Why Are My Kids’ Teeth Yellow?

A large part of parenting is a constant concern about your child’s health and well-being. Concerns likely include whether your child has taken their vitamins, eaten enough nutritious foods, or brushed their teeth before they went to school. While you can’t monitor everything with pure perfection, it is important to take stock of your child’s health and well-being consistently. This is especially true for their dental health as dental health impacts one’s overall health. One of the more common issues among kids is yellow teeth. But why are your kids’ teeth yellow?

This may make you assume that they don’t brush their teeth well or give you some serious cause for concern. However, yellow teeth in children can be caused by various things, so keeping yourself informed and staying in communication with a pediatric dentist is important. Below you will find the reasons your child’s teeth may be yellow and what you can do about it.

We have put together the top reasons why your kids’ teeth are yellow. The good news is that most causes are easy to take care of. To find the cause, visit the best kids dentist Arcadia has to offer at Premier Dental Esthetics.

Plaque Buildup:

Plaque and tartar buildup is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Your child should be brushing at least twice a day for two minutes (each time) and floss each day. If your child brushes and flosses regularly and still have yellow teeth, they may be doing it wrong. Work with your child on proper flossing and brushing techniques. However, if their teeth are yellow already contact a pediatric dentist. They will be able to clean and get rid of any tartar or plaque so your child can have a fresh start working on brushing and flossing effectively. Discuss how often your child should be visiting the dentist’s office with a pediatric dentist.

Permanent Teeth:

If your child’s baby teeth are falling out and their permanent teeth are erupting, you may notice that they are more of a yellow color. Permanent teeth have more dentin (the second layer of defense on your teeth—right below the enamel) and it is more yellow compared to baby teeth, which are more of a creamy white color. There is no need to be concerned if your child has been attending their regular dental visits. If you are concerned, contact a pediatric dentist to see if it’s worth a visit to the dentist’s office.

Genetics:

As with all health issues, family history is a huge factor. Certain people may have weaker enamel as compared to others. Your enamel is the first layer of defense on your teeth, as it is the outermost layer. Your enamel is what gives your teeth their white color as the underlying dentin is more yellow. A thick enamel will allow the yellow color from the dentin to come through more visibly. Talk with a pediatric dentist about what steps to take to ensure your child’s thin enamel is protected.

Antibiotics:

While this is likely not the issue as it is rare, it still is possible. Certain antibiotics can bind to your child’s teeth if they are taken under the age of 8 or while you are pregnant. The antibiotic that causes this most frequently is tetracycline, which is usually not prescribed to pregnant women or children. However, in some cases it is necessary. If you took this during your pregnancy or if your child was prescribed it, talk with a pediatric dentist to see if this is the actual cause of your child’s yellow teeth.

When your child’s first tooth erupts (or when they turn one if no teeth have erupted), set up a dentist appointment with a pediatric dentist. Most pediatric dentists recommend that your child attend their regular dental appointments at least every six months. This is in addition to having a healthy oral care routine implemented daily.

Best Dentist Arcadia

If you are concerned about your child’s yellow teeth or you need a pediatric dentist, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can provide you with the best care possible and ensure your child gets the right treatments for their unique dental needs. Contact their office and make an appointment today!