Everyone loves to see healthy, white teeth. That’s why some parents might get very concerned when their child’s teeth begin to turn yellow. There are many reasons why this can happen, and it’s actually pretty common. This discoloration is either internal or external, and there are many treatments available for each situation.
It is important to remember that a child’s teeth can become stained just as easily as an adult’s can. Some of the most common reasons for external discoloration include something your child has eaten or drunk. Internal causes of discoloration might be trauma, fluorosis, or dentin defects. In most cases, treatment for either internal or external causes can be handled at the dentist’s office or at home.
It can be rather distressing to look at your child one day and realize, “My child’s teeth are yellow!” Here are some of the most common reasons for your child’s yellow teeth.
| CAUSES | DESCRIPTIONS |
|---|---|
| Fluorosis | If a child ingests too much fluoride during the growing years, this irreversible condition can develop. The fluoride damages the cells that form enamel, and eventually, the teeth turn a dingy yellow. |
| Tetracycline | This antibiotic can make patches, ribbons or streaks of yellow on the teeth, thanks to destroying certain cells when a child takes it. However, most doctors try not to prescribe this antibiotic to young children. |
| Tooth trauma | When only one tooth turns yellow or brown, it usually means that it has been damaged by some sort of trauma. The damage might be to the tooth itself, or to the nerve inside. This needs immediate attention from a dentist. |
| Food and drink | Certain foods have staining properties, and a young child’s teeth are especially susceptible to this. Things like soda, soy sauce, and fruit drinks can cause the discoloration. The more a child eats or drinks things like this, the worse the discoloration can be. You can make it less noticeable by asking your child to rinse their mouth with water after they have something that might stain their teeth. |
| Poor dental hygiene | A child must brush and floss twice a day to cut down on the chances of yellow teeth. Letting plaque build up on teeth can lead to the yellow tinge. |
Want to get your child’s teeth white? Start by going to the dentist. All children should see a dentist by the age of one. If you have serious concerns, start by telling the dentist the problem: “My child’s teeth are yellow”. The dentist will definitely have some solutions in mind.
Home care is also very important. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should also teach your child how to floss properly. They don’t need to have a full mouth of teeth to learn this! As soon as they have two teeth that can touch, it’s time to teach them how to use floss.
But keep in mind that no matter how much your child brushes, they still need to have a professional cleaning to remove tartar and plaque buildup. These buildups can lead to yellow teeth no matter how good your child’s oral hygiene is.
Look into whitening strips for your child’s teeth, or discuss having the procedure done at the dentist’s office. This is usually harmless, but you will want to check with your dentist to be sure before you buy something that is too harsh for your child to use. Sometimes treatment will be covered by your dental insurance.
If your child still has baby teeth, there is really no point in bleaching them, as they will soon fall out anyway. But if your child already has permanent teeth, are whitening and bleaching agents safe for use? In most cases, young children should not use over-the-counter whitening products, as the amount of peroxide in them could do more harm than good. Once the enamel is damaged, that means yellow teeth forever, because the enamel will not grow back! To be absolutely sure of your whitening agents, talk to your dentist.
The best way to avoid any problems with yellow teeth is prevention. Good oral hygiene is absolutely essential to avoid the yellow staining of your child’s teeth. Make sure your child brushes and flosses twice a day, and rinses their mouth out with water after they have sugary or strongly colored foods, such as soy sauce or tea. When your child brushes, remember to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and don’t forget to brush the gums and tongue, too.
If your child is still using a bottle, don’t let them fall asleep with it, and don’t let them use the bottle after they have been weaned to a cup.
Don’t let anyone smoke around your baby, as this can contribute to the problem.
Don’t put anything sugary on a baby’s pacifier.
Make sure that your child gets enough fluoride, but not too much! In many places, fluoride is added to the drinking water, and you can get plenty of it through the toothpaste, too–that’s really all your child needs. Some experts recommend using a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste and not rinsing it out after your child has brushed. The fluoride can continue to work. However, if your child doesn’t like this, you can buy an over-the-counter fluoride rinse that gives the same advantages.
Your teeth can become discolored by stains on the surface or by changes in the tooth material. Dentists divide discoloration into three main categories:
In rare cases, children with a condition called dentinogenesis imperfect are born with gray, amber or purple discolorations.
If you pass on hot or cold drinks because you know they’ll make your teeth hurt, it may be time to talk to your dentist about the possibility that you have sensitive teeth.
Sometimes other things can aggravate them, too, like sweet and sour foods or even cold air.
To be able to treat these tooth twinges, it helps to know what might be behind them. Once you’ve nailed down the cause, you can find a solution.
That’s a hard, protective layer that helps your teeth deal with everything you put them through. When it’s gone, nerve endings that cause pain are exposed.
If you have sensitive teeth, it’s possible some of your enamel has worn away.
To prevent or put the brakes on that damage:
Don’t brush too hard. Do you clean your teeth with a heavy hand? You might be taking off more than just plaque. Side-to-side brushing right at the gum line can make your enamel go away faster. You should use a soft-bristled brush and work at a 45-degree angle to your gum to keep enamel clean and strong.
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions, so get an appointment today.
Child care providers can help promote young children’s dental health by teaching good dental habits. Here are some general tips for child care providers to help keep children’s teeth healthy.
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment.
The key to keeping a bright, healthy smile throughout adulthood is to practice proper oral hygiene. Even adults can get cavities, as well as gum disease, that can lead to serious problems. Throughout your adult life, it’s important to continue to:
Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain oral health issues as an adult. Luckily, your dentist can help you meet most of these challenges quite successfully.
Thorough cleanings by a dentist or hygienist will remove most external staining caused by food and tobacco. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove these surface stains between dental visits. If stains have been present for years, you may need to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove these more stubborn external stains.
Internal stains can be bleached, bonded or capped (crowned). While each of these methods is safe and effective, your dentist will recommend which treatment is appropriate for you depending on the state of your teeth and the results that you wish to achieve.
In addition to greatly affecting your overall health, proper nutrition is necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Eating a well-balanced diet gives your gum tissues and teeth the important nutrients and minerals they need to stay strong and resist infections, which can contribute to gum disease. Also, firm, fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables tend to help clean the teeth and tissues. Soft, sticky foods tend to remain on the grooves and between teeth, producing more plaque.
Each time you consume foods and drinks that contain sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack your teeth for 20 minutes or more. To reduce damage to your tooth enamel, limit the number of between-meal snacks and drinks. And when you do snack, choose nutritious foods such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or fruit.
When the first teeth begin to erupt in your child’s mouth, you might feel concerned about giving her the right dental care and ensuring that her teeth remain white, clean and cavity-free. Proper dental care for kids involves more than just brushing your child’s teeth every day. It involves knowing the right overall dental hygiene so that you can teach your child how to care for her teeth throughout her lifetime.
Begin by learning the right way to brush your child’s teeth. Babies and toddlers should use a very soft toothbrush and gel toothpaste designed for younger children. As children get older, you can encourage them to keep their teeth clean by giving them exciting products that make brushing fun. Show your child how to brush using small, circular motions along the gum line, and make sure to encourage proper dental hygiene by having her brush and floss after every meal.
Dental care for kids does not have to feel overwhelming. Try to involve your children as much as possible so that they feel excited and empowered about keeping their teeth and gums healthy. Consider taking your children to a pediatric dentist who understands how to make dental checkups less intimidating. Pediatric dental offices often have toys, games, and movies to help children relax and enjoy going to the dentist. Your pediatric dentist can go over proper dental hygiene for kids, and will help you find more resources for keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy.
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment.
Is your teething baby keeping you up at night? Understand how to soothe sore gums and care for your baby’s new teeth.
Although timing varies widely, babies often begin teething by about age 6 months. The two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) are usually the first to appear, followed by the two top front teeth (upper central incisors).
Classic signs and symptoms of teething include:
Many parents suspect that teething causes higher fever and diarrhea, but researchers say they aren’t indications of teething. If your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or diarrhea, talk to your doctor.
If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, consider these simple tips:
Avoid homeopathic teething tablets and teething medications that contain the pain reliever benzocaine or lidocaine. They can be harmful — even fatal — to your baby.
Teething can usually be handled at home. Contact the doctor if your baby develops a fever, seems particularly uncomfortable, or has other signs or symptoms of illness that could be unrelated to the teething.
Ideally, you’ve been running a clean, damp washcloth or a soft infant toothbrush over your baby’s gums every day. If not, now’s a great time to start. The cleansing can keep bacteria from building up in your baby’s mouth.
When your baby’s first teeth appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Until your child learns to spit — at about age 3 — use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no bigger than the size of a grain of rice. Then switch to a pea-sized dollop as they approach 2 to 3 years of age.
It’s also time to think about regular dental checkups. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit after the first tooth erupts and no later than his or her first birthday.
Your baby’s teeth and gums will also be examined at well-baby checkups. Remember, regular childhood dental care helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment.