Q & A: Is Whitening Safe For Children?
By Dr. Lida Alimorad
As a pediatric dentist, one of the most common inquiries I receive from parents concerns the shade of their children’s permanent teeth. Many parents notice that their child’s permanent teeth appear yellower or darker compared to their primary (baby) teeth and express a desire for teeth whitening treatments.
Primary teeth vs. adult teeth shade
It’s important to understand that permanent teeth are naturally not as white as primary (baby) teeth. This difference in shade is particularly noticeable during the mixed or transitional stage when permanent teeth are emerging alongside primary dentition. While it may be tempting to seek whitening treatments, it’s crucial to first identify the underlying cause of the discoloration.
Etiology of tooth discoloration
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth discoloration can be classified by its underlying causes, which may include:
- Trauma or infection affecting the primary and permanent teeth.
- Discoloration or staining due to certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics or iron supplements can cause intrinsic discoloration.
- Extrinsic factors like the consumption of tea, coffee, soft drinks, and certain foods, which can lead to staining that is easier to treat compared to intrinsic discoloration.
Expert recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry acknowledges that there is insufficient research on teeth whitening in children and therefore cannot recommend whitening treatments as safe for kids and teens under the age of 15.
Chemicals used in teeth whitening agents
In-office bleaching products require isolation with a rubber dam or a protective gel to shield the gingival soft tissues. The professional-use products usually range from 10 percent carbamide peroxide (equivalent to about three percent hydrogen peroxide) to 38 percent carbamide peroxide (equivalent to approximately 13 percent hydrogen peroxide). Home-use bleaching products contain lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Many whitening toothpastes contain polishing or chemical agents to improve tooth appearance by removing extrinsic stains through gentle polishing, chemically chelating, or other nonbleaching action. Carbamide peroxide is the most commonly used active ingredient in dentist-dispensed tooth-bleaching products for home use.
The more common side effects associated with bleaching vital teeth are tooth sensitivity and tissue irritation, Dentin demineralization, variations in tooth color. There is also significant concern that teeth whitening products can easily be misused by children or teens that may:
- Damage gum tissue
- Injure tooth pulp or nerves
- Interfere with composite or plastic fillings (whitening treatments do not work on crowns, fillings, or veneers)
Tips for preventing staining or treating minimal stains
Avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as colas, fruit sodas, and dyed candies.
Use whitening toothpaste as part of regular oral hygiene but consult with your dentist to ensure its safety and suitability for your child.
Visit your pediatric dentist regularly for professional guidance and preventive care.
By understanding the causes of tooth discoloration and following these tips, you can help maintain your child’s oral health and appearance while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Bio
Lida Alimorad, DDS. is an AAPD board-certified pediatric dentist. Before opening Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry she completed her post-doctoral pediatric dentistry residency at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, DE and took a position as a hospital dentist there after graduating where she worked with children with a wide variety of special medical and dental needs. Dr Alimorad is inspired to build and grow the team at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry and provide outstanding pediatric dental services in the area.
Dr. Alimorad graduated in 2010 with a degree in General Dentistry from the oldest dental school in the world at University of Maryland. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Alimorad served as dental director for 8 years at CCI Health and Wellness Services, a nonprofit organization, where she and her staff treated the underserved, underinsured, and refugee populations in the Capital Region of Maryland. Dr. Lida completed her post-doctoral pediatric dentistry training at Nemours Children’s Hospital in 2021 and stayed on board as an attending faculty at Nemours Dental clinic. In July 2023 she proudly opened Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry in Pike Creek, DE offering dental care to patients ranging in age from infants to young adult for routine dental care, emergencies, mild sedation and hospital dentistry.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Lida Alimorad at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry by calling 302-933-9900 or visiting www.wpdde.com
Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry
3105 Limestone Road, Suite #305, Wilmington, DE
302-933-9900
Monday -Friday 8am-5pm
