How can I improve dd's yellow teeth?

[Dancergirl]

Dd's teeth look terrible. She's nearly 11. Apart from the colour, she will need orthodontic treatment as they're crooked but the dentist has said it's too early as she hasn't got enough adult teeth yet.

She's slightly dyspraxic and does struggle a bit with brushing. I sometimes go over them myself. Because of the position of some teeth, they are quite hard to brush. Plus she has issues with certain tastes/textures so doesn't use enough toothpaste. The only one she 'likes' enough to be able to use is the aqua fresh 6+ which I've been told has the correct amount of fluoride in.

Is there anything I can do to improve the yellow colour?

I'd let her brush her teeth herself but go over them yourself on a pretty regular basis. Get her an electric toothbrush. You could maybe try some of those tablets which show up the plaque for her.

I know my own teeth became much whiter since I started using an electric brush. Arm & Hammer's toothpaste with liquid calcium I have also found very good for whitening (fills in any small scratches or pitting which are likely to stain.)

Forgot to add, she does use an electric but not all the time. Dentist recommends she becomes competent using both electric and manual.

An electric toothbrush has made a massive difference to My (lazy) 12 yo's teeth

What about a routine where she brushes for 2 minutes with electric and then goes over tricky bits with manual?

Or electric in evening and manual in morning?

With you going over them twice a week.

My DD is just 9 and started orthodontic treatment 3 months ago on her four upper front teeth. She will have orthodontic treatment on her other teeth as and when they come through. Our orthodontist says that the sooner teeth are straightened, the better they stay in place in the long term as the bone grows around them and there is no memory of poor positioning.

So maybe you should look for another orthodontist?

As for the yellow teeth, a scale and polish every six months helps a lot, as does an electric toothbrush.

That's interesting bonsoir She hasn't actually seen an orthodontist yet, it was the normal dentist who told me it's too early, although he does do some cosmetic procedures himself.

You should get a referral to an orthodontist then, and see what the orthodontist thinks.

My DD has Damon braces which seem to work much faster and with less pain than other sorts of braces. Try to find an orthodontist in your area who does Damon braces.

Agree with Bonsoir. My ds started orthodontic treatment when he was 9 and all finished within 2 years.
Re brushing recommend an electric brush and regular visits to the hygienist.

Thanks, she did see the hygienist but was a bit nervous and didn't let her clean them properly.