Tooth Discoloration In Toddlers – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments You Should Be Aware Of

Does your toddler have yellow or gray teeth? Did you know tooth discoloration is one of the top dental issues in toddlers? Dirty teeth not only ruin his smile, but will also affect his confidence levels when he grows up. If you want to know why your little one has yellow teeth or what you can do about it, you might want to read our post. Here we talk about tooth discoloration in toddlers.

Know Your Toddler’s Teeth:

Children typically develop primary teeth as they turn six months old. But, the average breakthrough of gums is in between three and twelve months. As toddlers indulge in a lot of eating, munching and chewing during the initial stage of teething, you need to check your little one’s teeth often.

Sometimes, he might suffer from discoloration or swollen gums, and you need to know what to do in such situations.

Symptoms Of Tooth Discoloration In Toddlers:

Toddlers have a set of small little sparkling shiny teeth that enhance their smile.

Sometimes, this shine fades and his teeth look sticky or greasy, which is the initial stage of tooth discoloration. Some other symptoms of tooth discoloration include:

• Stains on his teeth, which may appear off-white, yellow, or brown, or gray.

• Eroded enamel.

• The yellow stain almost looks like a cast.

[ Read: Causes Of Bad Breath In Toddlers ]

Causes Of Tooth Discoloration:

Let’s look at some of the causes of tooth discoloration, which include:

• Consuming too much grape and apple juice.

• Jaundice.

• Poor brushing.

• Hereditary weak enamel.

• Not rinsing teeth after every meal or drink.

• Medicines with iron content.

• Early tooth decay.

• Food flavors and sodas.

• As the milk teeth are sensitive and thinner than adult teeth, bacteria can easily invade his gums.

• Unclean gums can lead to tooth discoloration and enhance the spread of bacteria, which leaves yellow traces.

• Antibiotics like tetracycline during your pregnancy can discolor his teeth.

• Illnesses like hepatitis and heart issues also result in tooth discoloration.

[ Read: Dealing With Toddler Teeth Grinding ]

Treating Discoloration Of Teeth In Toddlers:

As a preliminary step, you must take your little munchkin to a dentist for a professional treatment.

1. The dentist might use bleaching oxides or other methods, depending on the reason of the stain.

2. The dentist will examine how many teeth are infected and will suggest you add baking soda to toothpaste while your toddler brushes his teeth.

3. The bleaching techniques include in-office bleaching, overnight vital bleaching, and the whitening strips treatment.

4. If the staining is due to severe health conditions like fluorosis, doctors will use a pumice treatment or attach a cap to his teeth.

[ Read: Gingivostomatitis In Toddlers ]

Preventing Toddler Teeth Discoloration:

Here we look at some tips to prevent toddler discolored teeth, which include:

1. If the discoloration occurs due to your toddler’s poor dental health, make sure you teach him how to brush his teeth properly and how to maintain proper dental health. Teach him that he must not swallow the toothpaste. Most toddlers learn to spit the toothpaste at the age of two to three years.

2. Don’t let him consume sugary liquids all the time.

3. Don’t dip his pacifier in sugary liquids.

4. Check with your dentist when your little one has developed enamel. Once the enamel takes its shape, fluoride won’t affect his teeth like it did earlier.

Relax! It’s tooth discoloration. Just follow your dentist’s treatment and help his teeth shine again. Plan for regular dental check-ups and get your munchkin to gargle twice a day to get rid of dental issues.

Did your little one ever face tooth discoloration? What did you do about discolored teeth in toddlers? Tell us your story here. Leave a comment.

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