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| Teeth Whitening in Kids |
Now that all of your kid’s baby teeth are gone and the more
permanent ones start to show up, you might notice that his or her pearly whites
doesn't seem to be as white or as sparkly as before. This is because the
outermost layer of the tooth, or the enamel, tends to be a bit yellower in the
permanent teeth than in baby teeth.
Whitening treatments can
help with this problem, but it is the best option for your kid?
Learn more about the things
you should take into consideration when planning to have your kid’s teeth
whitened.
Differences in the Color of Primary and Permanent Teeth:
The first thing that you should take in consideration is that the
baby (primary) and permanent teeth naturally differ in shade. Baby teeth are
bluish white in color, while permanent teeth tend to be grayish yellow. So if
the color seems to be not as white as it used to be, then that really isn’t
much of a concern unless these permanent teeth are extremely yellow or stained.
When the Right Time is:
The Academy of General Dentistry, as well as pediatric dentists,
recommended undergoing any whitening treatment once all baby teeth have fallen
out. This is usually at age 14 or 15. It is also the age when the pulps of all
teeth are formed, and the sensitivity that will result from teeth whitening
will be less severe. But to be safe side, some dentist prefer waiting until the
kid is at least 17 years old before rendering any professional whitening treatment.
Using over-the-counter Whitening kits:
Over-the-counter whitening products - gels, strips, and pens - are
recommended for kids of at least 12 years of age. When using these at-home
whitening products, parents should read the product label very carefully and
follow the instructions for proper use. What you should look at, among other
things, is the concentration or amount of the bleaching agent in the product.
Dentists recommend using products with a low amount of bleach.
Potential adverse effects of teeth whitening:
The main adverse effects of teeth whitening in kids are the same
as that in adults. Professional whitening may cause sensitivity and gum
irritation during, or even hours after the procedure. These side effects tend
to be more severe in younger patients due to bigger tooth pulps, so be sure to
watch out for these side effects. If they persist
or start to get worse, discontinue right away.
Meanwhile, there is not as much sensitivity when using
over-the-counter or at home kits, although the results will not be as dramatic.
