Just like adults, kids want to have white and healthy teeth. However, parents sometimes notice that their child's teeth have become darker or developed a yellowish tint. This can happen for various reasons. The discoloration of teeth can be either external or internal, and the approach to treatment in pediatric dentistry depends on this.
Fluorosis
Fluorosis is an irreversible condition that occurs due to excessive fluoride intake during the formation of tooth buds. Fluoride damages the cells responsible for enamel formation, disrupting the tooth's mineralization process.
As a result, this porous enamel gives the teeth a dark yellow color.
Tetracycline
This is an antibiotic often prescribed for colds. However, it's known that it should not be given to children under the age of 9. This medication stains all layers of the developing tooth in the jaw, and when the tooth erupts, it has a characteristic grayish or dull hue. In some cases, the staining appears as stripes or lines, depending on the stage of tooth formation when the medication was administered.
Tooth Injury
Tooth injuries in children are not uncommon. If the nerve of the tooth and its blood vessels are damaged during an injury, the tooth can darken, taking on a gray or yellow hue. In such cases, it's essential to see a dentist immediately.
Nerve damage requires professional treatment, and the discoloration can be corrected with external or internal whitening.
Black Spots on Teeth
So-called Priestly plaque forms on teeth due to the presence of certain pigment-producing bacteria. These bacteria don't damage the teeth but can appear in the mouth after a course of antibiotics or due to an imbalance in gut microbiota.
This plaque is difficult to remove with a regular toothbrush, but professional cleaning by a dentist completely eliminates it.
Food and Drinks
Diet can significantly affect tooth discoloration.
Fruit juices and sodas contain a lot of acids. Frequent consumption can lead to the formation of pores in the enamel where food colorants accumulate. Blueberries, blackberries, and cherries can temporarily darken teeth.
Oral Hygiene
A lack of regular dental care leads to the formation of plaque, which is a buildup of bacteria. In the gum line and on the side teeth, the plaque becomes thicker, giving the teeth a yellow, neglected appearance. Over time, plaque can mineralize and turn into tartar, the color of which ranges from yellow to black or greenish.
It's important to teach your child to brush their teeth twice a day and to use dental floss to prevent staining and tooth darkening.
