Why Do My Child’s Teeth Look Yellow? Should I Be Concerned?

If your child’s teeth have started to look yellow, stained, or discolored, you may be concerned. And while stains aren’t always an indicator that something is wrong, it’s usually a good idea to see a board-certified pediatric dentist to diagnose the issue and make sure your child’s mouth is healthy.

But why are your child’s teeth turning yellow in the first place? What could the issue be? Find out now in this blog from Timber Kids Dentistry. 

1. Staining Foods & Drinks In Their Diet 

Tooth enamel is porous, which means that certain foods and drinks can stain your child’s teeth, and your teeth, too! In kids, the most common culprits are often beverages like fruit juice and soda. Coffee and tea can also stain the teeth, but that’s usually only a concern for older kids.

Some foods can stain the teeth, too, such as berries, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and candy that’s dyed with a lot of artificial food coloring. 

If this is the cause of your child’s yellow teeth, you may want to adjust their diet. Make sure they drink plenty of water and milk, and avoid other beverages as much as possible. Brushing and/or rinsing after meals also helps prevent stain buildup. 

2. Improper Oral Hygiene

If your child has recently started brushing and/or flossing their own teeth and their teeth have started to look yellow, this may be the cause. If your child is not brushing and flossing properly, plaque will build up on their teeth and eventually turn into tartar. This is a hard, yellow or brown substance that can stain your child’s teeth. 

The good news is that tartar can be removed during a six-month teeth cleaning with a pediatric dentist in Medford. But it’s bad for your child’s oral health, since it’s chock-full of harmful bacteria.

So make sure your child is brushing and flossing properly. You may want to supervise them or brush with them, especially if they’ve only recently started taking care of their own teeth.

3. Thin Enamel 

Some people have thinner enamel than others, and this can cause the teeth to look more yellow. This is because the enamel is bright, shiny, and white. In contrast, the layer of material below the enamel, known as “dentin,” is yellow in color.

So if the enamel is thin, more dentin is visible, making the teeth look yellow. This may be especially noticeable in adult teeth, which naturally have more dentin and less enamel than baby teeth.

Thin enamel is not necessarily harmful on its own, but can raise your child’s risk of decay. So if you think your child may have thin enamel, it’s best to consult with a dentist and take steps to protect your child’s oral health. 

4. Certain Antibiotics And Medications

Some antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can interfere with enamel development in kids, permanently staining the teeth. Because of this, they are no longer used to treat pregnant women or small children.

There are some other medications that can cause teeth yellowing, including antihypertensives to treat high blood pressure, antipsychotics, and even some antihistamines like Benadryl. Make sure to let your dentist know what medications your child is taking during their appointment. 

Concerned About Yellow Teeth? Come To Timber Kids Dentistry Today!

If you’re worried about your child’s yellow teeth and want to make sure their mouth is healthy, Timber Kids Dentistry is here to provide your little one with the pediatric dental care they need in Ashland. Contact us online to schedule an appointment with a board-certified pediatric dentist now.