Can Kids Get Their Teeth Whitened? What Parents Want To Know

Can my child get their teeth whitened?

Everyone wants to be confident in their smile, so if your teen thinks their teeth aren’t as white as they could be, they may be asking you, as a parent, if they can get their teeth whitened. You may be wondering if it is okay. The answer is a little complicated. Dentists don’t recommend young children get their teeth whitened, especially if all of their permanent, or adult, teeth haven’t come in yet. If your child is using orthodontic apparatuses to straighten their teeth or fix their bite, teeth whitening is not recommended.

However, if your teen has all of their adult teeth, then they can get their teeth whitened. Read on to learn more about professional teeth whitening options for your teen that are available at Pediatric Dental Specialists in Omaha.

What causes teeth discoloration in children?

Tooth discoloration can happen due to a variety of reasons. The most common cause of tooth discoloration is through food or drinks that leave stains on teeth. Drinks like coffee and soda, as well as foods containing tomato sauce and dark colored berries, are more apt to leave stains on teeth. Plaque buildup is another way teeth can become discolored. When proper oral hygiene routines aren’t followed, plaque can build up and leave yellowish looking stains on teeth.

Teens also have orthodontic appliances to worry about. For those who wear braces, it can be harder to clean around every tooth and piece of their braces while they are wearing their orthodontic equipment.

Certain medications can also cause tooth discoloration, especially those that have iron in them. Mothers who have taken tetracycline during their pregnancy can cause their children to have discolored teeth. Another way a child’s tooth can become discolored is through injury or trauma, like if a child has been hit in the mouth.

Teeth discoloration can happen naturally too. So, if you are worried about the shade of your child’s teeth, be sure to ask the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists.

Here are some professional teeth whitening options for children.

Pediatric Dental Specialists in Omaha offers two different types of professional teeth whitening options. One is for use at home, and the other is for use in our office. While there are over the counter options available, they do not work like a professional whitening treatment does.

If you choose an in-office treatment, your teen will get their whitening done at our office in about an hour. Our team will apply a clinical strength whitening gel to their teeth, and then, using a specialized UV light, the gel will activate the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening solution. This reaction allows for teeth to be whitened in about an hour, and there is a noticeable difference. This is a great option for teens who are getting ready for a big social event, like prom.

If your child chooses to whiten their teeth at home, they will first need to get fitted for customizable trays. These trays are what will hold the professional strength whitening gel. Your child will wear their trays with the gel in them for about half an hour per day for roughly two weeks. This whitening treatment slowly whitens their teeth over the course of a couple of weeks.

Is teeth whitening safe for kids?

The simple answer is yes. The professional teeth whitening solutions offered at Pediatric Dental Specialists are designed to be safe and effective for all of our patients. Some patients will experience tooth sensitivity for a period of time after they whiten their teeth. Following a good dental routine of brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time, as well as flossing once a day and using a mouthwash fortified with fluoride, will help keep the enamel of the teeth strong.

What are the benefits of a bright smile?

Many people experience issues with self-esteem and confidence throughout their life, and this includes teens. Sometimes, a simple whitening of the teeth can help boost confidence. Whitening their teeth can help boost their self-esteem and confidence in social situations. And parents don’t need to worry about damaging their child’s teeth. The professional whitening treatments used at Pediatric Dental Specialists are safe for all of our patients.

Make an appointment today.

If your child is interested in getting their teeth whitened, make an appointment at Pediatric Dental Specialists to schedule a consultation, where our team will go over the benefits of teeth whitening and see if your teen is a good candidate. Give us a call today!