Have you noticed that your child has tooth discoloration? Perhaps your child has yellow teeth, or maybe you’ve noticed a tooth that is greyish in color. The good news is that many of the reasons for tooth discoloration are preventable, and many are also treatable. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Most childhood tooth discoloration is due to:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth injury
• Natural variations in tooth color

Discolored Baby Teeth

Discolored baby teeth in toddlers due to oral health issues or tooth decay can be a serious issue. If you don’t brush your baby’s teeth properly, plaque can form on their teeth, which over time can cause the tooth to decay. Many tooth-decay issues can be prevented with proper dental hygiene and regular dental care.

To prevent tooth decay and related tooth discoloration for your baby’s teeth, make sure your toddler brushes regularly and also help your them floss daily. In addition, consider ways to reduce the sugar that comes into contact with your child’s teeth by limiting candy, soda, and other high-sugar foods.

Although good dental hygiene starts at home, keep in mind that regular cleanings and dental exams are also an important part of oral health. The sooner Drs. Jenkins and LeBlanc diagnose potential issues with oral care, the better chance there is of restoring oral health.

Tooth Injury Discoloration

Active toddlers sometimes get hurt. Fortunately, kids are resilient, and their bodies usually recover quickly. If you notice sudden tooth discoloration this may be due to a tooth injury and the best course of action is to contact our office for an appointment. But you don’t have to wait until an accident happens to take precautions.

Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports can help to eliminate tooth injury. A professionally crafted mouth guard from Jenkins & LeBlanc will provide optimal protection for your child’s teeth and can also prevent injuries such damage to the chin or jaw.

Natural Variations in Tooth Color

Some toddlers with fantastic oral health may have some tooth discoloration simply due to natural variations in tooth color. In fact, our natural teeth can vary greatly in color without the influence of decay or trauma. However, if you notice discoloration of your child’s teeth, please make sure there hasn’t been a trauma and that your child’s mouth is free of infection and decay.

At Jenkins & LeBlanc we are passionate about your child’s oral health. If you notice your child has a discolored baby tooth, or you are concerned about your child’s oral health, please contact us for an appointment.