An adult with discolored teeth is not an uncommon occurrence, but a baby with it can be surprising. As your baby's teeth erupt, it is possible that one or all of them could be discolored. If your child's teeth are discolored, here is what you need to know.
What Causes Discoloration?
The reasons for discoloration in a baby's teeth are not that different from why an adult's teeth are discolored. In some instances, the discoloration could result from inadequate dental care or an injury. If your baby developed jaundice after birth, it is sometimes possible for his or her teeth to have a slight tint.
Yellowing or strangely tinted teeth can also be the result of medication. If your child is taking vitamins or antibiotics, they could be to blame. Fluoride is good for your baby's teeth, but in excess amounts, it can cause discoloration.
However, discoloration could be a sign of a more serious issue. Some health conditions, such as infection and heart disease, can cause the baby's teeth to appear discolored.
How Is It Treated?
The most important thing for you to do is to see both your pediatrician and the dentist. Ideally, your child should see the dentist for his or her first visit when the first tooth erupts. If your child has not seen the dentist yet, now is the time.
The pediatrician can help to rule out the presence of a more serious medical condition and help determine if a medication is to blame for the teeth's discoloration.
A trip to the dentist can help to ensure that the baby is getting the right amounts of fluoride and that there is not an infection or gum disease present. There is a possibility that the dentist might bleach the discolored teeth. Whether or not it is necessary is based on your dentist's observations.
What Can You Do?
At home, it is important that you are brushing your child's teeth on a regular basis. Since your baby cannot yet spit out the toothpaste, keep the amount of toothpaste you are using to a minimal amount. A smear of toothpaste should be enough to effectively clean the teeth.
You can also avoid giving your child beverages and foods that could lead to staining. For instance, grape juice and blueberries can cause staining. If you do give your child any of these foods, be sure to brush his or her teeth afterwards to prevent stains from setting.
Discoloration of your child's teeth can be surprising, but in most instances, it can be treated. Work with your child's pediatrician and dentist at a clinic like Arrowhead Family Dentistry to ensure that your child's teeth are in the best shape possible.
Share3 September 2015
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.