regular check-ups and brushing. When your child enters the correct phase for it, Lema Dental Clinic is a place where the most advanced whitening, the latest and the greatest new veneer technology, and cosmetic treatments that suit any generation are being offered. Every smile is meant to shine, right?

Why Children’s Teeth May Appear Yellow or Stained

Now, just laughing at it, the reality quickly dawns on you, and you realize that your child seems to have yellowed teeth. The initial thought may be the color of the teeth, but with some reflection, it might just be nothing to worry about. The fact is that some discolored teeth do not have to be down to poor cleanliness. The thing is that baby teeth are whiter than adult teeth, so as the permanent teeth are growing, if they are whiter, they appear much less white than baby teeth. Thus, the real color is a little different but not bad at all. To sum it up, it is the color that is the contrast, not the health of the teeth that is in question.

The other source that could be the cause would be taking medication or consuming too much fluoride. One of the reasons is that the high content of fluoride in water was released by the National Data on Environmental Health Tracking in March 2019. Also, some medicines, such as children’s vitamin supplements, can turn the white teeth yellow. It is so sad that the iron tablets for kids’ anemia cure are one of them. Be that as it may, so-called sweets and soft drinks have been pointed out to be the root cause of the loss of teeth. Sugary snacks. Soda and the non-stop eating of all these foods have always been the main sources of teeth staining. Looking at the two situations, discoloration is evident. But to kill a fly with a sledgehammer is not right! A white smile is not a universal answer in most cases, especially with weak teeth.

When Is It Safe to Consider Teeth Whitening for Kids?

Well, the fact is that most dental professionals would rather not perform teeth whitening on your child until they are at least 14 years old. This caution has to do with the fact that the enamel in the permanent teeth of the under-14-year-olds is still soft. You can accidentally break up this structure completely by any premature interventions.

Medication-related dental fluorosis and tetracycline staining are rare, most of the time, but in severe cases, they can also be the cause of the child’s distress. The pediatric dentist might recommend a gentle approach in the event. Still, you may not skip consulting a professional before using whitening strips or home kits. These products are designed for adults rather than kids.

Risks of Whitening Products on Developing Teeth

Just like you would not fit an adult-sized pair of shoes on a toddler, you should not use whitening products on developing teeth. The primary active ingredient in whitening gels and strips is mostly hydrogen peroxide, and it is too harsh for the enamel of young teeth. This is accompanied by significant risks such as an increase in tingling, enamel damage, and the sublayer of the tooth being permanently affected if you continue using such products.

Hence, let’s not ignore the fact that the kids’ gums are extremely sensitive to any kind of aggression. Whiteners that are bought without a doctor’s prescription can eventually trigger consequences in the form of chemical burns or inflammation. The pain and the sequel are unbearable. If your kids feel insecure about their teeth, remember that you should have a dentist as your first stop and not the toothpaste aisle in any supermarket.

The Best Whitening Ways for Children as Approved by Dentists

Dentists can take the breath out of a child with the varieties they have, which do not contain harsh chemicals. One way is by professional cleanings, and through them, food, drinks, and plaque build-up surface stains have been removed without the use of bleaching agents. This can be done more than once, depending on the needs of the person.

Your dentist may even go so far as to manufacture a custom whitening solution tailor-made to fit your child’s teeth and use peroxide in minimal concentrations. These treatments are very carefully monitored, with the enamel and the gums being well under the protection by the products.

The Ways to Children’s Teeth Whitening at Home in a Natural and Safe Manner

Don’t want to give your child a chemical glow-up? You don’t have to use a whitening strip.

It all starts with a fluoride toothpaste used twice a day at the dental care event (at the correct age for your child). You can also brush your child’s teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and teach him/her to brush gently in order not to damage the enamel.

Besides, some specific foods may help to whiten the teeth. Fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots are healthy enough to cleanse the teeth. Drinking water is another natural way to cleanse out color-giving particles after meals. Make sure you avoid hacks involving the use of baking soda or lemon juice because they can cause teeth to wear off.

FAQ: Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Kids and Young Children?