Can Children and Teens Get Their Teeth Whitened?

In this post, our Carbonear dentists explain the reasons why they don't recommend teeth whitening services for children or young teens.

Our Carbonear dentists don’t recommend teeth whitening for children and teens because this cosmetic treatment isn't appropriate for young people for two main reasons:

1. Their teeth most likely aren't discoloured.

Parents sometimes notice that their children’s erupting adult teeth look a bit yellow, especially when compared to the baby teeth that remain in the mouth. As a result, they ask whether it would make sense to have their children’s teeth whitened.

However, it’s completely normal for adult teeth to look more yellow than baby teeth. This happens because adult teeth contain significantly more dentin (the layer of the teeth directly beneath the enamel). Dentin is yellow in colour and can make adult teeth look unusually yellow when they’re next to baby teeth in the mouth.

This perceived discolouration generally sorts itself out once all the baby teeth have fallen out. This is why whitening is usually completely unnecessary for children and young teens.

2. We don’t know if whitening is safe for teeth that are still developing.

Most dentists won't whiten children’s teeth because we don’t know if it’s safe to do so. There is little data available to tell us what the effects of whitening agents would be on teeth that are still developing, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Why Children May Have Discolored Teeth

There are many possible causes of tooth discolouration in children:

• Excessive fluoride due to the use of infant formula combined with fluoridated water
• Pigmentation due to food and beverage stains
• Poor dental hygiene habits
• Tooth decay
• Intake of medications that contain iron (vitamin supplements)
• Medical conditions that hinder teeth development during infancy
• Decalcification of enamel due to the removal of braces
• Mother is taking tetracycline while pregnant or breastfeeding
• Nerve damage or tooth trauma

Ways To Prevent Tooth Staining

Since teeth whitening procedures aren't an option, your child or teen can still help prevent staining and discolouration with the use of whitening toothpaste. Additionally, foods and drinks that cause staining, such as dark sodas, can be avoided.

If you want to learn more about teeth whitening for children, you can reach out to one of our dentists at Carbonear Dental.

Do you have any more questions about your child’s oral development or teeth whitening? Contact our Carbonear dentists today and schedule an appointment.