Why Are my Kid’s Teeth Yellow?

Many parents of 6- and 7-year-old kids wonder why their children’s permanent teeth are yellow. There are several potential causes of yellow teeth in kids. These causes can be either intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external).

Read on to find out why your kid’s teeth are yellow.

Why Children’s Teeth are Yellow

Primary teeth are naturally brighter than permanent teeth. Besides having a thicker enamel, permanent teeth also have denser dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). The fact that the dentin is yellow gives adult teeth a somewhat more yellow color than the primary teeth.

The yellower color of permanent teeth is perfectly normal and may not be as noticeable after all the permanent teeth have come in. There are also extrinsic causes of yellow teeth in kids, which include:

• Poor diet– Many foods can cause staining of the teeth’s outer layer. Diet, combined with poor brushing practices typical of small children, can lead to yellowing of teeth.

• Supplements and chemicals– Iron supplements and other metallic salts are a significant cause of tooth-staining in kids. Chlorhexidine, a common chemical used for eliminating dental plaque, can also cause temporary teeth discoloration.

You can prevent extrinsic causes of teeth-yellowing with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

How to Whiten Your Kid’s Yellow Teeth

Here are some practical ways to eliminate staining and brighten your kid’s teeth:

• Good oral hygiene– As kid’s teeth grow and thicken, they will lose some of the yellow shade caused by dentin showing through the enamel. Nonetheless, regular brushing and flossing will ensure the teeth are plaque-free, and the gums are healthy.

Consider investing in a spin-brush. These brushes are more efficient for kid’s teeth than ordinary brushing. They clean the crevices and eliminate surface stains more effectively.

• Provide a healthy diet– Avoid sugar-rich and carbonated drinks because they cause tooth staining. Tea and coffee are also not good for your child’s teeth. Moreover, sour candies and highly acidic foods can cause enamel erosion, eventually exposing the dentin. Exposed dentin results in discolored teeth because dentin is naturally yellow.