Healthy white smiles make a considerable impact during meetings in social circles. Discoloured teeth can lead to a decrease in confidence and self-esteem. So, one of the frequently asked questions is how young is too young for getting a discoloured tooth fixed?

A multitude of scientific literature proves that there are no upper or lower age restrictions for getting your discoloured tooth fixed. Additionally, teeth discolouration due to insufficient oral hygiene should be fixed immediately. However, as per our Parramatta dentist’s experience: it has been found that young teeth between the ages of 14 and 16 whiten exceptionally well. Most of the permanent teeth usually erupt by the age of 14. Therefore, 14 years of age is considered an ideal age for getting a discoloured tooth fixed.

Before we run through this topic, we would like you to understand the causes of discolouration and available treatment options. It can be categorised as intrinsic or extrinsic causes, including insufficient brushing of teeth, dental caries, enamel hypoplasia, fluorosis, injury, use of medicines like Tetracycline, chronic illness, advancing age, genetics, and neonatal jaundice. The treatment options include using proper tooth brushing techniques, avoiding foods that cause stains, dental scaling, dental bonding techniques, veneers, and professional bleaching.

Now, while treating the discoloured tooth, the dentist will try to identify the underlying cause of discolouration and plan the treatment accordingly. In cases of young children, discolouration caused due to plaque and calculus would be treated with scaling, but getting discoloured tooth whitened before 14 years of age would not be advised unless the young child is significantly concerned about discolouration. To prevent permanent psychological scars teeth whitening can be recommended for children under the age of 14 years of age. Since the dentition before the age of 14 years is either primary or mixed dentition, therefore, whitening of teeth is not normally recommended before the age of 14 because the primary teeth would be replaced with permanent teeth naturally and the already erupted permanent teeth in mixed dentition would not have erupted completely.

Enamel gradually wears down, and dentin starts being visible with increasing age. Hence, it becomes difficult to restore the colour of the teeth with increasing age. Other dental disorders in the oral cavity also present a challenge to fix a discoloured tooth. In an ageing mouth, many other treatments become pre-requisite before fixing a discoloured tooth. However, advancing dental technology has made treatment available to rectify a discoloured tooth for every age group.

It’s always good to remember that discoloured teeth can be best treated in a healthy mouth. If you have any concerns regarding your teeth do not hesitate to give us a call on 800 400 55 and our friendly team members and dentists at Parramatta Dental Avenue will be more than happy to assist you.

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