It’s surprising to know that most people who have kids don’t even know what causes yellow teeth in children. It’s important that when parents notice something unusual in their children’s oral health, they should always try to find out what causes it and how to proffer solution. So, when we see children with yellow teeth, what could possibly be the cause? Well, there are a handful of factors that lead to children having yellow teeth. These factors could be either internal or external. Without much ado, let’s look at the causes of yellow teeth in children:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Children really dislike brushing their teeth. When being forced to do it, they reluctantly ‘brush’ to fulfil all righteousness, meanwhile, they didn’t really have a proper cleaning of their teeth. This act of improper brushing can lead to plaque formation and them having yellow teeth. - Medication
Medication is another cause of having yellow teeth. This is due to the fact that most children’s medications contain iron. Iron, which always lead to teeth discolouration is another factor that leads to yellow teeth. Certain antibiotics are not left out as they also cause teeth discolouration. - Supplements and Chemicals
Metallic salts and iron supplements other causes of yellow teeth in children. The surprising thing here is that some kinds of antiseptics that are found in throat sprays, lozenges and toothpaste can result in teeth discolouration. - Fluorosis
This is a chronic condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine compounds, marked by mottling of the teeth and, if severe, calcification of the ligaments. Too much fluoride damages enamel-forming cells, causing the teeth to turn yellow. To prevent fluorosis, make sure your child brushes with a small amount of toothpaste and doesn’t swallow it. - Jaundice
This is a medical condition with yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from excess of the pigment bilirubin and typically caused by obstruction of the bile duct, by liver disease, or by excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Children who suffer from severe jaundice, when they are birthed may end up having yellow teeth when the begin teething. - Foods and Drinks
Children love food. As a matter of fact, they consume more than their parents’ expectations. In as much as it is important to eat and stay healthy, some foods and drinks are known to stain teeth and even break down enamel. Dark foods and drinks can discolour children’s teeth. These include cranberry juice, grape juice and blueberries. The aforementioned can discolour children’s teeth if consumed repeatedly.
Foods that contain acid such as tomatoes and oranges can lead to children having yellow teeth. The best way to avoid this occurrence is to make sure your child brushes immediately after consuming these. It’s a bit tasking but it’s worth it. The act of brushing after every meal will sure minimize the effect of dark foods and drinks. - Trauma
Trauma is another factor that can lead to yellow teeth in children. This happens when the capillaries inside the teeth break. This is how it works: when the capillaries burst, hemosiderin leaks into the canals in the teeth, thereby changing the colour of their teeth or leading to teeth discolouration. - Tetracycline
Tetracycline antibiotics can result to children having teeth discolouration or yellow teeth. This is the reason women who take such medications are often advised not to get pregnant because of the bone defects it can lead to. It is important to note that children should be up to 7 years and above before being exposed to such ingredients to avoid having teeth discolouration.
LOW SELF ESTEEM BEGINS WHEN A CHILD IS NOT CONFIDENT ABOUT HIS/HER LOOKS. THEIR ORAL HEALTH SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
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