If your child's teeth look yellow or orange, it's most likely because they aren't being cleaned thoroughly and have developed a build-up of plaque that is stained with food debris. You can usually remove these stains by brushing the teeth with a little bit of adult toothpaste (which contains more scrubbing power than children's) or a little bit of baking soda and water. If this doesn't work, your dentist can remove the stains with a professional scrubbing. These stains are not necessarily an indication of tooth decay, but letting plaque accumulate on the teeth can cause gum disease (even in youngsters!) and it's not a good habit to get into.
Advertisem*nt | page continues below
If you're seeing dark stains on your toddler's teeth, it may be due to the iron in his multivitamin. If your child is the one in a thousand who is susceptible to this kind of stain, you'll have to be even more vigilant about brushing regularly and thoroughly to stay on top of it. Once these stains have taken root, they're very difficult to get off, even with a professional scrubbing from your dentist. However, they won't affect the health of your child's teeth even though you might not like the way they look.
Baby teeth (usually one or two) can also become discolored if they're injured in a fall. This kind of stain is on the inside of the teeth and cannot be cleaned off. If your child has a chronic illness or recurrent high fevers or is exposed to certain medications or to excess fluoride over long periods during their infant or toddler years, it will probably not affect his baby teeth but can cause his adult teeth to grow in discolored.
Advertisem*nt | page continues below
Was this article helpful?
Yes
No
FAQs
Poor Brushing Habits
Why do my child's teeth look stained? ›
If baby teeth aren't brushed properly, bacteria (plaque) might form on the teeth — which can lead to tooth discoloration. Medication use. Infant medications containing iron, such as supplemental vitamins, might cause stains on baby teeth.
Why do my teeth looked stained? ›
Oral Care: Poor dental hygiene, such as inadequate brushing or flossing, can lead to tooth discoloration. Trauma or Disease: Any trauma, illness, or disease that affects enamel development in children—either in the womb or while teeth are developing (under the age of 8)—can cause discolored teeth.
Can vitamin deficiency cause teeth staining? ›
Tooth discoloration from vitamin deficiency often occurs in people who don't get enough vitamin D. Without exposure to sunlight or other sources of this vitamin, the dentin that forms the core of the teeth cannot fully regenerate and build new layers.
How to get rid of stains on children's teeth? ›
Teeth stained from food or drink can be treated with a simple solution of baking soda and lemon juice. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to baking soda and mix it into a paste that can be used when your child is brushing their teeth.
Why are my 7 year olds teeth stained? ›
If your child's teeth are not being brushed at least twice a day for 2+ minutes, bacteria-filled plaque and tartar (hardened and calcified plaque) can form on their teeth. Plaque can attract stains from foods and beverages, and tartar has a yellowish-brown color that may also discolor the teeth.
What are chromogenic stains on teeth in children? ›
Chromogenic black dental staining is an extrinsic dental discoloration seen in daily dental practice, especially in children. These stains are commonly seen as black dots or lines along the cervical third of the teeth. They can affect both primary and permanent dentitions.
What vitamin deficiency causes teeth discoloration? ›
Essential for teeth and gum health, vitamin B12 plays a vital role in eliminating plaque-causing bacteria, which can lead to gradual tooth discolouration. If you observe tooth stains or reddened gums, it may indicate a deficiency in vitamin B12, which is more prevalent among vegans or vegetarians.
What are intrinsic teeth stains? ›
Intrinsic Stains
An intrinsic stain is more permanent than an extrinsic stain. This type of deep-set stain is not caused by foods, beverages, or tobacco use the way that extrinsic stains are. Common causes of intrinsic stains include aging, overexposure to fluoride, the use of certain medications, and dental trauma.
Can stained teeth still be healthy? ›
Healthy teeth can be stained and unhealthy teeth can be white. There's simply no way to make a generalization about the health of your teeth based on their color. That said, certain stains can indicate that there may be an underlying health problem you should be concerned about.
In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.
What does a calcium deficiency look like in teeth? ›
Signs and Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency in Teeth
You might notice that you get more cavities than usual, or your teeth chip and break easily. The good news is that if you notice a calcium deficiency right away, you can work to help your body become better at replacing lost calcium and fortifying bones and teeth.
Does vitamin D whiten teeth? ›
One of the most important vitamins for teeth whitening and overall health is Vitamin D3. This vitamin will help to remineralize your teeth and works best when taken with calcium. Considering about half the population in the USA is deficient in Vitamin D, it may be the reason so many teeth are not white.
Why are my 8 year olds teeth stained? ›
Inadequate brushing habits are a common cause of tooth discoloration and stains in children. If your child doesn't properly care for their baby teeth, plaque bacteria can quickly accumulate, leading to stains and discoloration.
What is the most common stain found on children's teeth? ›
What is the brown stain on my child's teeth? ›
Poor Oral Hygiene
Proper and frequent brushing prevents the build-up of tartar and plaque bacteria on their teeth. Otherwise, plaque will build up on your child's teeth and eventually harden into a yellow-brown deposit of tartar.
How to get rid of brown stains on children's teeth? ›
Share on Pinterest Brushing the teeth with baking soda and water may help to eliminate stains caused by food and drink.
What is mottling of teeth in children? ›
Dental fluorosis (also termed mottled enamel) is a pervasive disorder characterised by hypomineralization of tooth enamel caused by ingestion of excessive fluoride during enamel formation.
