There’s nothing more precious than a child’s smile, and few things that can worry a parent quite the way a consistent absence of it can. If your child isn’t smiling so much anymore because they’re self conscious about their cute little grin, you might find yourself wondering what can be done about it. In some cases, the reason may be because of some discoloration, which prompts the question of whether or not teeth whitening is a good option.
The Condition of the Teeth
The condition the teeth are in is a huge factor in whether or not it’s a good idea to proceed with whitening them. Teeth that are brown or gray aren’t likely to respond well to whitening, if they do at all. Yellow teeth, on the other hand, probably will. Discoloration due to medication or injury probably won’t be affected, and neither will caps, crowns, fillings, or veneers.
Tooth Sensitivity
If the teeth are already sensitive, it may not be a good idea to pursue teeth whitening. The chemicals used in most teeth whitening products can increase sensitivity. In some cases, the process could even be painful. The good news is that this discomfort tends to be temporary, so it may be possible to stop the treatment and try it again later. Still, if the teeth are already sensitive, it may be best to avoid irritating them further, especially if the sensitivity is due to weakened enamel.
The Risks of DIY Whitening
When it comes to whitening options, you may be tempted to go the DIY route instead of having it done by a dentist. It’s less expensive, which can make it seem more appealing. Still, you may not see the same results with DIY whitening, and they may not last as long. Beyond that, overusing whitening products can damage the enamel and gums, even burning or bleaching the gums. You can go the DIY route and be just fine, but the overall safest and most reliable way to have teeth whitened is to have it done professionally.
In some cases, whitening your child’s teeth may be just the solution to get your child feeling good about their smile again. It’s important to understand, however, whether or not it’s a good idea for your child. As you can see, there are a few factors at play here. Remember, you can always talk to our wonderful pediatric dentist here at Showtime Smiles about what can be done for your child’s teeth. We’re all about giving your child a smile they’re proud to show off.
Learn more about how we can help your child with Teeth Whitening today!
