How to Avoid Your Child’s Teeth Turning Yellow

It’s a fantastic feeling getting to see your child’s beaming grin. But when your child’s teeth start to turn yellow, it may be a bit worrisome.

There are several factors as to why your child’s teeth could turn yellow, from an unhealthy diet to genetic disorders. Fortunately, there are several methods to restore them to their former glory and make them dazzling white once again.

Let’s look at the causes of yellow teeth and how to prevent them in greater detail.

What Causes Yellow Teeth in Children?

You may have noticed or recalled how clean your child’s baby teeth were. This is because these deciduous teeth have naturally thinner enamel, which makes them look noticeably whiter.

It’s when they get older when their permanent teeth start to appear, turning their once pearly whites into yellowish ones.

Adult teeth differentiate themselves from baby teeth due to the presence of more dentin—which produces a pale yellowish tinge under translucent enamel.

Nevertheless, baby teeth are still susceptible to discoloring from bad habits or genetic conditions. Putney children’s dentist recommends going to get your child’s yellow teeth treated by a dental care specialist as soon as possible to get a clearer diagnosis.

Reasons Why Teeth Becomes Yellow

Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why your child’s teeth may turn yellow.

Plaque and Cavities

Tooth decay and plaque deposits can cause teeth to become yellow.

The buildup of tartar, food residue, and plaque on the crowns of your child’s teeth is a common culprit for turning them yellow.

This happens when these organic deposits remain on the teeth for a long time, and the bacteria begin to break down these substances into acids that wear away at your child’s enamel.

Enamel is a strong mineralized tissue that covers the crown of teeth, but it’s not invincible. Over time, these acids that eat away at your child’s enamel can cause the color to change into a mild yellow hue.

If your child doesn’t brush their teeth properly or frequently enough, you’re inviting plaque and tartar to settle on your child’s teeth.

In severe cases of tooth decay, teeth may not be able to repair themselves from damage, causing them to discolor and become permanently yellowish.

Bad Brushing Habits

Brushing your child’s teeth properly is essential in maintaining a radiant smile.

But did you know that brushing too hard or using the wrong technique could actually damage their enamel?

Brushing with too much force, for example, can wear down your child’s enamel and increase teeth sensitivity.

In addition, brushing too hard could also cause their gums to recede or expose more dentin underneath the enamel. As a result, it will become more visible through their translucent white enamel.

Thus, teaching your child the right way to brush is important. Aim to brush at least twice a day, and don’t rush it. Remain as thorough as possible.

Genetics

Did you know? In rare cases, some people may be predisposed to naturally yellowish teeth.

It’s true. A child can inherit yellow teeth just as they would inherit their parent’s eye color.

Some genetic conditions that can lead to yellow teeth are dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfecta.

• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Characterized by a blue-gray or yellow-brown hue and weaker teeth.
• Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Characterized by discolored and weaker teeth due to missing or defective enamel.

How to Prevent the Development of Yellow Teeth

Prevention is always better than cure, so be proactive in teaching your child to have a whiter smile. It’s also possible to go for home remedies to accelerate the process of teeth whitening.

1) Over the counter whitening products

Some pharmaceutical products can be a great help in aiding your child to achieve those pearly whites. If your child has yellowish teeth, consider finding teeth bleaching kits, whitening toothpaste, or other items to give them in order for them to whiten their teeth.

But before you buy them, be sure you get the OK from your dentist. Many dental professionals will only prescribe OTC whitening products in certain situations. It’s usually recommended to older kids too. 

Some side effects of OTC kits are gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

2) Better diet

A diet rich in soda and cookies could lead to yellow teeth.

This is due to the action of bacteria on those substances, which cause plaque and tartar build-up that gradually discolor your child’s enamel.

Thus, proper dental hygiene can help prevent these changes.

Instead, instruct your child to opt for healthier food choices that include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

These include:

• Apples
• Celery
• Milk
• Watermelon
• Pears

Not only are these food items healthier for your dental health, but they also can improve your bodily functions as a whole.

3) Brushing with baking soda

It may sound wacky, but believe it or not, baking soda is a household staple that’s great at keeping your child’s teeth looking white and healthy. The reason why it’s good is since it’s naturally abrasive.

Combine one part water to one part baking soda to make a paste-like substance. With a toothbrush, brush your teeth with the mix for about a minute, then rinse.

4) Use the right technique when brushing

Remember to remind your child to brush for about two minutes, using the proper technique.

If you have an older child, tell them to brush gently in a circular motion. Clean each tooth and get into the various surfaces of teeth (front, back, and sides). Rinse thoroughly – and don’t forget to brush the tongue and gums as well.

Pro tip: It’s best to brush your teeth 60 minutes after eating sugary or acidic food. The purpose of this is to give your saliva the time it needs to properly wash away food particles, returning your mouth’s pH level to its normal baseline

5) Floss!

Whilst brushing is important, it’s also important to remember flossing can do just as much good for your child. Flossing gets rid of the plaque that gets stuck between the crevices of each tooth, which is something that brushing may miss.

To do it, tell your child to wind the floss in their middle finger for best reach. Hold it in place with your thumb and forefinger. Then, guide the floss as it reaches your guideline, forming a C-shape. Do the same for each tooth.

You may floss before or after brushing your teeth.