Six Ways to Improve Your Smile with Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening procedures at Islands Pediatric Dentistry are not as uncommon as people may think them to be. Although we offer teeth whitening for kids several times, few people are aware that children too can have their teeth whitened. It is why our dental team sensitizes parents on some of the benefits of teeth whitening near them for children.

Understanding Teeth Whitening Processes

The professional way of whitening teeth entails using special crest whitening emulsions only available in dental clinics. The whitening products bleach the enamel of teeth by breaking down the stains to brighten teeth. To begin the process, however, your dentist in Gilbert, AZ, must first examine the state of your oral cavity. Should you have any open wounds or infections, you need treatment for them before whitening your teeth.

Afterward, your dentist will recommend a dental cleaning session to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Since plaque is one of the causes of dental discoloration, your teeth will appear brighter than they were after a cleaning session. After the cleaning, the bleaching process begins. The dentist will first apply a solution to your gums to protect them from the harshness of the bleaching agents. The whitening product, in form of a gel or paste, is then applied to all your teeth generously. Your dentist will use a laser tool to activate the bleaching process and remove stains thereof.

Teeth Whitening for Kids

Although children cannot make any major life decisions by themselves, they should have access to dental care services when they need them. While dental whitening procedures are not mandatory for dental health, they are vital. Some of the reasons why your child may need to have their teeth whitened include:

1. To detect any dental damage – sometimes dental discoloration is a result of cavity formation on teeth. By considering a session for whitening teeth, a pediatric dentist can review the health of your kid’s mouth, checking for damage and infections.
2. To boost their confidence – it is best to build up your child’s confidence when they are young so that they are unlikely to waver when they grow older. For teenagers, the stakes are even higher since they are at an age of increased self-criticism that may affect their morale.
3. To encourage good oral habits – whether you know it or not, whitened teeth can be a source of motivation to keep up with excellent dental hygiene and pick up good oral habits. When children feel good about the appearance of their teeth, they place value in them, which motivates them to practice better dental habits.
4. Boosting oral hygiene –standard dental whitening procedures require a dental cleaning session beforehand. When your child’s teeth are cleaned by a dental expert, it sets them up for high oral hygiene standards.
5. Nutritional counseling – foods we eat every day play a significant role in dental health. Given that your food choices can alter the color of your teeth, a whitening session with your dentist can bring to light some tips to help you navigate healthy eating habits that can also sustain white, bright teeth.
6. To promote general good dental health – the intuitive to whiten teeth changes the perspective of individuals so that they concentrate better on maintaining good oral health.

What Causes Teeth Discoloration for Children?

The causes of dental discoloration are shared among both children and adults. Other than aging that affects the color of adult’s teeth, the following additional reasons are standard factors that cause staining of teeth:

1. Poor oral hygiene – tends to be common among children. The buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to the yellowing of teeth.
2. Dental decay – when cavities begin to form on teeth, they manifest as darkening or browning of parts of teeth.
3. Foods and drinks – particularly those that have heavy pigments in them
4. Medication – certain medications can change the color of teeth, especially when taken for prolonged periods.
5. Health conditions – health issues have been linked to dental problems, including gum disease and tooth discoloration.

What Age Should You Start Using Teeth Whitening?

Dental experts in pediatric dentistry agree that children are only ready for teeth bleaching procedures when they turn into teenagers. Ideally, by the time your child is 14 years, they should be ready for their first whitening treatment.