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If your child’s teeth look yellow and discolored, you may be wondering what the cause might be, and whether or not you need to see a dentist to get help. In this guide from Cascadia Kids Dentistry, we’ll help you learn a bit more about what may be the cause!
1. Their Diet
This is a very common culprit of yellow teeth in kids. Certain foods and drinks can stain their teeth over time, particularly things that are acidic and strong in color, like fruit juices, tomato sauce, soy sauce, soda, and some kinds of artificially-dyed candies and foods.
To reduce the risk of yellowing and stains, you should make sure your children mostly drink tap water and milk. Brushing or rinsing the teeth after meals can also help reduce the buildup of stains.
2. Improper Brushing & Flossing
Inadequate oral hygiene is a common culprit of yellowing teeth in kids. This is especially true if your children have recently started brushing or flossing on their own. They may not be brushing regularly, for a long enough time, or with proper technique.
Over time, this results in the buildup of plaque and tartar on your child’s teeth. Tartar, in particular, is filled with harmful bacteria, and is often visible as yellow or brown spots on the teeth.
Do what you can to encourage your kids to brush and floss regularly. It may be helpful to make brushing a family affair, and supervise them or brush with them when it’s time for them to clean their teeth. Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day for two minutes.
3. Thin Enamel
In some cases, your child may have yellow teeth due to thin enamel. This is often caused by genetics. The enamel is the white, shiny outer layer of the tooth. Below this layer is another layer of material called “dentin.”
The dentin is more yellow in color compared to the enamel, so if your child has thin enamel, their teeth will tend to look more yellow. This is especially true of adult teeth, since baby teeth have a higher proportion of enamel that makes them look brighter and whiter.
Thin enamel isn’t necessarily a concern on its own, but it can raise your child’s risk of cavities and other oral health issues, so you should definitely meet with a dentist and discuss what you should do to preserve your child’s oral health.
4. Certain Antibiotics & Medication
Certain antibiotics and medications may cause teeth staining. Staining from antibiotics is rare today, since most kids and pregnant mothers are not given antibiotics that can affect the teeth, such as tetracycline and doxycycline.
However, there are some other medications that can cause teeth staining. Certain antipsychotic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and even antihistamines like Benadryl could stain the teeth. Because of this, it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s pediatric dentist and discuss any drugs your child takes.
Worried About Your Child’s Yellow Teeth? Cascadia Kids Dentistry Can Help!
If your child’s teeth are yellow in Issaquah and you’re not sure why, the team at Cascadia Kids Dentistry can help. Our board-certified pediatric dentists can get to the bottom of the issue and make sure that your little one’s oral health is protected. Contact us to get started right away.
