Why Does My Child Have Yellow Teeth? 5 Common Causes (And What They Mean)

If your little one’s smile is looking a bit yellow or stained, you may be wondering what’s going on. Should you worry about the discoloration that’s affecting their teeth? In this blog from Sycamore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll break things down and discuss the most common causes of yellow teeth in kids. 

1. Not Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene

If your little one is responsible for brushing their own teeth, they may not be doing a good enough job. If they're not cleaning their teeth thoroughly, this can result in the buildup of a clear, sticky, bacteria-filled film called “plaque.”

Over time, plaque calcifies into tartar, also called “dental calculus.” Tartar can be yellowish or even dark/brown in color. The good news is that tartar can be removed by a pediatric dentist during your child’s six-month cleaning and checkup. And with good at-home oral hygiene, you and your child can prevent tartar buildup in the future.

2. Eating And Drinking Certain Foods And Beverages

One major culprit of tooth stains and tooth decay is sugary beverages. Cola, sports drinks, tea, and other sugary, artificially-colored drinks can cause stains on your child’s teeth over time, particularly if they're not maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Some foods can even contribute to stains. Foods like curry, tomato sauce, and even soy sauce can cause stain buildup, though this is much less common than stains caused by beverages. Giving your child water and milk rather than other beverages and brushing after meals is a surefire way to avoid stains, and maintain their oral health too.

3. Their Newly-Erupted Adult Teeth Look More Yellow

If your child is losing their baby teeth and getting adult teeth, you may notice that their adult teeth look more yellow. That’s normal! Adult teeth have a higher proportion of “dentin.” Dentin is the second layer of the tooth, which is below the outer “enamel.”

Enamel has a bright, white color, but dentin is more yellow. Because adult teeth have more dentin, they tend to look a bit more yellow overall compared to baby teeth, which are very bright and white. Don’t worry, though. As your child’s adult teeth grow in and replace their baby teeth, their smile will even out.

4. Your Child’s Teeth Have Thin Enamel

In some cases, some kids may have thinner enamel due to genetic factors. As mentioned, this means that more of the second layer of yellowish dentin may show through, causing their teeth to look darker or more yellow.

Thin enamel can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues, so it’s a good idea to see a dentist for a consultation and to create a preventive treatment plan that will keep your little one’s teeth healthy.

5. Tooth Demineralization Caused By Tooth Decay

The very first stage of tooth decay is called “demineralization.” This happens when the hard, outer layer of enamel starts to wear down due to the presence of acid in the mouth. The enamel starts losing minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This weakens the teeth and sets the stage for cavities. 

And if your child’s teeth are demineralized, this can make them look discolored. But the good news is that demineralization can be treated with treatments like fluoride treatment and dental sealants. This restores their color and helps prevent cavities

Worried About Your Little One’s Smile In Tinton Falls? Schedule A Consultation Today!

At Sycamore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in children’s dentistry in Tinton Falls. Whether you’re worried about your little one’s teeth or just need a routine checkup, Dr. Kearns and Dr. Bruno and our team are here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (732) 963-8680 to schedule a consultation today, and make sure your child’s teeth stay in tip-top shape.