Why Do My Kid’s Teeth Look Yellow? Should They See A Dentist?

If you’ve noticed that one or more of your child’s teeth are looking yellow, you may be concerned. What could this mean? Is something wrong with their mouth? Do you need to see a dentist? 

Don’t fret. In this blog from Cavity Patrol Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the top causes of yellow teeth in kids.

1. Your Child’s Adult Teeth Are Coming In

If your child has recently lost some of their baby teeth and their adult teeth are coming in, you may notice that their adult teeth look a lot more yellow than their baby teeth. This is completely normal.

There are a few reasons why adult teeth look more yellow than baby teeth. First, the nerve canal is very large, but this will shrink over time as the tooth develops.

The enamel of a new adult tooth is also more transparent when it first erupts, and adult teeth have a lot more dentin. Dentin is the second layer of the tooth under the enamel, and is naturally yellow in appearance. Combined with more transparent enamel, this leads to a more yellow appearance.

As your child grows older, however, the adult teeth will lighten up quite a bit, and once they have all of their adult teeth, their smile will look completely normal. 

2. Your Child Has Thin Enamel

If thin enamel runs in your family, your child may also have thin enamel. This can make their teeth look yellow. As mentioned in section #1, the enamel is bright and white, while the dentin underneath it is more yellow in color. 

If you think your child has thin enamel, your child may need additional care to prevent cavities and other oral health issues. Make sure to see a pediatric dentist to get the preventive treatment you need.

3. Your Child’s Teeth Are Being Stained By Food & Drinks

Certain foods and drinks like cola, tea, sports drinks, juice, blueberries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and other foods and drinks can stain your child’s teeth. Your child should rinse or brush after eating staining foods, and maintain good oral hygiene. 

4. Your Child Isn’t Brushing Properly

If your child is not brushing their teeth properly, this may result in the buildup of yellowish-brown tartar on their teeth. Poor oral hygiene also means they’re more likely to get cavities or even gum disease, so make sure your children are brushing twice a day for two minutes using proper technique. Supervising your kids as they brush is a good idea. 

Does Your Child Have Yellow Teeth? Get A Checkup At Our Office!

Most of the time, yellow teeth are not a major cause for concern in kids. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes, yellow teeth can indicate oral health issues that need to be treated to preserve your little one’s oral health.

So if your child has one or more yellow teeth in Cypress, Katy, Towne Lake, Bridgeland, Elyson, or Lantana, don’t wait. Dr. Chun and Dr. Julia are here to help at Cavity Patrol Pediatric Dentistry. Contact us online or give us a call at (832) 305-6507 to schedule an appointment right away, and make sure your little one’s smile is healthy.