Why Are My Child’s Teeth Yellow?

If your child’s teeth look yellow and discolored, you may be worried about their oral health. Should you be concerned? What should you do to restore their smile? In this blog from Kindred Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll go over the basics of yellow teeth in kids, what this may indicate, and how to overcome this issue. 

The Most Common Causes Of Yellow Teeth In Kids

There are a lot of different reasons that your child’s teeth may look yellow. But the most common causes are as follows:

• Staining foods and drinks – Drinking soda, sports drinks, tea, coffee, and other colored beverages is a common culprit that causes tooth stains. Some foods like tomato sauce and curry can also stain the teeth. If your child eats a lot of food and drinks that can stain their teeth, stains may build up and cause their teeth to look yellow. This is particularly true of kids who are not brushing properly, which leads us to our next point.
  

• Poor dental hygiene – You need to brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. They can usually take over once they're about 5-6 years old, or are coordinated enough to tie their own shoes.
  
  But you should keep an eye on your kids to make sure they're brushing properly, and for long enough. If they're not, plaque and tartar can build up on the teeth. Plaque and tartar tend to be yellowish-brown in color, and can also be stained by food and drink. Poor dental hygiene could also lead to cavities, which you definitely want to avoid.
  
  
• Trauma to the teeth – Accidents happen. If your child falls or is hit in the face and a tooth is damaged, it may become discolored, turning yellow or even gray. This is sort of like a bruise to the tooth. If the tooth is healthy, it will eventually recover and go back to its normal color. However, you should see a dentist if your child’s tooth is damaged. In some cases, the tooth may not be able to heal on its own. 
  

How Can I Treat My Child’s Teeth And Keep Them Bright? 

Now that we’ve discussed a few causes of yellow teeth, let’s go over the steps you can take to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright. 

• Dental treatment and checkups – If your child’s tooth is damaged or has a cavity, they may need dental treatment like a filling or even a root canal to restore it. Regular six-month checkups are also a good idea. Seeing Dr. Meghanne Kruizenga twice a year will allow her to keep an eye on your child's oral health.
  
  
• Better dental hygiene practices – Make sure your children are brushing properly. Not only does this prevent stained and yellowed teeth, but it also prevents tooth decay, infections, gum disease, and more.
  
  
• Avoid accidents and protect their teeth – Do your best to minimize horseplay and accidents. And if your child plays contact sports or participates in hobbies like skateboarding, consider getting a mouth guard to cushion and protect their teeth in case of a fall or a blow to the face.

Need A Pediatric Dentist In Beaumont? Contact Kindred Pediatric Dentistry Today!

Yellow teeth are not always a cause for concern in kids, but it’s still a good idea to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis. And at Kindred Pediatric Dentistry in Beaumont, Dr. Meghanne is always accepting new patients. Contact us online or give us a call at (951) 572-8010. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Meghanne will take great care of your little ones, and make sure their teeth are strong, healthy, and ready to grow with them throughout their childhood.