{"id":5269,"date":"2013-01-31T08:34:00","date_gmt":"2013-01-31T08:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metrokids.com\/index.php\/2013\/01\/31\/teen-tooth-whitening-tips\/"},"modified":"2013-01-31T08:34:00","modified_gmt":"2013-01-31T08:34:00","slug":"teen-tooth-whitening-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metrokids.com\/teen-tooth-whitening-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Teen tooth-whitening tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\tA bright, white smile can be a major confidence-booster for teens. Brightening products and treatments are readily available. At malls and salons nationwide, teeth-whitening kiosks will administer bleaching treatments to even very young children.<\/p>\n
\n\tBut according to Paul S. Casamassimo, DDS, co-author of Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy through Adolescence, most kiosk workers have little or no medical training to help them administer the powerful bleaching chemicals they sell.<\/p>\n
\n\tThis trend has dental experts concerned, because the chemicals used to whiten teeth are potentially caustic. Misusing them can harm gum tissue, injure tooth nerves and pulp, increase tooth sensitivity and interfere with plastic and composite fillings.<\/p>\n
\n\tDentists say that parents can help kids smile brighter without harming vulnerable young teeth. Don’t reach for the bleach until you read up on how to protect your child’s choppers.<\/p>\n