Why Are My Child's Permanent Teeth Coming In Discolored?
As a parent, it’s only natural to be worried about your child, especially when they’re going through important developmental changes. The first time your child’s tooth falls out is a cause for celebration - but when their new permanent tooth comes in discolored, it can be cause for concern.
There’s good news; most of the time, discoloration is completely natural and caused by the higher dentin content of permanent teeth. Let’s dive into tooth discoloration: What’s normal, what’s not, and what you need to know.
Is It Normal for A Child's Permanent Teeth To Look Discolored?
Surprisingly, yes! Adult teeth have more dentin in them than baby teeth. When compared to the baby teeth surrounding your child’s new permanent tooth, the tooth will look more yellow; these more yellow teeth are completely natural.
There are, however, some causes of discoloration that are not normal; these types of discoloration can be caused by things as minor and treatable as poor brushing technique, or by major issues like genetic disorders that alter enamel formation.
Common Causes Of A Child’s Permanent Teeth Being Discolored
Staining From Food & Drinks
The most common cause for discoloration is exactly what you’d expect: Staining from pop, juice, food dyes, acidic foods, and other common sources of staining. Fortunately, this type of discoloration can be mitigated by changes in diet and regular brushing and flossing, along with visits to the dentist for more thorough cleaning.
Poor Brushing Habits & Plaque Buildup
There’s a lot of evidence that most adults don’t know how to brush their teeth properly - so you can only imagine how many kids don’t have great brushing techniques. Poor dental hygiene can lead to more than stained or yellow teeth; it can lead to tooth decay.
We recommend using a toothbrush that plays a song to ensure that kids know how long to brush for, and going over brushing technique with your child and a dental hygienist. Good oral hygiene starts young!
Trauma Or Injury To Developing Teeth
Sometimes, not enough enamel forms on teeth, exposing the yellow dentin below; this condition is known as enamel hypoplasia. There is some evidence that enamel hypoplasia can be caused by dental trauma in young children, even before their permanent teeth have emerged.
When your children are playing sports, riding on bikes, or engaged in any other physical activity that could lead to dental trauma, make sure they’re wearing the appropriate equipment. Helmets and mouthguards are a must!
Effects Of Medications, Antibiotics, Or Supplements
A variety of medications can also cause discoloration; medications, antibiotics, and supplements can form deposits on developing teeth, which may emerge yellow, brown, or even grey. Tetracycline antibiotics are the biggest culprit, to the point that doctors will rarely prescribe them for children under eight.
Chemotherapy and radiation can alter tooth enamel production which can lead to discoloration once permanent teeth emerge.
Excessive fluoride consumption can also cause fluorosis, staining teeth with white markings that can become pitted and brown in severe cases. Fluorosis is exceptionally rare, but it’s still a good idea to monitor your child’s brushing to ensure they don’t swallow toothpaste.
Genetic Or Developmental Enamel Issues
Several different genetic and developmental disorders can cause enamel issues, including:
Ameleogenesis imperfecta (which affects enamel development)
Dentinogenesis imperfecta (which affects dentin development)
Dentin dysplasia (which affects dentin development and tooth roots)
These conditions are very rare; regular visits to the dentist can help parents spot the conditions in their children early and develop plans for treatment and care.
How To Treat Discolored Permanent Teeth In Children
The treatment for discolored permanent adult teeth varies depending on what is causing the discoloration. Some forms of discoloration, like those caused by staining or poor brushing habits, are relatively easy to treat by modifying diet and oral health care routines.
Other problems, like those caused by trauma, medication, or genetic disorders, require more intensive interventions. Teeth whitening treatments, restorative treatments, and cosmetic treatments like veneers may all be used, depending on the cause and severity of the discoloration.
Can You Prevent A Child’s Permanent Teeth From Coming In Discolored?
There are some causes of discoloration that cannot be prevented; you can, however, reduce the risk of your child’s teeth coming in discolored by:
Avoiding the use of tetracycline antibiotics (including doxycycline and minocycline)
Teaching your child not to swallow fluoride
Ensuring that your child uses appropriate protective equipment when engaged in physical activity
Once your child’s permanent teeth come in, be sure that they brush them twice a day for 2 minutes, and that they floss once a day. Be a role model; take care of your own teeth, and it will be easier for your child to take care of theirs!
When To Be Concerned About A Child’s Discolored Permanent Teeth
Signs The Discoloration Isn’t Normal
“Normal” discoloration is caused by staining, poor brushing, and the higher dentin content in permanent teeth. The first two issues should be addressed, while the latter doesn’t need any intervention; your dentist can tell you if new permanent teeth have a normal level of discoloration.
Spotted, grey, brown, and patchy discolorations are all signs that the discoloration may not be normal; visiting your child’s dentist after their first permanent tooth emerges can help you determine if their teeth are healthy.
Conditions That May Require Treatment
Genetic conditions and enamel hypoplasia all require more thorough dental interventions; the exposed dentin or weakened enamel can cause oral health problems that need to be addressed. Other issues, such as those caused by deposits from medication, are purely aesthetic; cosmetic treatments are all that is needed.
Talk to A Dentist About Your Child’s Discolored Teeth
Worried about your child’s discolored teeth? We’re here to help. As a children's dentist Winnipeg parents have trusted for decades, we make children feel safe, comfortable, and even excited to visit us. Don’t worry about discolored teeth; visit the caring, compassionate dental experts at Shine Dental. We’ll help you and your kids feel better.