Stained Teeth in Children

Baby teeth are typically slightly off white or ivory colored but they can easily become discolored due to a number of different reasons. If they aren’t brushed properly then plaque on teeth can build up, eventually hardening into calculus which appears slightly yellow. Another common reason is due to use of medications; in particular taking tetracycline during pregnancy can cause a child to have discolored baby teeth. (see: how to remove plaque from teeth)

If your child injures their teeth then it may injure the pulp inside the tooth, leading to tooth discoloration. Some children have a genetic problem with the formation of tooth enamel (Enamel Hypoplasia). Fluorosis is caused by excessive fluoride and can lead to white or brown stains on teeth. Newborn babies can often have jaundice and as a result may have baby teeth that have a slightly green tinge. Certain serious illnesses during infancy can also lead to tooth discoloration.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Often yellow teeth can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but they can also become stained due to a kid’s diet. If your child drinks lots of sodas or fruit juice then their damaged tooth enamel due to acid erosion. It’s less likely to find teeth stained from tea in young children unless they developed this habit particularly young!

Healthy Habits for Kids

You can help keep your kids teeth a nice, natural white color through making sure they look after their teeth correctly. If you are still brushing your child’s teeth for them, we can check your brushing technique to make sure you are covering all the tooth surfaces. We can also give you advice on flossing. If your child is old enough to begin brushing and flossing on their own, then we can work with them to help make sure their technique is the best it can be.

Please don’t hesitate to ask us for help as we are extremely keen on ensuring the best possible oral health for kids. We can also give you advice on nutrition for kids as this is an important part of keeping their teeth healthy and free from discoloration. A kid’s diet can make a huge difference to their dental health and subsequently the color of their teeth.

Treating Tooth Discoloration

There are lots of different ways we can treat tooth discoloration. The exact method of tooth stain removal can depend on the child’s age and the nature of the stain. Some stains are easier to remove than others and it might be that the affected tooth will need to be covered up completely at some point in the future, either by bonding or for veneering the tooth or even crowning it. As your child gets older, they may be able to remove some of the stains through tooth whitening.