It’s not uncommon for a child’s teeth to appear yellow.

Parents may be concerned if they see that their child’s teeth have a yellow tint to them, but there is no reason to worry, because it is common for a child’s adult teeth to look yellow when they first come in. One of the reasons why adult teeth have the appearance of stained teeth when they erupt is because adult teeth contain more dentin (the layer under the enamel) than baby teeth do, so an adult tooth is going to look more yellow next to a white baby tooth.

Over time, your child’s adult teeth will lose their yellowish appearance. As long as your child is following proper dental habits, including biannual dental visits to Dr. Mo at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry, the discoloration in their teeth will go away.

Types of Tooth Stains

There are two types of tooth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. An intrinsic tooth stain is a stain that happens inside the tooth and is often caused by medication, trauma to the tooth, or development issues. Intrinsic tooth stains cannot be removed with over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments, so a dentist will need to intervene. 

An extrinsic tooth stain is a type of stain that happens on the outer layer of the tooth, usually caused by outside factors, like consuming foods that stain (think berries, sauces, dark-colored sodas) or poor oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing habits are the best way to eliminate—and prevent—extrinsic tooth stains.

Common Causes of Tooth Stains

There are many ways that tooth stains can appear. One of the most common causes of tooth stains is from food and drinks. Dark-colored foods, like beets and tomato sauce, can cause stains on teeth. Foods and drinks that are high in tannins, like tea, coffee, dark chocolate, and red wine, can also cause extrinsic staining. Tannins are bitter compounds that can stick to the enamel of the tooth and cause pigments to intensify, which can make teeth look discolored.

Poor oral hygiene habits can also cause staining on teeth. Proper dental habits, like brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time, as well as daily flossing, can keep bacteria away from teeth. When left to their devices, bacteria can eat away at the enamel, or outer layer of the tooth, which can cause stains, or worse—cavities.

Another common cause of stained teeth is medications. Some common medications, such as certain antibiotics and antihistamines, can cause intrinsic staining on teeth. If you are concerned that a medication your child is taking might be causing the discoloration in their teeth, make sure to speak with Dr. Mo about it.

Should I worry about staining on my child’s teeth?

The color of the staining of your child’s teeth can help identify its source. For instance, teeth that look to be yellow or orange could be a sign of plaque buildup due to improper brushing. Dark colored stains can appear after your child has had any sort of trauma, like if they fall and hit their teeth. Dark stains could mean that the blood flow has been cut off from the tooth, which may not be a big deal if it happens to your child’s baby, or primary, teeth, because they will eventually fall out; however you should reach out to your dentist as soon as possible to get it checked out.

Medications (as mentioned previously) or supplements may also cause teeth to stain and appear darker in color.

If you notice that your child’s teeth appear to have white patches or pale brown stains, that could mean your child has fluorosis. Fluorosis occurs when your child is exposed to too much fluoride, for example, if they are swallowing toothpaste while brushing rather than spitting it out. If your child is suffering from fluorosis, switch to low-fluoride toothpaste until your child is able to brush their teeth properly and rinse out any leftover toothpaste after brushing.

Prevent Tooth Stains at Home

One of the ways to prevent tooth stains is by encouraging proper dental habits, which include proper brushing techniques and flossing habits. If your child is having trouble brushing and flossing on their own, the team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dental can show your child the proper way to brush and floss. Regular dental checkups and professional dental cleanings can also prevent tooth stains.

At home, parents can also help curb tooth stains by limiting tooth-staining foods and drinks, like those high in artificial colors (for example, dark-colored sodas) or highly pigmented (such as beets and tomatoes).

Plan your next visit to see Dr. Mo.

If you feel your child’s teeth are looking a little dull and you’re concerned about staining, visit Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Vancouver, WA. Dr. Mo can perform a complete dental evaluation and professional cleaning and provide you with guidance on how to ensure your child’s teeth stay bright and white. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!