Yellow teeth are not always a sign of oral health issues, but it is a good idea to contact the dentist to check for plaque accumulation, cavities, or tooth trauma if the discolouration is chronic and has no known reason. Getting professional whitening treatment and maintaining proper oral hygiene may be the most effective ways to treat discoloured teeth. 

Many different factors might lead to yellow teeth, some of which are beyond the patient's control. If your youngster consumes a lot of foods and beverages that stain, the teeth may eventually become discoloured or yellow if they do. Tea, cola, and anything that is strongly pigmented, such as dark juices or blueberries, are examples of meals and beverages that stain.

If your child has suffered from a tooth injury, this can cause staining. If your child has recently experienced dental trauma and their tooth is discolored, they should visit a dentist immediately. Your child could also have ingested too much fluoride at a younger age. This is a condition known as fluorosis and it turns teeth yellow. Other substances that cause tooth staining include antibiotics such as tetracycline.

However, yellowing of the teeth may not be due to staining at all. Other possibilities include poor oral hygiene that has led to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky yellow substance that feeds off of food particles in the mouth to produce acids that attack the enamel. Other causes of staining of teeth include:

The right treatment for discolored teeth will depend on the root cause of the discoloration. For example, if your child’s teeth are yellow due to cavities, plaque, or poor oral hygiene, then a thorough dental cleaning could dramatically whiten their teeth.

However, if their teeth have been permanently stained or are naturally discolored, other cosmetic treatments may need to be considered such as veneers or teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is typically used only in adults but is still utilized but can be an effective treatment for adolescents. 

This is something you would need to discuss with your dentist to determine if your child is eligible for teeth cleaning depending on their age. Veneers act as covers over the teeth and are a better option for teeth that are resistant to whitening treatments or have been stained from inside the surface.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the best way to combat staining and reduce the risk of developing cavities and plaque, which can cause the teeth to turn yellow. Your child should brush their teeth twice a day and remember to floss each day. Use fluoride toothpaste (that is appropriate for their age group) and a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub their teeth. 

To avoid dental trauma, make sure your child wears a mouthguard if they grind their teeth and attend regular dental appointments every 6 months. Plaque is not always easily removed without professional help. If your child is at least 12 years old, a more cost-effective alternative to professional teeth whitening would be to use ADA-approved over-the-counter whitening strips.

Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Appointment at 24/7 Local Dentist, PLC

If you’ve noticed your child’s teeth appear unusually yellow, bring them in for a dental checkup and cleaning. We can take a closer look at the condition of their teeth, remove any plaque buildup, and formulate a treatment plan if discolouration persists. To schedule an appointment at 24/7 Local Dentist, PLC, contact us at (833) 220-2448 or book online with Dr Jarod Johnson.