Why Do Children's Teeth Become Yellow? Here Are the Causes & How to Treat It

Why Do Children's Teeth Turn Yellow?

Did you know that baby teeth are naturally whiter than permanent teeth? So, when adult teeth start to grow in, it's normal for them to appear more yellowish. However, if your child's teeth appear increasingly yellow or even dark, there are several causes to be wary of:

Causes of Yellow Teeth in Children:

1. Differences in Permanent Tooth Color

Permanent teeth have more dentin than baby teeth. Dentin is the yellowish tissue beneath the enamel. Therefore, as adult teeth grow in, they can appear more yellow.

2. Plaque & Lack of Tooth Brushing

Plaque caused by food residue and lack of brushing can cause teeth to appear yellow and dull.

3. Dental Caries (Cavities)

Holes or black spots caused by cavities can cause teeth to appear yellow to brownish.

4. Tooth Injury

Trauma to the teeth can cause the capillaries inside them to break and cause the teeth to change color to yellow, brown, or gray.

5. Genetic Factors

Children with thin enamel (which can be genetically inherited) are at risk of having more yellow teeth.

6. Fluorosis & Supplements

Excessive exposure to fluoride while teeth are still developing can cause fluorosis—white or brown stains on teeth. Iron supplements can also make teeth appear grayish or black.

7. Medical Conditions

Several conditions such as hepatitis, jaundice, and consumption of certain types of antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline) during pregnancy or infancy can cause tooth discoloration.

Safe Ways to Treat Yellow Teeth in Children:

1. Maintain Oral Hygiene

Teach children to brush their teeth twice a day, use special children's toothpaste that is safe if swallowed and low in fluoride.

2. Brush After Taking Supplements

After taking supplements such as iron, make sure your child brushes their teeth or at least rinses their mouth.

3. Healthy Eating Patterns

Avoid sugary drinks, increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots which help clean the surface of your teeth.

4. Use Lemon + Baking Soda (1x/week)

A mixture of baking soda and a little lemon juice can help brighten teeth, but only use it once a week.

5. Check with a Dentist

If the stain does not disappear or there is a hole, take it to the pediatric dentist immediately.

FAQ:

1. Are permanent teeth really more yellow than baby teeth?
Yes, because it contains more dentin. This color is natural and not a sign of decay.

2. What is fluorosis and how to prevent it?
Fluorosis occurs due to excess fluoride during tooth development. Use a low-fluoride children's toothpaste and teach your child to spit.

3. Does consuming iron cause black teeth?
Yes, because iron can react in the mouth. Brushing your teeth after taking the supplement may help.

4. Can I use lemon and baking soda for children?
You can do it occasionally (once a week), but don't do it too often because it can damage the enamel.

5. What foods can help brighten teeth?
Apples, carrots, celery, and pears. Their hard texture can help naturally scrub your teeth.

Scientific References:

Levy SM. (1994). Review of fluoride exposures and ingestion. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol .
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention.
Beltrán-Aguilar ED, et al. (2010). Prevalence and Severity of Dental Fluorosis in the United States, 1999–2004. NCHS Data Briefs .
Li Y, et al. (2001). Risk factors for enamel fluorosis in a nonfluoridated population. Caries Res .

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