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!