Is it okay for kids to use whitening toothpaste?

Does your child have stains in his or her teeth that you both want removed, but it’s too early to start teeth bleaching treatments?

Whitening toothpastes may help, but check the recommended age for use on the toothpaste packaging first (usually 2 years of age, but this can vary by product). Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains, but deeper stains from medication, injury, or foods that deeply stain the teeth won’t budge. Talk with your child’s dentist about the cause of the stains in his or her teeth.

If you choose to use whitening toothpaste, select one that contains fluoride. Check with your son’s or daughter’s dentist before trying to whiten your child’s teeth by any other means. Look for guidelines on toothpaste packing for how much of the product should be used, based on age.

After all of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted, a mild form of whitening, such as whitening strips, may be used. Speak with your child’s dentist first.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.