Why Are My Child’s Teeth Yellow?

Yellow teeth are not necessarily an indication of oral health problems, but if the discoloration is persistent and has no known cause, it is a good idea to visit the dentist to check for plaque buildup, cavities, or dental trauma. The best option to treat stained teeth may be to get a professional whitening treatment and to practice good oral hygiene. 

What Causes Yellow Teeth in Children?

Yellow teeth can be caused by a wide variety of things, some of which are out of the patient’s control. If your child consumes a lot of staining foods and drinks, they can cause the teeth to turn a yellow color over time. Staining foods and drinks include tea, soda, or anything that is highly pigmented such as dark juices or blueberries.

If your child has suffered from a tooth injury, this can cause staining. If your child has recently experienced dental trauma and their tooth is discolored, they should visit a dentist immediately. Your child could also have ingested too much fluoride at a younger age. This is a condition known as fluorosis and it turns teeth yellow. Other substances that cause tooth staining include antibiotics such as tetracycline.

However, yellowing of the teeth may not be due to staining at all. Other possibilities include poor oral hygiene that has led to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky yellow substance that feeds off of food particles in the mouth to produce acids that attack the enamel. Other causes of staining of teeth include:

• Thin enamel
• Cavities
• Iron supplements
• Genetic disorders

It is also important to note that baby teeth are naturally whiter than permanent teeth, so as your child grows older and their smile fills in, their new teeth could appear yellow in comparison to their older counterparts.

Treatment for Yellow Teeth

The right treatment for discolored teeth will depend on the root cause of the discoloration. For example, if your child’s teeth are yellow due to cavities, plaque, or poor oral hygiene, then a thorough dental cleaning could dramatically whiten their teeth.

However, if their teeth have been permanently stained or are naturally discolored, other cosmetic treatments may need to be considered such as veneers or teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is typically used only in adults but is still utilized but can be an effective treatment for adolescents. 

This is something you would need to discuss with your dentist to determine if your child is eligible for teeth cleaning depending on their age. Veneers act as covers over the teeth and are a better option for teeth that are resistant to whitening treatments or have been stained from inside the surface.

Preventing Tooth Discoloration

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the best way to combat staining and reduce the risk of developing cavities and plaque, which can cause the teeth to turn yellow. Your child should brush their teeth twice a day and remember to floss each day. Use fluoride toothpaste (that is appropriate for their age group) and a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub their teeth. 

To avoid dental trauma, make sure your child wears a mouthguard if they grind their teeth and attend regular dental appointments every 6 months. Plaque is not always easily removed without professional help. If your child is at least 12 years old, a more cost-effective alternative to professional teeth whitening would be to use ADA-approved over-the-counter whitening strips.

Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Appointment at Arctic Dental, PLC

If you’ve noticed your child’s teeth appear unusually yellow, bring them in for a dental checkup and cleaning. We can take a closer look at the condition of their teeth, remove any plaque buildup, and formulate a treatment plan if discoloration persists. To schedule an appointment at Arctic Dental, PLC, contact us at (563) 607-5979 or book online with Dr. Jarod Johnson.