Teeth whitening is not recommended for children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp of the teeth (in the centre of the tooth) is enlarged until this age and whitening the teeth could irritate this pulp, causing sensitivity. Teeth whitening is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating.
Conclusion. Teeth whitening improves the appearance of your teeth and improves your smile. However, dentists recommend waiting until children are at least 14 years old before considering teeth whitening for kids.
Many dentists recommend that teeth whitening takes place no earlier than age 14 when all the permanent teeth are in because primary teeth can be more vulnerable than their permanent counterparts. Waiting until around age 14, when the tooth pulp is fully formed, will translate into less sensitivity from teeth whitening.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has stated that the research involving teeth whitening in children is insufficient to answer, therefore cannot recommend teeth whitening treatments as safe for kids and teens under age 15.
Most dentists agree that regular toothpaste with whitening ingredients are okay for children to use, but only in small (pea-sized) amounts and when they learn to brush properly, i.e. not too hard!
Plaque/Tartar Buildup Causing Tooth Stains
If your child's teeth are not being brushed at least 2 times per day for 2 minutes, bacteria may continue to collect and form plaque and tartar (hardened, calcified plaque). Plaque can be stained by beverages and foods, and tartar has a yellowish-brown color.
If your child's teeth are not being brushed at least twice a day for 2+ minutes, bacteria-filled plaque and tartar (hardened and calcified plaque) can form on their teeth. Plaque can attract stains from foods and beverages, and tartar has a yellowish-brown color that may also discolor the teeth.
Good oral hygiene is the key.
Regular brushing and flossing and good dental habits will usually resolve these issues in time. As the child's tooth grows and thickens, it will lose some of the yellow hue caused by the nerve and dentin showing through the enamel.
Thin enamel can be a result of poor hygiene or family genetics. Staining from food and drinks: Many foods and beverages can stain teeth's enamel, including soda, coffee, tea, lemon, tomato sauce and dark-colored berries. Over time, these tooth stains can build up and cause your child's teeth to take on a yellow hue.
The first adult teeth, the central incisors (think two front teeth) come in a year or two later. The rest of the teeth follow suit — a baby tooth lost leaves room for an adult tooth to emerge. Most children lose their last baby tooth around the age of 12.
You can remove your child's tooth discolouration by promoting good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing and flossing their teeth at least two times a day, as well as avoiding food or drink that are sugary or acidic. You can also make a natural solution of lemon juice and baking soda.
While a yellow hue near the gum line can be an early sign of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems—it is usually an indication of dental plaque or tartar. Dental plaque develops due to bacteria in the mouth combined with food byproducts and proteins.
Typically, oral surgeons and dentists recommend individuals wait until 16 to consider dental implants. However, some girls may be good candidates for this procedure around the age of 14 while boys may be able to get them around 18. Age isn't the only factor that determines when a person is ready for a dental implant.
That being said, legally approved tooth whitening products, applied by a trained professional is not dangerous for your teeth. You should still refrain from using such products more often than 3-4 a week, so as to prevent gradual enamel erosion.
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel.
Even if you are in your 70s or 80s, you can still have your teeth whitened. Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile, and it can be done at any age.
Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
Teeth whitening treatments usually work by stripping or entering the outer enamel layer, which makes teeth weaker if done many times. So, more often than not, yellow teeth are actually stronger than pearly white ones–so long as they're cleaned regularly.
Thankfully, yellow teeth aren't forever. Not only can your teeth be whitened, but you can also adopt habits that keep them looking good. Use this blog to learn about why teeth become yellow, how you can fix them, and what you can do to prevent future discoloration.
Teeth look yellow when the enamel is thin and the dentin underneath shows through it. Dentin is a deep yellow to brownish material inside your teeth under the enamel, and it's often responsible for the yellow you see when you look in the mirror.
The layer directly under the enamel is light yellow. Therefore, it is perfectly natural to have a light yellow color on your teeth, and it is not caused by poor oral health. However, there are some risks that may make your teeth stained or yellower in color and these could be signs of poor oral health.
In fact, both men and women commonly find yellow teeth a turn-off at best and a deal breaker at worst. Studies have actually shown that both men and women find yellow teeth a worse characteristic in a potential date than spotty skin or bad table manners.
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and brush your kid's teeth with it twice per week. Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that helps to whiten stained teeth. For efficiency, you can mix it with baking soda and brush your kid's teeth with it twice a day for a week.
If you're noticing that your child has yellow teeth, but the only teeth that look yellow are their adult teeth, this is likely the issue. You don't need to do anything about it. Over time, your child will lose their baby teeth, and their permanent teeth will lighten in color and look more uniform.
Can my teeth become white again after turning yellow? Yes, there are a number of ways that you can help whiten teeth again after they have yellowed, from changing toothpaste and mouthwash to dental hygiene appointments.
Sometimes, kids' teeth appear gray temporarily. This slight change in color can happen because your child's mouth is constantly growing and changing. Some kids teeth discoloration could happen with growth or due to an accident.