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Teeth Whitening Specialist

Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics -  - Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry

Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics

Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry located in Falls Church City, Falls Church, VA

When your kid’s permanent teeth have stains or discoloration from an injury or medication, teeth whitening can make them feel all smiles again. At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics in Falls Church, Virginia, friendly, expert dentists Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, and Ki Youn Kil, DDS, offer in-office whitening treatments and give you take-home teeth whitening kits. If your older child has all their permanent teeth, is not having orthodontic treatments, and is ready for bright-white teeth, call Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics or use the online form.

Teeth Whitening Q & A

Why do my kid’s teeth look yellow?

If your child’s permanent teeth are coming in, they may look yellow in contrast to their baby teeth. Once their baby teeth fall out and all of their permanent teeth are in place, you may notice that their tooth color looks just fine.

However, some older kids and teens may develop stains on their teeth, just like adults do. Your kid could be inadvertently staining their teeth with food and beverages such as:

  • Colas
  • Berries
  • Tomato sauce
  • Hard candy
  • Sports drinks
  • Coffee or tea

Tetracycline and other medications darken teeth, too.

When can I professionally whiten my kids’ teeth?

First, talk to your child about why they want to whiten their teeth. Maybe they’re being bullied in school. When tooth color is the only thing that’s bothering them, bring them to Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics to discuss teeth whitening if:

  • They’ve lost all of their baby teeth
  • Their permanent teeth have all grown in
  • They’ve completed any orthodontic treatments
  • They’re committed to good oral health habits

The good news is that children’s teeth whiten more quickly than adult’s teeth do.

Should I try an over-the-counter (OTC) whitening kit?

The OTC teeth whitening kits are for adults, and so are the instructions on the kit. The whitening solutions may be too strong for a child’s teeth, and the recommended treatment time too long. Using an OTC kit improperly could cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. 

A better choice is to get a whitening treatment at Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics. The expert dentists create custom-fitted whitening trays for your child to use at home or can give them a whitening treatment in the office. They lower the strength of the whitener and the time of the treatment so that they’re appropriate for young teeth. 

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening solutions, gels, and strips contain peroxides that bind to stains and break them apart. The peroxides replace the stains with oxygen molecules that make the teeth look white and bright again.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Even if your child avoids dark beverages and brushes regularly, they may want to lighten their teeth again in a few months. Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics lets you know how often it’s safe for your kid to whiten their teeth.

To find out if teeth whitening is right for your child, contact Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics by phone or online form.