Times have changed and today’s technology and new products can change a dull smile into a very bright smile very quickly. There are set ups in malls where kids can go and often without parental permission, if they have the money, they can get their teeth whitened. But parents are wondering “is it safe to whiten teeth for a child”.
What about teeth whitening strips are they safe for children?
Let’s face it our kids want to have the dazzling smiles that they see on their TV idols, and could overdo it. So I asked
Dr Gatti DDs, a Lawrence cosmetic dentist, about the safety of whitening solutions that today’s teenagers seems to want to use so frequently.
Here is Dr Gatti’s reply:
“Appearance conscientious teenagers often ask me if it is dangerous to whiten their teeth. The fact of the matter is that in a person with healthy teeth and gums, teeth whitening can be safe and very effective. It is often times much easier to attain really bright white teeth in young adults than in any other population.
There are a myriad of choices available. You can use strips, pens, trays, and in office dental systems. The most popular over the counter whitening is done with whitening strips. It is important to realize that strips do not whiten the entire dental arch, they only cover the front teeth.
Before whitening is initiated it is best that you prepare your mouth by maintaining good oral habits. The healthier the gum tissue the fewer problems will occur. The most common complaint while whitening are tooth sensitivity and gum tissue irritation, both of which subside at the end of treatment.
There are a couple of other precautions to keep in mind. The whitening agents will not bleach existing fillings and crowns. Do not smoke or chew tobacco while whitening. Do not whiten in the presence of decay or periodontal disease or if pregnant. The agents should be used for two to three weeks and then “touching up” is only required every four to six months. Bottom line, know the condition of your teeth and gums. A thorough examination, cleaning and discussion with your dentist is highly recommended before using whitening products.”
Thank you Dr Gatti for these helpful and infomative tips.
Parents wanting to learn more should visit my favorite lawrence dentist website.
