If you think that your child’s teeth look a bit too yellow, you may be wondering what’s causing the problem. Why would your child’s teeth be yellow, and should you be concerned? Do you need to schedule a visit with your child’s pediatric dentist in the Houston area? In this blog from Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of yellow teeth.
Did you know that baby teeth are whiter than adult teeth? This is one of the reasons they're called “milk teeth.” So if your child’s adult teeth are growing in and they don’t look quite as bright as their baby teeth, don’t worry. This is completely normal, and not a cause for concern.
If your child doesn’t brush properly, plaque could build up on their teeth. This is a colorless, bacteria-filled substance. Over time, it can harden into tartar, which is yellow or brown in color, and may make their teeth look discolored. If your child is brushing on their own, make sure to supervise them to make sure they brush thoroughly, and for at least 2 minutes twice each day.
Poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar could result in tooth decay. As teeth decay, they may change color and look yellow or dark. You may also notice visible holes or pits in your child’s teeth. If you think your child has cavities, you should see a Houston dentist right away. Cavities don’t go away on their own, and will only get worse without proper treatment, such as a dental filling.
Injuries to a tooth could cause blood vessels inside the tooth to burst, which may turn them yellow, brown, or even gray or black. If your child has recently injured a tooth and it’s changing color, it’s a good idea to see a pediatric dentist like Dr. Jason Brock.
Some dental injuries will heal on their own, but if the enamel is broken or the tooth is seriously injured, you may need a dentist’s help to save the tooth and prevent further complications.
Enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, is bright and white in color. The second layer of the tooth is called “dentin.” This is more yellow in color. Some children may have thinner and weaker enamel due to genetics. This means that their teeth will be more yellow in color, since the enamel won’t be as thick, and the color of the dentin will show through.
Thin enamel also means that they may be more susceptible to tooth decay and infections. It’s a good idea to talk with your child’s pediatric dentist if you believe they have genetically thin enamel. You may want to consider fluoride treatments or dental sealants to help prevent cavities.
Fluorosis is a condition that happens when your child’s teeth are exposed to too much fluoride. They may develop brown or dark spots, which could make the teeth look yellow or stained.
The good news is that fluoride overexposure is pretty rare in kids. Even if your child drinks tap water with fluoride and uses fluoride toothpaste, you won’t have to worry about fluorosis as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions for proper oral hygiene.
Certain antibiotics, if taken during pregnancy, can permanently stain the baby teeth. These included tetracycline and doxycycline, among others. However, this is very rare today. Doctors are well aware of the risks of these antibiotics for pregnant women, so they are not usually prescribed if you’re pregnant.
Yellow teeth aren’t always a concern for kids, but they can be caused by some oral health issues like cavities. So if you’re worried about your child’s oral health in Houston, don’t wait. Bring them into Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry for a consultation with Dr. Jason Brock. At our pediatric office, we specialize in kid-friendly care for children of all ages. We’re always accepting new patients. So get peace of mind. Contact us online, or give us a call at 281-461-7470 to schedule a checkup with our team, and make sure your little one’s mouth is healthy.
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