Seeing your child's smile can be a fulfilling experience. It is normal to feel concerned if you have been looking at your kid's teeth and have realized that they look a bit yellow than they should. Anything from genetics to poor oral hygiene may be to blame.
Depending on the cause, there are several things you can do to brighten up your child's smile. Discussing your little one's oral health with a pediatric dentist is advisable.
Failing to floss and brush your child's teeth can accumulate bacteria-laden plaque on the child's teeth. The plaque can cause tooth staining and discoloration. If you suspect your child's teeth have plaque, schedule an appointment with a dentist for a cleaning. You should also ensure your child brushes for at least 2 minutes twice daily to prevent plaque buildup.
Tooth decay can stain and discolor your child's teeth. Over time, you may notice dark spots on their teeth. The spots eventually create holes in the teeth. These holes are referred to as cavities. Visit your pediatric dentist to have the cavities treated and prevent further infection.
What your child drinks or eats can cause yellow teeth. Highly pigmented drinks and foods such as soda, soy sauce, cherries, and blueberries can cause yellow tooth staining. The level of teeth staining in children depends on how regularly the teeth are exposed to these products. Always have your kid rinse with water whenever they consume highly pigmented drinks and foods.
Some children are born with weak or thin enamel, which can be genetic. Since the enamel is white and the dentin beneath is yellow, this can give your child's teeth a yellow appearance. The damaged tooth enamel can also expose your child to the risk of tooth decay or other oral issues.
If you realize your child has weak enamel, it is essential to visit a dentist to discuss their health and get a diagnosis. Your dentist may advise taking special precautions to maintain a healthy mouth.
It is less likely that this is the problem with your kid's teeth, but it is worth highlighting. Antibiotics such as tetracycline can stain your child's teeth, particularly if the child is below eight years or while they are still in the womb.
In a nutshell, the tetracycline binds to the teeth and begins to oxidize when they erupt. It has a yellow appearance but may slowly turn brown. This is well-known by doctors, so they typically avoid prescribing some antibiotics during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Flossing and brushing is the most suitable method of preventing plaque and stains that collect on the teeth' surface. You can encourage your kids to practice proper oral hygiene, model good habits, set a timer to ensure your child brushes regularly, and reward good oral hygiene habits. It would be best if you also considered scheduling regular appointments with your pediatric dentist.
If your child is below 18 years, we can provide the dental care they need from childhood at Maple Grove Pediatric Dentistry. Contact us online or call (763) 390-8575 to book an appointment with our lead dentist, Dr. Matt.
