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There are many factors that could cause your child’s teeth to look dingy or even downright yellow in color. Genetics, ingesting dark-colored foods and beverages, ingesting too much fluoride, use of certain antibiotics and poor brushing and flossing habits can have an impact on a child’s smile. If you notice that your child is self-conscious about the color of their teeth, you may be wondering what teeth whitening options are available.

Why Teeth Whitening is Not a Good Option for Kids

Teeth whitening treatment, though safe and effective, is not recommended for children under 16 years old. Because the pulp in our teeth is not fully developed until around this age, teeth are more sensitive and easier to penetrate. This makes the pulp of the tooth more susceptible to the hydrogen peroxide found in whitening products. Not to mention, your child will most likely still have some baby teeth, which are not permanent; so a teeth whitening treatment would be only a temporary fix to your child’s yellowing or discolored teeth.

So What Can You Do to Whiten Your Child’s Smile?

If teeth whitening is off the table, what other options are available to help your child have the confidence of a brighter smile? Well, it might be caused by poor brushing and flossing habits. If so, a friendly dentist visit may be the perfect motivation! At Northfield Dental Group, our dentists who are trained to treat children and our friendly staff make it a comfortable and relaxed environment for all ages. Our dentists have years of experience treating children — whether they have only one tooth or a full set! They will take the time to get your child used to the dental office, show them how to brush and floss properly, and maybe even send them home with a treat!

At home, you can do a lot to encourage your child to keep up with habits that promote whiter teeth and a healthier mouth. Here are some ways to do that:

• Buy them a cool toothbrush. For littler children, this could mean one with their favorite cartoon character, or one that lights up or plays music while they brush. For older kids, this could mean getting them a fancy new electric toothbrush.
• Listen to music and dance while brushing. Pick one of your child’s favorite, upbeat songs and make it your “tooth brushing jam.” Every morning and night, put it on while your child brushes. You can even make a special little dance for the occasion, and join in the fun yourself by brushing and dancing alongside of them!
• Switch out soda for something better. Instead of your child drinking that dark-colored, tooth-staining soda, why not put all of that money you save into a clear jar marked with a picture of something they want to buy (DVD of their favorite movie, skateboard, video game, doll, etc.). Keep the jar in a place where your child sees it daily, and after your trip to the grocery store, drop in the few dollars saved by not buying soda. Watch your child’s excitement grow as the jar fills up and they’re closer to their goal!

Keep in mind that your child can have a teeth whitening treatment when they reach 16! But until then, stay on top of your child’s oral hygiene by regularly visiting the dentist with your child. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists at Northfield Dental Group by calling (973) 736-0111.

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What are the Dentist’s Qualifications?

You can find the answer to this question by asking your dentist directly or looking at his website, or by checking with the local dental society or your insurance carrier. A dentist needs a DDS or DMD degree from an ADA-accredited university dental program as well as a state license in order to practice dentistry in that state. Other certifications and licenses are good to have, though not a requirement.

You can also check the lists of major dental organizations, like the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED) and similar, for evidence that the dentist is a member; this is not a credential, nor is it needed in order to practice dentistry, but it is evidence that the dentist upholds the highest standards in patient care.

Do Their Services Meet Your and Your Family’s Dental Needs?

Choosing an accredited, highly-regarded dentist is only one part of the equation. You also need to make sure that your dentist can perform the dental procedures needed for both you and your family. For example, are you looking for general dentistry? Would you also like your dentist to have an oral healthcare educational program for your children, teaching them the importance of brushing and flossing, and hands-on instructions on how to do so? Maybe you’re looking for cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening, veneers and the like. Or possibly you’re looking for a dentist who uses practices that are important to you—such as holistic dentistry using biocompatible dental materials? Make a list of all of the services that are (or possibly will be in the future) important for you and your family and use this list during your research.

Northfield Dental Group offers general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, holistic dentistry and oral care and education for children.

Are They Up to Date on the Latest Advancements?

The latest advancements in dental care are used not only because they are the most effective diagnostic tools but also to make the patient more comfortable and the exam or procedure less time-consuming. At Northfield Dental Group, we use the DENTA carbon dioxide laser, a state-of-the-art, drill-less laser alternative to more invasive dental procedures. This treatment results in minimal damage to the soft tissue of the mouth while targeting with precision the treatment area. The dentist uses the laser for incision and excision of the tooth during oral surgery, as well as to kill bacteria and help to prevent infection from developing in the mouth as a result of surgery. Our laser dental treatment option causes less bleeding, which results in a shorter, more comfortable post-operative recovery period. Ask Dr. Stein or one of the other dentists at Northfield Dental Group if you can use the laser treatment option as an alternative to drilling for your dental procedure.

Talk to a Dentist at Northfield Dental Group

Wondering how the dentists at Northfield Dental Group stack up to this list? All of our doctors have a DMD or DDS degree from an accredited school and use the latest in dental technology in their everyday practice at Northfield Dental Group. To find out more about the many services we offer for both you and your family, call to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained dentists by calling us at (973) 736-0111.

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