Everyone likes a bright smile, and what makes them so attractive are the milky white teeth that accompany them. On the other hand, no one likes to see yellow or discoloured teeth, and they are often attributed to being lazy, undisciplined, and unclean.
This problem can especially affect those with discoloured teeth due to dental issues. While adults are more understanding, children are not. Kids who have discoloured teeth often feel embarrassed among peers, especially through the awkward pre-teen and early teen years.
Whereas a bright, clean, and ‘white’ smile is well known to boost confidence and self-esteem in kids, it also encourages them to continue the healthy maintenance of their teeth and general oral health.
It may be difficult to believe, but healthy tooth colour, or “normal”, ranges widely between an array of white colour variations.
Where Do Teeth Get Their Colour From?
Most people think that a tooth’s coating, or enamel, gives it its colour; this is not true. Enamel is translucent, and the colour of teeth comes from the dentin that lies underneath. It is another layer of hard tissue underneath the enamel.
Dentin colour can range anywhere from orange-red to yellow-green. This may sound unclear, but the tooth colour we see results from the dentin colour through the translucent enamel layer. It looks like the natural and healthy off-white tooth colour we are all used to.
The quality and quantity of calcification of these layers result in the brightness and ‘whiteness’ of your teeth.
Discolouration in Kids
Infants and their baby teeth may often seem brighter and whiter than the normal, permanent, adult teeth that come later. This is because they are. Baby teeth are mostly whiter and smaller than typical adult teeth that develop later on.
However, discolouration in a child’s teeth can be cause for concern. It is typically a sign that you need to schedule a dentist appointment for your kid and get the discolouration checked out by a professional. Specialists like paediatric dentists are your best option.
Several reasons can cause discolouration in your child’s teeth or tooth. While only a professional can determine the cause, these causes can be categorized as either internal or external causes.
Internal Causes
Internal causes of discolouration include:
- Tooth decay
- Nerve damage or tooth trauma
- Mothers consuming tetracycline during breastfeeding or their pregnancy
- Consumption of excessive fluoride from infant formula with fluoridated water
- Other medical reasons during pregnancy or early life of the child.
External Causes
External causes of discolouration include:
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Inadequate brushing
- Poor dental hygiene causing plaque build-up
- Consumptions of iron-rich medication or supplements
- Braces removal that causes spots from enamel decalcification
- Other external causes
Does Your Child Need Teeth Whitening?
Perhaps the best solution for bright and white teeth in children is to avoid discolouration from the start; this is not too difficult. Healthy eating and brushing habits and regular, bi-annual dental checkups can greatly help prevent any discolouration or dental issues in kids.
Often, timely professional cleaning from a paediatric dentist can also go a long way in keeping your child’s teeth bright and white.
Parents should also avoid foods that stain their kid’s teeth. These are typically sugary and sticky processed foods. Young children should avoid foods and drinks like sodas, fruit juices, popsicles, tomato sauce, ketchup, beets, and dark-coloured berries.
Sometimes, even healthy habits, regular dental checkups and cleaning cannot stop your child’s teeth from discolouration. This could be because of many reasons, but it’s best to let a professional paediatric dentist determine that.
As a parent, you may want to opt for teeth whitening solutions for your child. In such a case, you have several options.
● OTC Products
You may easily find some over-the-counter whitening products like whitening strips or toothpaste that you can use to whiten your child’s teeth. These are fairly simple to use, and following the instructions can help you achieve the desired result.
● Professional Dental Procedures for Whitening
Dental professionals like dentists and paediatric dentists can also provide teeth whitening solutions via dental procedures. These procedures for teeth whitening include professional bleaching, custom dental trays, and even high-tech laser whitening. Look into teeth whitening manchester for more info if you live in the area.
More permanent procedures like porcelain crowns and enamel tooth veneers provide excellent results with custom whitening options where you choose the colour you want. Typically, the colour that matches the whites of the eyes is recommended for individuals.
However, most dental professionals such as this dentist that also offers dental bridges in harrisburg and institutions typically recommend waiting till at least the age of 14 before considering dental procedures for whitening a child’s teeth. The tooth pulp forms fully by this age, lowering sensitivity levels in a child’s teeth.
Conclusion
Bright and white teeth can make a huge difference in your child’s quality of life during some of the most important developmental years of their lives.
However, determining whether your child needs teeth whitening can be a difficult decision to make, which is why it is always best to consult a professional like a paediatric dentist before you opt for any of the mentioned options.
Once you have the recommendation of a professional, you can opt for trusted OTC products or seek the best professional teeth whitening services for your child.