Teeth Whitening Treatments Offered in McKenzie Towne
Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments are becoming more available to patients, so many parents wonder whether teeth whitening treatments are safe for children.
Our dentists in McKenzie Towne do not recommend teeth whitening treatments for children aged 15 or below, based on the insufficient data gathered by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) on the effects of teeth whitening on children. Therefore, children should wait until 18 years old to consider teeth whitening treatments in McKenzie Towne.
Most teeth whitening kits contain either a gel, pens or whitening strips that contain a bleaching agent suitable for the teeth. Many over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments contain an average of 13% hydrogen peroxide on the bleaching agent, which can be harmful for kids teeth due to the thin enamel layer and dentin, making it more likely for children to experience a case of tooth sensitivity.
Teeth whitening treatments effects on children:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Dentin demineralization
- Tooth colour variation
Chemicals used in bleaching agents can damage the gum tissues, injure tooth pulp and nerve, interfere with other dental treatments such as crowns and fillings, and cause enamel disintegration. It is advised by our dentists in McKenzie Towne that teeth whitening treatments be used and applied on permanent teeth whose pulp is fully formed. Any teeth whitening treatments done before all permanent teeth have erupted may damage dental health. Parents should consider that children may overuse the products to get faster results, which can result in over oxidation, breaking down the teeth structure.
Why May Children Experience Teeth Discoloration?
- Dental injuries
- Overuse or lack of supplements and vitamins
- Medications
- Dental caries
- Consumption of dark-coloured foods and drinks
Alternatives to Teeth Whitening Treatments
Prevention is the best alternative to any dental treatment. Children and adults can follow these few tips to prevent teeth stains.
- Avoid dark-coloured drinks such as sodas, dyed candies, wine, and coffee, which can stain teeth if consumed frequently.
- Use whitening toothpaste when brushing your teeth at least twice daily. Ask a dental professional to check if the whitening toothpaste is suitable for children.
- Attend regular dental cleanings and checkups. It is advisable to attend two dental cleanings per year and one dental checkup per year to prevent dental problems.
If you are considering teeth whitening treatments for children, our dentist in McKenzie Towne recommends you book a consultation at South Trail Crossing to give you the best dental treatment plan for your smile goals.