My Kid’s Teeth Are Yellow. What Can I Do?
Are your kid’s yellow teeth a big deal, or just part of the growing-up process? Scary Mommy spoke to experts about why teeth look yellow, what causes yellowing, and how to fix yellow teeth. So, before you start stressing about those little “toofers,” check out what the experts say.
Are your kiddo’s teeth really even yellow?
Before diving into what might be causing actual yellow teeth, let’s address a common mistake many parents make: comparing baby teeth to permanent teeth. Dr. Susan Maples lays it out simply and reassuringly.
“Don’t you love how white your baby’s teeth are? They’re called ‘milk teeth’ for that reason,” Maples shares. “And they stay white too, unless they bear an injury or a cavity — either of which can cause darkening. Then one day, about six years old, your child’s two front baby teeth are replaced by their first permanent teeth, and — bummer(!) — they tend to look so much yellower in contrast to the neighboring baby teeth. Some parents get freaked out, and they schedule an appointment just to ask, ‘What happened?’ Usually it’s nothing but the shade of things to come.”
What if your kid’s teeth are yellow?
Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the tooth,” says McCarthy. “They occur when pigment residue from the things you eat and drink build up in the film within your mouth, staining the outer layer of the enamel.”
In other words, these are stains usually caused by things like our morning coffees or evening teas. It’s not out of the realm of possibility for a child to develop extrinsic stains from things like heavily dyed juices or snacks. However, a child’s teeth stains are likely intrinsic.
“Intrinsic stains are below the surface of the tooth,” explains McCarthy, “and are often due to things such as increased antibiotic use as a child. They can also be caused by dental trauma or certain medical conditions. These stains are deeper within the tooth and harder to remove.”
Dr. Prav Solanki, CEO of The Fresh, explains, “Yellow teeth in children are common. There are two main reasons for yellow teeth in children — immature enamel and poor oral hygiene.