What are alternatives to teeth-whitening strips?
While parents might opt for over-the-counter whitening strips for their convenience and relatively low cost, the GDC’s position is that teeth whitening should only be done in the dental practice on kids if it is to treat or prevent disease. You should therefore talk to your child’s dentist about whether they would qualify for this.
And to maintain a beautiful, unstained smile – or better yet, prevent tooth stains – good oral hygiene and lifestyle choices are essential. Help or advise your dependents to:
- Brush their teeth twice daily at the very least but even after every meal – especially after eating foods that can stain teeth – perhaps with fluoridated, whitening toothpaste.
- Avoid drinks that can stain teeth, such as fizzy drinks for kids and coffee for teens.
We know that while kids are at home, you want to instil in them a healthy sense of self-esteem. And, sometimes, a white smile is necessary for building self-esteem. But it's important to let your children know that if they want whiter teeth, they'll need to do so in accordance with their dentist's recommendations, even if using teeth-whitening strips. And, if they are suggested, you need to know the proper ways and risks of using whitener strips to ensure your kids' mouths remain healthy.
