Your child getting their first adult teeth is such an exciting time! But what does it mean when their teeth emerge already discolored? It is totally normal for adult teeth to be less-white than baby teeth. Tooth discoloration in kids can be caused by several different factors, so you should talk to our North Palm Beach pediatric dentist to find out more about your child’s unique smile.

Thin Enamel

The core of your tooth is called dentin, which is naturally yellow. If your child has thin or weakened enamel their teeth may appear to be slightly yellow. The enamel acts as a shield for the tooth’s dentin, so weakened enamel may make your child’s smile look discolored. Weakened enamel can be dangerous for your child’s oral health, so you should talk to our North Palm Beach pediatric dentist about how to protect their smile. Enamel can’t be regenerated once it is lost, so your child may need to be extra vigilant about protecting their teeth.

Medications

Tooth discoloration can occur due to medications your child may be taking or even by medications taken by their mother during pregnancy. Some antibiotics and other medications can leave deposits on the surface of your teeth or even underneath the surface of the gums. This can alter the color of teeth that are still developing and have yet to emerge. This condition may be irreversible depending on severity, so talk to our team about your child’s whitening options.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Bad dental care habits can be the reason why your child’s smile is discolored. Kids that don’t take care of their smile can be setting themselves up for poor oral health in the future. It is so important to teach good habits at a young age because it will determine the quality of their health well into adulthood. Your child should brush twice per day with fluoride toothpaste and floss before bed. They should also visit our North Palm Beach pediatric dentist every six months for a check-up and dental cleaning to help protect their smile. Taking good care of their baby teeth can help them to develop a healthy and white smile in the future, so quality dental care is essential at every age. Likewise, if your child does not take care of their baby teeth, they are more likely to develop discolored adult teeth and may already be suffering from dental decay or gum disease.

Nutrition

Diet is a huge contributing factor when it comes to the color and health of your child’s smile. Sugary and acidic foods can eat away at your child’s enamel and contribute to dental decay. Try and teach your child about the benefits of a balanced diet. Fruits, veggies, dairy products, and lean proteins all help to strengthen your smile and clean your gums. They can improve overall health and keep your smile white. Swap out sodas and fruit juices for water whenever possible to keep your child hydrated and clean their smile throughout the day. A proper diet is an essential component for keeping your child’s teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Every smile is unique, so talk to our North Palm Beach pediatric dentist about your child’s oral health. If they have tooth discoloration from a young age, we may be able to help whiten their smile depending on the cause. Schedule an appointment with us for a thorough examination and cleaning so that we can determine the best course of action for your child’s smile.