Your child’s permanent teeth are coming in yellow because permanent teeth have more dentin than baby teeth. If the yellowness of their teeth doesn’t fade to white after 6 months, it could be because of an enamel defect, dietary factors, fluorosis, or genetics. It’s best to consult a paediatric dentist to diagnose the cause of permanent yellow teeth remaining yellow.
If you notice that only some teeth are yellow, this means there is one or more of the following problems:
- Enamel hypoplasia
- Fluorosis
- Tooth decay
- Tooth trauma
- Infection
- Diet-related plaque
- Calculus
- Enamel problems
According to a 2018 study, one in three children in Australia don’t brush their teeth twice a day. Parents play a significant role in cultivating good oral hygiene habits in their children from a young age. While this may lead to yellow teeth in kids, it’s not always the case.
At Brisbane Paediatric Dentist, we recognise which of these problems is most probable after examining your child’s teeth. So here’s a breakdown on why some children’s teeth come in yellow so that you know what action to take.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify the difference between natural yellow teeth and problematic tooth discolouration in kids
- Find out what causes unnatural yellowness in kids’ teeth
- Learn how to counter discoloured teeth in children
- Discover the science behind healthy dental habits for kids
Reasons Why Children’s Permanent Teeth Come in Yellow
The reasons why children’s teeth come in yellow include natural reasons, and problematic reasons like an enamel deficiency, trauma, or plaque. You can tell which is relevant to your own child by looking at the following table and comparing it to your child’s age and lifestyle habits.
| Reason | Normal Age Range | Not Normal Age Range | Lifestyle Causes | Problematic Causes |
| Newly Erupting Permanent Teeth | 6 to 8 years old | After 9 years old | Natural color difference from baby teeth | None, this is normal |
| Weak Enamel | 6 to 12 years old | After 12 years old | Genetics, high-acid diet | Enamel hypoplasia (weakened or underdeveloped enamel) |
| Dietary Stains | Any age | N/A | Consuming staining foods (soda, berries, curry, tomato sauce) | Excessive fluoride exposure (fluorosis) |
| Poor Oral Hygiene | Any age | N/A | Not brushing/flossing properly | Plaque and tartar buildup, increased risk of cavities |
| Medication Effects | N/A | Any age | Antibiotics like tetracycline if taken in early childhood | Intrinsic staining from medication interfering with enamel formation |
| Excess Fluoride (Fluorosis) | N/A | Any age | Swallowing fluoride toothpaste, high-fluoride water | Enamel discoloration with white or yellow-brown streaks |
| Tooth Decay | N/A | Any age | High sugar intake, poor oral hygiene | Enamel erosion leading to darker dentin exposure |
| Trauma or Injury | N/A | Any age | Accidental impact on teeth | Damage to blood supply inside tooth, causing discoloration |
How Can You Fix Yellow Teeth in Children?
You can fix yellow teeth in children by understanding the cause of the discolouration. If the yellowness is a natural occurrence, the teeth will naturally fade to white. If there is a problem like fluorosis, tooth decay, or trauma, you should consult your paediatric dentist. If the problem is diet or oral-hygiene related, try cultivating healthier habits.
Dental Problems and Solutions
Dental problems like weak enamel, fluorosis, plaque build-up, calculus, and trauma usually require a visit to your local paediatric dentist. But as a parent, you can teach your children to prevent these issues.
- Fluorosis: Prevent fluorosis by teaching your child not to use too much fluoride toothpaste. A small dollop is sufficient for brushing teeth, and too much may lead to fluorosis. Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing.
- Plaque build-up: Plaque can be easily prevented by teaching your child to brush twice a day. You can also get them into the habit of rinsing with water after every meal and avoiding sugary food.
- Calculus (tartar): Calculus forms when plaque is not controlled. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will keep calculus at bay because plaque won’t have the chance to transform into calculus.
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay can be prevented by avoiding too much sugary foods. This is not only sweets, but also sweetened yoghurt, fruit juice, and especially soft drinks.
- Trauma: Teach your child the importance of preserving their teeth. They should avoid chewing hard objects, and always use a mouthguard when playing impact sports. If your child rides a bicycle, make sure they wear protective gear at all times.
- Dental enamel hypoplasia: Dental enamel hypoplasia can be prevented through a healthy diet. Foods like fish, mushrooms, eggs, and yoghurt are rich in Vitamin D, and help to strengthen your child’s enamel.
Poor Lifestyle Habits
Oral hygiene is an important skill every child should learn once their permanent teeth have come in. They’ll have clean, white and shiny teeth when they’re adults if they get a good head start in oral hygiene. Here’s how you can cultivate good oral hygiene habits in your children.
- Brushing charts: Design a chart and mark off brushing with star stickers to motivate kids to be consistent. Offer a reward once they reach certain goals.
- Turn the science into a story: Plaque is nothing more than microscopic bacteria that feeds off sugars. Translate these tiny little organisms into monsters and turn brushing into an adventure that fights them off.
- Fun toothbrushes: Let your kids choose their own toothbrushes and toothpaste so that they look forward to using them every day.
- Family brushing time: Brush your own teeth with your kids. Make it a family activity and teach them to brush for a full 2 minutes like you do.
- Tasty mouthwash: Get a nice-tasting mouthwash for your kids so that they will rinse after brushing. You can also encourage them to rinse with mouthwash after sugary snacks.
Why Are My Child’s Permanent Teeth Coming in Discoloured FAQs
Should I consider having my child’s teeth whitened?
You should not consider having your child’s teeth whitened if they are under the age of 14. That’s because their teeth are still in a developmental phase and whitening can weaken the enamel. Consider teaching your child good oral hygiene habits instead, and having their teeth whitened when they are older.
Does baking soda whiten kids’ teeth?
Baking soda has been shown to whiten kids’ teeth by removing surface stains. Because baking soda is lightly abrasive, it can help to remove plaque and neutralize acid from sugary foods. Because it’s natural and chemical free, baking soda is a great addition to your child’s brushing routine.
Why do my child’s teeth have yellow spots?
Yellow spots on teeth are caused by a child’s weak enamel and poor oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, rinsing with water or mouthwash after meals, and regular flossing can prevent yellow spots on teeth in kids. If your child’s teeth are stubbornly discoloured, visit your nearest paediatric dentist for advice.
What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth in children?
A vitamin D deficiency can cause yellow teeth in children. Vitamin D is instrumental in preventing weak enamel and tooth decay. Vitamin D rich foods include fish, yoghurt, egg yolk, and mushrooms. Other deficiencies that may also cause teeth discolouration are:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
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