Why Do My Kid’s Teeth Look Yellow? Should I Be Worried?

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Dental health is really important for kids. And if you have recently noticed that your child’s teeth are looking yellow, you may be wondering why, and if you should be concerned. In this blog from Smileform Dentistry, we’ll go over a few common causes of yellow teeth, and discuss what may be contributing to this issue.

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1. They Have Poor Oral Hygiene

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This is especially common among older kids (usually six or older) who are now brushing their teeth on their own. If they don’t brush frequently enough or properly, bacteria-filled plaque and tartar can build up on their teeth. Plaque picks up stains from foods and drinks easily, and tartar has a yellowish-brown color. 

The solution is simple. Make sure your child brushes twice a day and flosses once per day, and come to Smileform Dentistry for a teeth cleaning. In a professional teeth cleaning, a hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar buildup, restoring your child’s oral health and their bright, white smile too.

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2. Their Diet Is Staining Or Discoloring Their Teeth

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Certain drinks are common culprits for tooth stains, like sports drinks, soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some others. Some foods like tomato sauce and curry can also stain their teeth over time.

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These stains tend to be harmless. However, a diet high in sugary drinks like soda can often lead to a higher risk of cavities, so we recommend cutting back on these drinks. If your child has severe stains on their adult teeth, they may also be able to get teeth whitening in the future to restore the color of their smile.

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3. You’re Noticing Their Adult Teeth As They Erupt

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If your child has a couple of teeth that look more yellow than others, it may be that you’re just noticing the color of their adult teeth. Adult teeth are naturally more yellow in color than baby teeth. 

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Baby teeth are milky-white. Adult teeth tend to be a little darker. This is because they have a lot more “dentin.” This is the second layer of tooth material that’s under the enamel. Dentin is yellow in color, while enamel is bright white.

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So don’t worry. Adult teeth brighten up slightly after they first erupt, and your child’s smile will look even and normal once they lose all of their baby teeth and their adult teeth come out.

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4. They Have Thin Enamel Due To Genetic Factors

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As we mentioned, dentin is more yellow in appearance than enamel. So if your child’s enamel is thin due to genetic factors, their teeth may look yellowish, since the color of their dentin is more likely to show through.

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By itself, thin enamel is not a huge deal. With proper oral hygiene, you can keep your child’s teeth healthy. However, they are more susceptible to cavities and other oral problems, so it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and see the dentist regularly for preventive care.

Worried About Your Child’s Teeth? Get To The Bottom Of It At Smileform Dentistry!

Often, slightly yellow teeth are nothing to worry about. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you think your child’s teeth look strange or abnormal, it never hurts to visit the dentist for a consultation. So contact Smileform Dentistry online or give us a call at (267) 692-2922. Dr. Inna Solovey serves children of all ages with expert dental care, and we’re standing by to keep your little one’s mouth healthy.