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452 Brunswick Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945
grass.valley@caringtreedentistry.com
150 Gateway Dr. Ste 110
Lincoln, CA 95648
lincoln@caringtreedentistry.com

Teeth Whitening

Why Teeth Whitening?

If you or your child are worried about stains or the whiteness of their teeth, Dr. Kucera can recommend the best course of action for each individual child and situation. Health, safety, and function always come first – but Caring Tree Children’s Dentistry also wants kids to feel great about showing their smiles to the world!

Whitening Should Wait for Permanent Teeth

Most dentists don’t advise whitening baby teeth. If baby teeth are whitened, their color is unlikely to match the adult teeth when they arrive. Younger kids may also not follow directions as carefully as older kids and could swallow the product, which could have an adverse effect.

“I Just Want a Nicer Smile, Dr. K”

As teens become more aware of their physical appearance, they also tend to become concerned with having straighter, whiter teeth and good breath. Dr. K puts the emphasis on making smart choices for the health of mouth and teeth, outlines good nutrition (which foods have nutritional benefit and which ones offer much less), and reinforces positive oral hygiene practices – how important it is to brush and floss twice a day and ways to prevent stains on teeth and bad breath.

Certain conditions should be resolved or ruled out prior to undergoing any whitening treatments. Dr. Kucera will take these things under consideration before giving the go-ahead. A few examples are:

  • Dry mouth
  • Asthma
  • Vinyl allergy
  • Mouth breathing
  • Unrestored tooth decay
  • Exposed tooth root surfaces
  • Broken teeth
  • Severe erosion of enamel due to acidic or carbonated drink intake
  • Severe erosion of enamel due to bulimia
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)

What Stains Kids’ Teeth?

You’d be surprised how many things can stain kids’ teeth – and what those things are!

  • Pregnant mothers can get an infection that discolors an unborn baby’s teeth
  • Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline in kids under age 8
  • Extended antibiotic use in general
  • Mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridium chloride
  • Some antihistamines
  • Other medications
  • Chemotherapy and radiation in the head and neck regions
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Cola drinks
  • Certain fruits and vegetables (i.e. apples, potatoes)
  • Genetics
  • Dental trauma
  • Excessive fluoride exposure

If You Decide to Whiten

It is a good idea to brush with desensitizing toothpaste for a week or two before whitening; about half of patients will experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation with whitening. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask!

Teeth Whitening

Experience the Caring Tree Difference

If you have any questions about take-home whitening dentistry or you’re ready to schedule a visit with your pediatric dentist, Dr. Michelle Kucera at Caring Tree Children’s Dentistry, give us a call today or request an appointment easily online below!

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