Dental Advice for the Sweet Tooth

Hey! I'm Frankie, and welcome to my dental advice blog. I'm a foodie and I love sweet treats, but I also love my teeth! It can be hard to keep your dental health in top condition when you've got a sweet tooth, but it's not impossible. Over the years, I've learned tons of great advice from friends, family members and dentists, and I'd love to share it with you. My blog is here to give you all the tips and tricks you need to stay free of decay and other tooth problems without giving up all your favourite foods and snacks.

Is It Safe to Whiten Your Teenage Child's Teeth?

Dentist Blog

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures today. With everyone wanting to show off a set of perfectly white teeth, it is not a wonder if your teenage child approaches you about getting their teeth whitened. Before you say yes or no, check out this piece to learn whether teeth whitening is safe for teens and how you should go about it.

Kids and Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening involves the use of bleach, usually hydrogen peroxide, to eliminate discolouration and restore the white colour of the teeth. This procedure is not always recommended for kids or teens. Children generally have a weaker enamel as compared to adults, and this is part of the reason why their teeth are prone to staining. 

Using hydrogen peroxide on a weak enamel can damage the enamel and cause extreme sensitivity. Therefore, it's advisable to wait until the teen is around 14 or 15 years before attempting a whitening procedure. However, this is not to say that whitening is a flat-out no. With professional help, your child can get white teeth without suffering the negative effects of whitening at their age.

When to Consider Teeth Whitening

Just because your daughter's favourite actor has white teeth doesn't mean she should get hers whitened at 11 years. As a parent, it's your duty to determine whether there's a great need for the whitening procedure. Below are some instances when you should consider it despite your child's age:

  • Severe Discolouration

If your teen's teeth have severe discolouration from medication, eating certain foods, illness or excess fluoride, you should consider allowing them to take the procedure. Extreme discolouration of the teeth can affect your child's self-esteem, especially if everyone around them has near-perfect teeth. Teeth whitening helps keep self-esteem issues at bay. 

  • Self-Consciousness

Is your child always self-conscious about their teeth? Do they refuse to go for public gatherings or hang out with friends? Are they being mocked or bullied in school for their stained teeth? If so, they deserve to get their teeth whitened. 

The state of being self-conscious can affect your child's social life and academic performance. Getting white teeth will help them regain their confidence and avoid being the talk of their peers.

How to Go About Teeth Whitening

If you've decided to whiten your child's teeth, you need to do it right. First, avoid DIY kits as they can cause more harm than good to the child. Instead, visit a dentist for professional help. Since they know the implications of whitening on kids' teeth, dentists approach the matter delicately. 

They use the right concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to prevent sensitivity and enamel damage. For at-home professional treatments, the dentist will also make custom-fitted trays for the procedure to ensure successful whitening.

Should you whiten your teen child's teeth? The answer can be yes or no depending on the circumstances. Visit a dentist for an in-depth consultation and treatment.

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17 December 2019