As children grow older, their teeth will start turning a little darker than their baby teeth color. This is a common process as younger children tend to have whiter teeth than their older counterparts. However, if your preteen/ teenager develops unsightly teeth discoloration, you should consider the teeth whitening treatment for them. This will usually happen due to the kind of foods and drinks they consume. At Rockstar Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our Pediatric Dentist in Washington, DC, provides a wide range of professional dental services to correct your child’s oral health.

Many parents consider whitening their children’s teeth. Interestingly, many are unaware of the right age for teeth whitening. As a parent, you should know the following facts about this procedure:

• There is no specific age for teeth whitening
• The condition of your child’s teeth determines the right time
• Only permanent teeth can be whitened
• Most people have all their permanent teeth by age 13-14
• It is usually recommended to start with teeth whitening after age 14

Some of the common reasons children’s teeth get discolored include:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Food and drink stains causing pigmentation
• Tooth decay
• Taking medications containing iron
• Mother taking certain medicines during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding
• Decalcification of enamel after removing braces
• Exposure to excess fluoride from a combination of infant formula and fluoridated water

If your child has yellow teeth, please schedule a checkup with our Pediatric Dentist in Washington, DC. Even if the teeth don’t require whitening, the examination may help detect any underlying conditions. Dr. Stella is a board-certified pediatric dentist, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, one of the top pediatric dentists in the region, and is specialized in pediatric dentistry and dental public health. She is closely connected to the local community and knows the art of making children feel comfortable in a dental office.