We know what causes staining and teeth discoloration in adults, but when it comes to children, we expect their smile to be bright and white. If you noticed that your child's teeth are turning yellow, you may worry that something could be wrong with their oral health.
We get you! You want your child to have good oral health habits and healthy teeth. But, yellow teeth aren't always a cause of concern. So, here are some reasons why your child's teeth are now yellow and what you can do about them.
Their Permanent Teeth Are Erupting
This is often one of the most common causes of yellow teeth in children. We get so used to the small and white baby teeth that we expect their permanent teeth to look pretty much the same.
But, permanent teeth have larger nerves and canals and contain more dentin (the protective layer underneath the enamel.) When the permanent teeth first erupt, the enamel is thinner and the dentin is more visible. As a result, your child's teeth will look yellow for a while. Don't worry, as the enamel thickens, the teeth will change color, but they will still not be as white as baby teeth.
Improper Oral Hygiene
A lot of parents complain about how hard it is to brush their child's teeth and we can see why. Children don't understand the importance of brushing and it can be almost impossible to sit still while you poke their mouth with a stick for two minutes.
But improper or lack of oral hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar build up, which will make your child's teeth appear yellow.
If that's the case, book a consultation with Tiny Tooth Pediatric Dentistry for professional cleaning and preventive care.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay will discolor your child's teeth and make them look yellow. The thing about decay is that only the affected tooth will be discolored. If you notice that one of your child's teeth has white or yellow spots on it, then you should schedule an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible. Over time, these spots will turn into holes and affect the health and integrity of the tooth, leading to infection and more complicated treatments.
Thinner Enamel
Genetics can also play a role in the color of your child's teeth. Thin enamel, for example, is genetic and will make your child's teeth seem yellow. If you know that people in your family have thin enamel, then you should pay special attention to your child's oral health. People with thin enamel have a higher chance of developing cavities.
Worried About Your Child's Oral Health? Come by Our Columbia Office
If you are concerned about your child's yellow teeth or would simply like to learn more about how to take care of their oral health, the friendly team at Tiny Tooth Pediatric Dentistry is here to help you.
Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.