Yellow Teeth in Kids: Causes, Remedies, and Treatments
Seeing your kiddo smile is the best, but you may notice their teeth look a little yellow. That's okay! There are many causes of teeth discoloration, and most are not major concerns for your child’s dental health. Learn about what causes yellow teeth from the experts at Milestone Kids Dentistry!
Discover What Causes Yellow Teeth
Did you know that baby teeth are whiter than adult teeth? When your little one grows up and gets big and strong, they will lose their baby teeth, and grown-up teeth will take their place. These grown-up teeth might look slightly different because the enamel contains more dentin. This might make your child’s teeth look yellowish.
Some kiddos are naturally born with thinner enamel, causing tooth discoloration. Sometimes, even medicines, like tetracycline, can make your child’s teeth look yellow if they take them when they are still little. But often, what causes teeth to turn yellow is usually subpar brushing and flossing. Yucky stuff like plaque can build up on their teeth, making their teeth look yellow and stained.
What is Teeth Discoloration?
There are two types of tooth discoloration:
- Extrinsic discoloration: This happens when the outside of the tooth gets stained because of certain things your child eats or drinks, like coffee, tea, cola, tobacco, or certain fruits and veggies like apples and potatoes. It can also happen if they don't brush their teeth well.
- Intrinsic discoloration: This happens when the inside of the tooth, the dentin, gets darker or turns yellow. This can happen if they get exposed to too much fluoride when they're little, have a chipped tooth, or take certain medicines like antibiotics. Some diseases and treatments can also cause this.
How To Treat Yellow Teeth
Many parents want to know how to get rid of yellow teeth, and some may think that chemical whitening is the best solution. However, according to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children under the age of 14 should avoid professional teeth whitening procedures. This is because the pulp in their front adult teeth is still developing and maturing, which can make them more sensitive to the procedure.
However, for older kids, over-the-counter teeth whitening options such as whitening toothpaste or strips can be used to help brighten their smile.
Yellow Teeth Treatment In Lake Stevens, Smokey Point & Snohomish, WA
At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we partner with parents to determine the most effective approach for their child’s dental needs. Our nationally recognized Board-Certified professionals provide top-notch treatments, including Preventative Dental Care, Behavior Management, Nutrition Education, and more.
We have a proven track record of helping children in Snohomish County achieve optimal oral health through a healthy smile. Schedule an appointment today!