My Child’s Teeth Look Stained
If your child’s teeth look stained and discolored, there may be several underlying causes. Make sure to include a consultation with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS. She will know if there is a vitamin deficiency, a problem with the tooth enamel, or simply not brushing regularly or thoroughly.
Following is some of the reasons behind discolored teeth:
Improper Brushing:
If your child is not brushing properly, plaque can build up on the teeth. Bacterial growth accumulates on and between the teeth, which leads to discoloration. Proper brushing twice a day for two minutes each time will keep your child’s teeth glistening and help prevent the discoloration.
Weak Tooth Enamel:
Some children have a thinner coat of tooth enamel. Known as enamel hypoplasia, this condition may appear as a yellow discoloration on the affected teeth. If your child has weak enamel, he or she is more susceptible to getting cavities. If your child has these symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson immediately. Her quick attention might reduce the impact of this condition to your child’s teeth.
Your Child’s Diet Impacts Tooth Color
As with adults, the appearance of your child’s teeth can be affected by what they eat. A well-balanced diet will go a long way in helping him or her to have beautiful and healthy teeth. Unsightly teeth also have an impact on your child’s confidence. If their teeth are yellowed or cavity filled, they will likely hide their smile and may even retreat from being with friends and others around them.
Foods to avoid:
- Soda and sugary drinks
- Acidic fruit juices and energy drinks
- Candy, especially sticky and acidic candies
- Sugary breakfast cereals
- White bread
Instead, encourage your children to eat:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Lean meats
- Milk
- Water
Some Medications May Stain Your Child’s Teeth
Antibiotics, antihistamines, and even vitamin supplements may cause discoloration. Some children’s medicines contain a lot of iron supplements which can contribute to the discoloration of your child’s teeth. The good news is that this type of stain is usually superficial. If your child’s teeth are yellow, check first to make sure they are brushing properly. If the stains don’t improve with your efforts to implement better brushing methods, Dr. Evanson may be able to remove the stains with a professional cleaning. Stains do not always indicate tooth decay, but plaque accumulation can cause gum disease which leads to cavities.
Medical Conditions May Cause Your Child’s Teeth To be Discolored
Some medical conditions can cause teeth discoloration, including liver disease, celiac disease, calcium deficiency, eating disorders and metabolic diseases. The use of some medications during pregnancy or early childhood can also cause discoloration, such as the use of tetracycline.
Discoloration and What It Means
- Yellow stains usually indicate the need to improve your oral hygiene.
- Gray tooth discoloration may mean the nerve in your child’s tooth has died. This typically occurs after dental trauma.
- White flecks may indicate dental fluorosis meaning your child consumed high levels of fluoride.
- Black spots typically indicate tooth decay.
Treatment and Solutions
Dr. Evanson can assess and treat the various causes of discoloration in your child’s teeth. Treatments, such as professional cleaning, whitening, filling a cavity, a root canal and crown or other solutions can help restore a gleaming smile and confidence to your child’s smile.
Call today to make an appointment at (720) 409-0008 or contact us online. As “Your Hometown Family Dentist”, Dr. Evanson is a trusted resource to help your whole family with any of the dental issues that arise. If your child is living with discolored teeth, an appointment with Dr. Evanson can mean there is no need to hide their smile anymore.
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