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While there are many causes for yellow teeth, many of them are preventable. You can reverse the effects by simply maintaining them and catching any issues early on. But what happens when children and kids, who are already young and healthy, begin to show signs of yellowing teeth? Here are some of the common causes and safe remedies for yellow teeth in kids.
Causes of Yellow Teeth in Kids
When a child’s permanent teeth arrive, they can be a tinge more yellow than their baby teeth counterparts. But according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this is perfectly normal, caused by the original baby teeth enamel simply being thinner. Comparatively, the newer adult teeth will appear yellow. However, some other causes and disorders can cause yellow teeth in kids, which a dentist should address.
Improper Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes of yellow teeth in kids is merely bad oral hygiene. Teaching kids at an early age how to brush their teeth and floss not only keeps away plaque, but removes stains caused by foods and drinks (like candy or sodas) that accumulate, causing discoloration.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a condition that occurs when the enamel is thin (or missing entirely). Enamel hypoplasia has many causes, including trauma to the baby teeth, making adult teeth discolored with a yellow or brownish hue.
Amelogenesis Imperfecta
A more genetic and rare disease is Amelogenesis Imperfecta, a developmental disorder in teeth that causes soft and thin enamel, making them appear yellow. Children with Amelogenesis Imperfecta also have teeth that can be damaged easily.
Medications and Antibiotics
According to the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, certain antibiotics can play a role in causing yellow teeth in kids. If taken during tooth development, from infancy to eight years of age and even during the last half of pregnancy, tetracycline antibiotics can cause permanent tooth discoloration, caused by the binding to the calcium and the depositing into developing inner teeth and bones.
Penicillin is another antibiotic known to cause tooth stains, turning the enamel yellow (or even brownish or greyish).
Safe and Effective Treatments for Yellow Teeth in Kids
If your kid’s teeth are indeed yellow, make sure it’s not the result of something serious and seek out a pediatric dentist. More than likely, they appear yellow compared to their baby teeth or as a result of poor oral hygiene, which can be easily improved. Your dentist will probably offer a few safe treatments like microabrasion or even tooth whitening if the child is old enough (generally once their baby teeth have fallen out).
However, treatments aside, one of the best ways to prevent yellow teeth in kids is by teaching good oral hygiene and brushing correctly with the best toothbrush for your child’s age. Let’s explore deeper!
Teach Kids Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Teaching little ones good oral hygiene habits at a young age, such as brushing twice per day and flossing, will encourage them to maintain the practice throughout their life. But since kids are easily distracted and more eager to play, you have to keep a watchful eye. Brushing right along with them can lead by example and allow you to monitor their brushing habits, ensuring they do so correctly until they reach 7 to 8 years of age.
Choose a Proper Toothbrush
It helps to choose an easy-to-use, age-appropriate device. For example, when toddlers are just learning to brush, an interactive toothbrush for kids offers a character that sings their favorite recorded song and offers encouraging words. Plus, the Baby BLU offers replacement brush heads, available as a small version for ages 3-5 or the large version for ages ages 5-7.
In general, a hands-free toothbrush makes it easy for kids of all ages, but especially tweens and teens who live busy lives. And whether you have a toddler or a teen, they can maintain healthy gums, too, with bacteria-killing Blue Light technology and Red Light for increased circulation.
Choose Kid-Friendly Toothbrushes
Use a Vitamin-Enriched Toothpaste
The type of toothpaste they use is just as crucial as the toothbrush itself. Make sure your kids are using fluoride toothpaste. But to take it a step further, they can also maintain a clean smile with our mint toothpaste, filled with vitamins A, C and E that will keep your gums and teeth shiny and healthy.
