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6 Reasons Why Your Toddler’s Teeth Look Yellow

Cherrywood Dental • Feb 24, 2020
Your child’s first teeth begin to show by the time your little one turns six months old. While these new teeth tend to pop up bright and white, toddler teeth can appear dull or dingy. If your child’s teeth are looking more yellow or orange, it’s likely due to them not being cleaned thoroughly, which results in a buildup of plaque.

Teeth stains aren’t necessarily an indication of tooth decay, but letting plaque accumulate on the teeth can cause gum disease – even in kids! Here are the top six reasons why your toddler’s teeth may look yellow, and what to do about it.

Inadequate Brushing

Your child’s teeth should be brushed every day, twice per day, as soon as their first tooth erupts. Cleaning baby teeth is necessary because as soon as the first tooth erupts, bacteria begin working to form plaque. Babies and toddlers can get cavities too, just like adults, so always check your child’s teeth for signs of enamel erosion.

To correct any discoloration that is unable to be removed at home by incorporating better brushing techniques, your dentist can perform a professional treatment. Additionally, your dentist can then determine the underlying cause of the discoloration to prevent it from returning.

Early Tooth Decay

Poor dental hygiene habits can lead to plaque buildup and yellowing of the teeth. Parents should wipe their baby’s gums with a soft cloth and brush their child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth comes in to establish healthy habits. Following a good oral care routine for your toddler will help to teach them about brushing and flossing from an early age to avoid early onset of tooth decay.

Medication Use

Prolonged use of antibiotics and antihistamines are known contributors to stained teeth in toddlers. Antibiotics cause tooth calcification that leads to teeth appearing gray or yellow. Certain supplements such as liquid iron or even iron in a multivitamin can also darken baby teeth. Some medications can prevent the normal production levels of saliva, which can also lead to an increase in plaque buildup and yellowing. Lastly, a child whose mother took certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, during pregnancy may also be more susceptible to tooth discoloration.

Tooth Injury

Trauma to a tooth from an injury that reaches the gums can turn a tooth into a permanent grey color. A single dark tooth could be the result of bleeding within the tooth due to dental trauma. Your dentist will be able to determine if a tooth injury occurred by examining the tooth for any signs of trauma.

Illness or Infection

More severe illnesses, such as recurring infections, jaundice, or heart disease, can change the color of teeth. Blood or liver diseases can stain the teeth over a long period as well. If an illness is the cause of your child’s tooth discoloration, speak with your pediatrician and your dentist to find a solution.

Excessive Fluoride

Excessive intake of fluoride ingredients found in tap water or toothpaste can frequently cause brown spots or white streaks on the surface of a child’s teeth. If you’re finding that your child’s teeth are sensitive to fluoride use, switch to a different toothpaste with a lower fluoride percentage or an all-natural toothpaste that does not contain fluoride.

Early dental appointments will help to tackle any issues with the formation of your child’s teeth in addition to any discoloration issues you may face. Early intervention also promotes good oral health and healthy adult teeth in the future. Call Cherrywood Dental Associates today if you’re concerned over the color of your toddler’s teeth.
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