Are you considering teeth whitening for kids? Let’s see what to consider!
A recent study found that 28 percent of people don’t show their smiles when posting pictures on social media because they think others will find their teeth unattractive.
Often, when we think about people being self-conscious about their teeth, we think about adults. However, many children are also self-conscious about their teeth.
Teeth Whitening for Kids? 4 Essential Factors to Consider Before First
If your child is experiencing self-esteem issues because of the color of their teeth, you may be wondering if teeth whitening is a good idea. And of course, make sure you get nothing less but the best dentist in cordova.
Read this guide on teeth whitening for kids to learn the top things to consider before deciding.
1. Their Age
Before deciding to whiten your child’s teeth, the first thing you want to consider is their age. Remember, children lose all of their baby teeth.
So, if they still have baby teeth, then there’s no point in whitening their teeth, as they’re just going to lose them anyway.
Most children don’t start losing their baby teeth until they’re six, usually losing the last one around the age of 12. Additionally, adult teeth don’t fully erupt until 14, so you shouldn’t think about teeth whitening before this.
2. The Cost
If your child is over 12 and wants to whiten their teeth, keep in mind that teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and therefore not covered by insurance.
Professional teeth whitening costs around $600 on average. This is a lot of money to fork over, and you may want to put that money towards other dental procedures like braces or retainers.
3. Orthodontic Treatments
Each year, over 3.5 million children and teens in the US begin orthodontic treatment.
Chances are, your child will need braces at some point in their life. Almost every pediatric dentist will tell you to hold off on teeth whitening until they’ve completed all necessary orthodontic treatments.
4. Their Diet and Dental Habits
A lot of times, children have yellow teeth because of their diet and dental habits.
If you focus on improving their diet and dental habits, their teeth will whiten naturally. When it comes to dental practices, your child should be brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily.
Make sure your child is using a toothbrush with soft bristles and brushing for the appropriate amount of time (around two minutes).
Additionally, it’s essential to understand that certain foods your child is consuming may be causing discoloration in their teeth. These foods include:
- Pasta sauce
- Curry
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soda and candy
- Berries
Foods that can help remove stains include:
- Apples
- Celery
- Pears
- Cucumbers
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
By making small changes in your child’s diet, you can help them whiten their teeth naturally.
Teeth Whitening for Kids
Now that you’ve read about teeth whitening for kids, it’s time to decide what’s suitable for your child!