What Causes Tooth Discoloration in Children? Pediatric Dentists in Sugar Land, Texas Have the Answer

When you picture someone with yellowed teeth, who comes to mind: an adult, or a child? While most people think this problem is one only adults face, tooth discoloration in children is becoming a more common occurrence. Pediatric dentists in Sugar Land, Texas, compiled a list of 15 common causes.

1. Lack of brushing/flossing: These problems can lead to early childhood tooth decay, excess plaque, and yellowing.
2. Soda: Acids contained in soda lead to tooth erosion, and make teeth more sensitive from staining, especially when dark sodas are consumed.
3. Medications: Some medications are known to cause tooth discoloration, especially if taken by the mother during pregnancy. Tetracycline taken during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born with tooth discoloration.
4. Fruit Juice: Aside from high amounts of sugar contained in them, fruit juice also contain pigments that cause tooth staining.
5. Popsicles: Just like they stain your child’s tongue and lips, the food dyes contained in these yummy treats can also work their way into the pores of tooth enamel and cause staining and/or discoloration.
6. Multivitamins: A small percentage of children will develop staining from the amounts of iron contained in their multivitamins.
7. Tooth Injury: When teeth are partially knocked out, broken or chipped, the damage can reach the gums and cause them to remain a grayish color.
8. Excess Amounts of Fluoride: Whether from the water or swallowing toothpaste, excess amounts of fluoride can cause brown spots to appear on children’s teeth.
9. Jaundice: Pediatric dentists in Sugar Land, TX know it is not uncommon for a baby who was born with jaundice to develop a green tint to their teeth.
10. Hot/Cold Beverages: Just like a hot shower opens open the pores on your skin, hot drinks open up the pores on the teeth and can lead to discoloration. Cold drinks have the same effect. To avoid staining, keep drinks from cool to lukewarm in temperature.
11. Fruits & Veggies: While we will never discourage a child loading up on fruits & vegetables, we do encourage they drink a large glass of water after consumption to help wash away the pigments that lead to staining.
12. Illness: The mouth is a gateway to discovering other issues in the body. Sometimes tooth discoloration is a sign of something bigger.
13. Genetics: Those born with a weak enamel will be more susceptible to staining.

For more tips on preventing tooth staining from pediatric dentists in Sugar Land, Texas, contact our office today!