As your child gets older, you might notice that their once pearly smile may no longer be as white, especially as more adult teeth start to show up. This is normal, as the enamel of a child’s teeth is a lot whiter and thinner compared to adults.
If you’ve been seeing these changes on your child’s teeth, you might be tempted to try some over-the-counter tooth whitening products for your child. After all, products such as whitening strips, gels, and trays have become highly popular recently. However, are these products appropriate for young children?
Here’s what every parent and guardian should understand: when it comes to teeth whitening, the standards between adults and children are vastly different. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, products such as whitening strips are not deemed safe for children and teens under 15 due to a lack of available research on the topic.
However, this doesn’t mean you can just leave your children’s dull-colored teeth unattended. In addition to practicing good hygiene, there are products available for children that are safe and will leave their teeth looking white and gleaming without the use of bleach.
It’s essential to learn about safe ways to help your children achieve a whiter, healthier smile.
Using Teeth Whitening Products on Young Kids
Your child’s enamel doesn’t look as bright anymore, so you’re thinking about taking them to a children’s dentist here in Riverton. But, are whitening products out in the market appropriate for your child? According to dental health experts, some of the most popular whitening products may have adverse effects on children.
Many pediatric dentists are against the use of teeth bleaching products on children. If indeed a necessity, pediatrics recommend waiting until all the child’s baby teeth have fallen off before using any teeth bleaching products to address discoloration.
Depending on the brand, there are specific instructions on how to use a certain product on children. As parents and guardians, it’s important to be fully aware of any side effects a certain whitening product may have on your children.
Ways to Whiten Children’s Teeth Safely
Developing a simple yet effective routine to practice good hygiene is an excellent way to start. Get the right tools for cleaning and polishing your children’s teeth and make sure they maintain a regular brushing schedule. In addition, emphasize the importance of preserving the teeth enamel.
As mentioned earlier, the teeth turn yellow as the tooth enamel starts to become thinner. So, it’s important to monitor your child’s diet and eating habits. Make sure their sugary food consumption is limited, and avoid acidic drinks such as sodas and other types of carbonated beverages so as not to damage the tooth surface.
Even seemingly healthy drinks such as red fruit juices and other dark-colored fruits and vegetables may cause staining.
So, if possible, use a straw to protect the teeth from any stain-causing dyes. Also, brushing and flossing should be done regularly to make sure your child’s teeth stay strong and plaque-free.