There is something so wonderful about seeing your child smile, and our team of paediatric dentists is here to help that smile shine as brightly as possible.

We know you work hard to help your child take care of their teeth—from brushing twice daily to bringing your child in for regular dental appointments. So, if you have noticed your little one’s smile is starting to look a bit yellow, you probably have a lot of questions. 

What could be causing it? Is it a serious issue that needs attention? Can you do anything about it? If you have ever asked any of these questions, we are here to help! 

There are many reasons your child’s teeth may look yellow, including:

• new adult teeth growing in
• tartar buildup & stains from food
• genetics
• medical conditions

When you have questions about your child’s oral health, we are only ever a call away. We are ready to answer any question you may have and provide the information you need to support your child’s well-being—and help them smile. 

What Are the Causes of Yellow Teeth for Kids?

Some of the reasons why a child’s teeth can appear more yellow are a completely normal part of growing up, and others could be a sign of a more serious issue. Here are some of the common causes of discolouration we see for kids’ teeth:

Your Child’s Adult Teeth Are Coming In 

Permanent teeth often look more yellow or have a darker appearance than primary teeth (baby teeth), so when your child’s adult teeth start coming in, it may seem like their teeth are more yellow—but that is completely normal. 

Adult teeth can look more yellow than baby teeth because they contain more dentin, the yellow layer of tissue underneath a tooth’s outer enamel layer. However, that’s not the only reason that children’s teeth can appear yellow—and it is important to be aware of the other reasons too. 

Your Child Is Not Brushing Well Enough

Everyone needs to brush twice a day to keep their teeth healthy and clean. If your child is not brushing often enough, plaque and stains might build up on their teeth. Without diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, a yellowish substance that can cause cavities and gum disease. 

Your Child Has Experienced an Injury 

An injury to the mouth or teeth can cause blood vessels to break. When blood vessels break around a tooth, that tooth can appear yellow, brown, grey, or black. Tooth injuries can also affect your child’s enamel, leading to further staining and discolouration. 

Genetics

Enamel is the part of the tooth that protects it and gives it its white colour. The strength of your child’s tooth enamel could be genetic. If your child has thin enamel, it can cause their teeth to look more yellow—and could affect your child’s risk of experiencing tooth decay or higher tooth sensitivity. 

Your Child Has an Underlying Medical Condition

In some cases, tooth discolouration can be a sign of other underlying medical conditions, such as

• metabolic diseases
• calcium deficiency
• liver disease
• celiac disease 
• jaundice

In some cases, an infection can also cause bacteria to eat away at tooth enamel, revealing more of the yellow dentin underneath. 

If your child is experiencing other symptoms alongside tooth discolouration, that could be a further sign of other underlying conditions affecting their health. With a comprehensive dental exam, we can help you determine the cause of your child’s tooth discolouration.

Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Properly taking care of your child’s teeth can help prevent discolouration. Consider using these tips to help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy: 

• avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle 
• help your child brush their teeth twice daily
• help your child floss their teeth at least once a day
• encourage your child to avoid sugary snacks and eat a balanced diet
• become a model of good dental hygiene for your child
• schedule regular dental checkups for your child

Why Is Oral Health Important for Kids?

Your child’s oral health is vital for keeping their overall health in check and supporting their future oral health. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home and getting regular dental checkups can prevent adult oral health problems and limit those problems from affecting other aspects of your child’s health.

How Often Should Your Child See Their Dentist?

As paediatric dentists, we recommend that children have their first dental visit within 6 months of getting their first tooth or by their first birthday. After their first visit, we can help you determine how often your child needs to come in for regular exams and cleanings. 

In most cases, children should see their dentist for exams and cleanings at least twice a year—every 6 months. Regular dental visits are an essential part of supporting your child’s health and will help set them up for strong oral health habits as they grow. 

Routine dental visits help us:

• develop a rapport to support your child’s comfort with dental care
• find problems and address them early
• support your child’s oral hygiene habits
• prevent future dental problems

Contact Us to Get Support for Your Child’s Oral Health

If you have noticed your child’s teeth are starting to look yellow, our team at The Children’s Dental Centre would love to help you understand why—and provide any care and support your child may need.Contact us to book an appointment today. We can’t wait to see you!

The post What Causes Children’s Teeth to Turn Yellow? appeared first on The Children's Dental Centre.

Paediatric dental professionals like our team at The Children’s Dental Centre understand that some patients need a little extra care. Introducing children with diverse needs to a new environment can be challenging. A visit with a paediatric dentist who has experience caring for kids with diverse needs can include extra time and care to support your child’s comfort, happiness, and dental well-being. We have created an environment designed to be comforting and soothing for all who walk through our doors.

We know children faced with cognitive, developmental, emotional, physical, or medical challenges may experience heightened anxiety when it comes to dental visits. When you bring your child in for any dental service, we want to help create a sense of familiarity and comfort.

You do not have to skip a dental appointment or avoid at-home dental care routines. We are here to help guide you through how to prepare your child for their dental visits and the steps you can take at home to help ensure they can enjoy a healthy, bright smile! 

Preparing Children with Diverse Needs for Dental Visits

Many people have at least a little bit of anxiety about going to the dentist, but it can be extra stressful for children with diverse needs. To help ease your child’s anxiety, we recommend following these tips as you prepare them for their next dental appointment:

• use drawings or pictures to help them understand what will happen at the dental office
• watch fun online videos about going to the dentist 
• try role-playing dental visits with your child—give them turns being both the dentist & the patient
• take your child with you to one of your appointments
• schedule an early first visit for your child to help build familiarity with a dentist without having to get any procedures or treatments done 

No matter what steps you take to prepare your child for their next dental appointment, it is always important to remain positive and patient. Dental experiences do not have to be stressful. Getting to know your child and meeting their unique needs are always central parts of the experiences we want to provide. 

Tips for Visiting the Dentist with a Child Who Has Diverse Needs

Regular dental visits are important to stay on top of your child’s dental health and prevent problems before they start, but we know these visits can be challenging. Some children can be sensitive to dental experiences and clinical settings—but that does not have to be the case. 

Here are a few tips to help you and your child during your next dental visit:

Find the Right Dentist 

Your first step to ensuring your child will be well taken care of is often finding the right dentist. 

Compared to most general dentists, a paediatric dentist typically undergoes additional training for meeting the needs of children who have diverse needs. As pediatric dentists, we go beyond basics and tailor our dental care to the specific needs of children based on their individual personalities and lifestyles. 

Create a Consistent Routine

Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine at home can help reduce the need for extra cleaning and care during dental visits, which can help make dental appointments shorter and more enjoyable for kids. 

Keeping up with regular teeth brushing and flossing can also help your child get used to getting their teeth cleaned in a familiar environment. And, of course, it supports their oral health, too.   

Plan to Arrive Early for your Child’s Dentist Visit

If your child is feeling uneasy about visiting the dentist, schedule a time to come in with your child when they can just visit us without getting an exam or cleaning. This gives your child the opportunity to meet us, get to know our office, and have a stress-free, positive experience. 

We would love to spend some time getting to know you and your family better. 

Listen to Your Child & Help Them Ask Questions

No matter what, your child should always feel heard during their appointments. When your child has things to say, we always make sure to listen to them and respect their requests. We will also take the time to explain why we might be doing something and answer all their questions.

Feel free to help your child ask us any questions they may have. This can help build trust between your child and our team, making future appointments easier. 

Let’s Create Positive Dental Experiences for Your Child

Every child is unique, and our team is dedicated to providing every child with the compassionate and patient care they deserve. We love helping children affected by unique challenges enjoy their time at the dentist—so they can smile brightly with healthy teeth. 

Our team at The Children’s Dental Centre has training and experience with providing dental care for children with diverse needs. Our goal is to help your child feel at ease during every moment of their visit. If you are interested in learning more or want to book your child’s next appointment, contact us today!

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A child’s first dental visit can be exciting but also intimidating—and a first impression can be a lasting one. It is understandable if your child is a little apprehensive about their first—or next—dental appointment. 

We want to help with that. Supporting your child’s comfort for each of their dental experiences is part of what motivates us as paediatric dentists. With advancements in sedation dentistry, we can help provide your child with the calm and enjoyable dental experience they deserve.

The types of sedation dentistry available for kids include: 

• nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• oral conscious sedation (oral medication combined with laughing gas)
• general anaesthesia (as in-patient & out-patient hospital procedures)

When you visit us for dental care, we can help you determine which type of sedation may be right for your child. 

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry for Your Child?

If your child feels anxious about going to the dentist for whatever reason, whether they have dental anxiety, need extensive dental work done, or have other needs, sedation dentistry may be an option that can help them feel comfortable.

Helping your child feel comfortable and relaxed is an important part of the care we provide. By using medication to help your child feel at ease, we can provide the care and support they may need—and help ease potential worries about future dental experiences. 

What Are the Different Types of Dental Sedation for Kids?

Each type of sedation dentistry can have specific benefits and drawbacks for your child. We will always take the time to speak with you and your child about your child’s needs and their feelings about visiting the dentist—so we can tailor their dental experiences for their comfort. That includes determining which type of sedation dentistry may be right for your child.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas, can help your child feel relaxed during their procedure. It can help reduce anxiety and dull discomfort, making it a great option for dental sedation. 

This type of sedation is delivered through a mask. After breathing it in, your child can feel calm and may even feel a little bit silly. Nitrous oxide sedation is mild, safe, and can wear off quickly—so your child can often get right back to being their regular self shortly after their appointment.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves using oral medication that may be combined with nitrous oxide, which can offer mild to moderate sedation, depending on the dosage and type of medication prescribed.

With this type of sedation, your child can feel very calm but remain conscious throughout their visit. 

General Anaesthesia

In some cases, if your child’s dental procedure cannot be done safely while they are awake, we may recommend general anaesthesia. While under general anaesthesia, your child will be completely asleep and they won’t be conscious for any of the procedure.

Why It Is Important for Your Child to See Their Dentist

We know you work hard to keep your child healthy, but making sure your child’s teeth are healthy goes beyond just keeping their smile bright and white. To keep your child’s oral health and overall health in check, it is important for them to see their dentist regularly. 

Regular dental appointments help prevent further dental issues from affecting kids’ lives during childhood and as adults. During every exam, we will check for any early signs of oral health issues, give you and your family tips on maintaining your smiles, and provide any additional treatments you may need. 

What to Do When Your Child Is Nervous About the Dentist

The nervousness around not knowing what to expect can sometimes make kids afraid of the dentist or certain dental procedures. But don’t worry! If your child is nervous about visiting the dentist, that is a completely normal thing to feel. Even some adults are nervous about going to the dentist!

Be a Model for Your Child

Helping your child manage dental anxiety can start by being a model of dental hygiene and care. When they see that their parents are less nervous about visiting the dentist and passionate about taking care of their teeth, many kids can feel more comfortable about their own dental experiences.

Visit a Paediatric Dentist

Establishing an early positive relationship with a paediatric dentist can also help kids avoid dental anxiety and encourage them to enjoy taking care of their teeth.

If your child is nervous about going to the dentist, try going to a practice with a paediatric focus, like The Children’s Dental Centre. Our team is trained to provide your child with a comfortable, relaxing, and fun dental experience, helping them get used to the dentist. 

We Are Here to Answer Your Questions

Sedation dentistry can be a great option if your child is feeling a little uneasy about visiting the dentist. Our goal at The Children’s Dental Centre is to create a fun, positive, and comfortable experience for every patient who walks through our doors. When you have questions about sedation dentistry and how it can benefit your child, we are only a call away! Contact us to learn more about how sedation dentistry can help.

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