From ages 5 and up, children are capable enough to brush their own teeth and take command of their own oral hygiene, however under the age of 5, it can be a little tricky. Toddlers often eat at random times of the day and sometimes nurse throughout the night. Iron and other supplements may also cause stains. Even if you brush their teeth in the morning and at night, the stains might not go away. Stains can make your toddler’s teeth look dirtier than they actually are and may also cover or hide tooth decay so if you can, here are a few ways you can try to get those stains out.
- Baking Soda & Water – Make a paste of baking soda and water (just a pinch and a few drops respectively) and brush the teeth using a toddler toothbrush. Do NOT use an adult toothbrush even if it’s soft because the bristles are still too harsh on your toddler’s teeth and gums.
- Adult Toothpaste – Choose an adult toothpaste that doesn’t contain whitening ingredients. (Those can be too harmful if swallowed). Use a small amount when brushing your toddlers teeth. Make sure your toddler is standing up and not lying down when you brush. Only use if you can teach your child to spit out the remaining toothpaste.
- Prevention – Don’t give your child a bottle when they’re sleeping and try to wean off night nursing sooner rather than later. Always floss if you see food particles are stuck. Once your toddler’s teeth are white, it takes a lot of management to keep them that way!
- Ask Your Dentist – Your dentist is the best bet when it comes to removing those stains permanently or at least until the adult teeth come in. A professional cleaning and brushing can help remove stains that you had a hard time removing at home.
Stained teeth aren’t the end of the world, but having healthy baby teeth is still very important. The better shape your toddler’s baby teeth are in, the better their chances are at having healthy and nicely aligned teeth later on. Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our office serves the New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200.
FAQs
Whitening Children's Teeth Naturally
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and brush your kid's teeth with it twice per week. Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that helps to whiten stained teeth.
How can I whiten my kids stained teeth? ›
Mix about a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water to create a paste. Have your child brush their teeth with this paste, and over time, you may see stain removal and a whitening effect. Use hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can whiten tooth color.
Why does my 2 year old have brown spots on his teeth? ›
If you notice that your child's teeth have black spots or brown spot on toddler tooth, then this can be a sign that they have baby bottle tooth decay.
How do you clean badly stained teeth? ›
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash.
Whitening toothpastes generally work by using abrasives to gently scrub stains from the surface. Some also include bleaching agents to remove deep-set stains, too. Your teeth should become gradually whiter as the products lift off stains bit by bit, day by day.
How can I treat my toddler's discolored teeth at home? ›
This includes brushing and flossing their teeth at least two times a day, as well as avoiding food or drink that are sugary or acidic. You can also make a natural solution of lemon juice and baking soda. This paste can be used to brush your child's teeth and may help remove the yellow discolouration.
How do I get plaque off my 2 year olds teeth? ›
Stripping off plaque is possible through brushing for three minutes, three times a day. Flossing and using interdental brushes can reach the spaces in between teeth. After brushing and flossing, rinsing the mouth with a fluoride mouthwash can remove the remaining plaque.
Why are my 2 year old's teeth turning yellow? ›
For very young children, fluorosis may be a concern. This condition happens when baby teeth are exposed to too much fluoride through water, toothpaste, or fortified foods. Fluorosis can lead to white or brown spots on the teeth, making the surrounding enamel look yellow. Other supplements may also discolor teeth.
How do you get rid of black stains on children's teeth? ›
Home Remedies for Removing Black Stains on Baby Teeth
Focus on brushing for at least two minutes, reaching all surfaces of the teeth. Wipe with a Damp Washcloth: After meals and before bedtime, gently wipe your child's teeth with a clean, damp washcloth to remove surface stains and food particles.
Can you whiten toddler's teeth? ›
Your child needs to wait until the enamel on their permanent teeth has fully calcified BEFORE beginning any whitening treatment.
How do you reverse tooth decay in toddlers? ›
An early sign of decay is white spots. White spots may appear on the tooth where minerals have been lost. If the decay is caught at this point, it can be reversed with the help of a fluoride treatment from the dentist. However, if damage continues, the enamel will continue to grow weak and a cavity will develop.
The treatment for white spots on kid's teeth varies depending on the cause. In cases of fluorosis or enamel hypoplasia, a pediatric dentist may recommend dental sealants or microabrasion to remove the spots and protect the tooth enamel. For tooth decay, a filling or other restorative treatment may be necessary.
How to remove brown stains from teeth naturally? ›
Baking soda is a popular home remedy for stained teeth. To use this method, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water. Rub the paste onto your teeth and let it sit for two minutes before rinsing. You can also try using hydrogen peroxide.
What teeth stains Cannot be removed? ›
Intrinsic. Intrinsic stains occur beneath the surface of the tooth and occur when stain-causing particles are able to work their way through the outer layer of your tooth and accumulate within the enamel. Intrinsic tooth stains are more difficult to remove then extrinsic stains, but they can be treated.
What is the best tooth stain remover? ›
Toothpaste brands such as Crest3D and Colgate Max White are exceptionally good at removing stains that are not too deep. The brushing technique matters and the proven way is to brush up and down as well as with a sideways motion.
How do dentists fix stained teeth? ›
How do dentists treat discolored teeth?
- Teeth whitening. Dentists may offer in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. ...
- Dental bonding. If you have deep tooth discoloration that doesn't improve with whitening, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. ...
- Porcelain veneers. ...
- Dental crowns.
White spot lesions can be one of the early signs of tooth decay. These white spots are signs of mineral loss. Fortunately, this situation can still be reversed. Consult with your dentist as soon as you notice white spot lesions on your teeth, and prevent the cavity from further development.
How do you get brown stains off front teeth? ›
The following home remedies can eliminate stains caused by foods, drinks, or lifestyle habits such as smoking:
- Brush the teeth with a mixture of baking soda and water every few days.
- Rinse the mouth with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution every day or every few days. Always rinse the mouth with water afterward.
Certain Foods
Certain beverages, such as soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice, are high in sugar and acid, which can erode the enamel on teeth and cause staining. Additionally, highly pigmented foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can cause teeth to become discolored over time.
Can you whiten toddlers teeth? ›
Your child needs to wait until the enamel on their permanent teeth has fully calcified BEFORE beginning any whitening treatment.
