As your kid grows, their permanent teeth begin to come in to replace their baby teeth. This means their smile changes and grows. However, if you notice their teeth have discoloration, you may wonder if it’s concerning. Thankfully, adult teeth in children can be yellowish. But if you are really concerned about the color of your child’s tooth, you should schedule an appointment with their Cumming, GA pediatric dentist to know the cause of the discoloration and ensure your child gets treatment.
Why Children’s Teeth Can Become Yellowish
The teeth of your little one may turn yellow because of the following reasons:
- Thin enamel. Tooth dentin is found below the enamel, which is the tooth’s hard, white outer layer. The yellowish dentin can become more visible if the enamel is thin, causing your child’s teeth to appear yellow. Thin enamel can be due to family genetics or poor hygiene.
- Food and beverage staining. Your child’s teeth can get stained by the food and drinks they consume. And the stains build up, your teeth can look yellowish.
- Poor oral hygiene. Not sticking to a strict oral routine habit can result in teeth staining from food and beverages as well as plaque buildup. Over time, this can lead to tartar accumulation, which can cause the teeth to look yellow.
- Cavities and tooth decay. As your child’s teeth decay, their color can become brownish and yellowish. Dental cavities are quite common in children.
Preventing Yellow Teeth
Below are some measures to prevent your child’s teeth from turning yellow:
- Ensure your child practices good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene keeps the teeth of your child white. It includes proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing. As your child first gets started, help them with their oral health care. Educate them on such practices and encourage them to care for their mouth while they get older.
- Encourage them to eat a healthy diet. The foods your child consumes can offer nutrients and textures for clean, strong teeth. However, some foods can stain their teeth. Fresh fruits, foods high in vitamin D and dairy, as well as fresh vegetables, are great choices for the long-term oral health of your child.
- Ensure your child goes to the dentist twice every year. At your child’s dental visit, the dentist will examine the condition of your child’s teeth and clean their teeth to get rid of plaque. Also, the dentist will teach your child ways to maintain good oral health.
