Answers to Your Questions about Tooth Whitening

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Lots of parents have been writing in asking about tooth whitening. These Mom’s questions summed up what you’ve been asking —

Grace from Florida wrote in asking – I have 3 children, one in elementary school, one in middle school, one in high school, their teeth look fine to me, but what is the big deal about whitening? A big smile is a great way to meet people and make friends. Yet many school age children, tweens and teens are self-conscious about their smiles because of discolored or off-white teeth. This concern is growing because of the bigger and bigger emphasis on whitening teeth.

Alayah from Massachusetts wrote in asking – My youngest has teeth like me, I try not to smile a lot and now I see him backing off. What causes teeth to be discolored? A smile can have an enormous impact on self-esteem. Children who are self-conscious can seem reserved and appear not interested in making friends. You’ll see them hiding their mouths behind their hands or consciously keeping their mouth’s closed to avoid showing their teeth while talking.

There are lots of reasons why teeth have white spots or are discolored. Some causes are a hit to the tooth, an illness or taking certain medicines during tooth development. Poor oral hygiene especially during braces can lead to discoloration, white spots and cavities.

Madison from Nevada wrote in asking – My 15 and 17 year olds are always asking for those at home tooth bleaching sets, are they really safe? Teenagers especially will focus on an off-white smile. No one’s teeth are meant to be neon white. So when it’s time for pictures, prom, spring break, or going off to college it’s best to follow a bleaching program under the guidance of your Pediatric Dentist and not use the store bought home whitening kits.

Home tooth whitening kits have concentrations of active ingredients that are lower, so they’ll want to use more and more which will hurt their teeth and gums. This can cause prolonged sensitivity and damage the enamel. The whitening done in the office is higher strength and the applications are controlled. Even the take home kits from your Dentist are specific and supervised for your child’s individual use schedule.

Stay tuned, Coming up – Answers to your questions about an alternative to whitening and whitening toothpastes.

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

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Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.