Your baby’s teeth are precious. You want to help your little one with oral hygiene starting when they are born so that they have a good routine and a healthy mouth when they are older. Sometimes, baby teeth can cause alarm when you see stains on them. Why would your child have stains on their teeth at such a young age?
First of all, when does your baby get their first tooth? Typically, between 6 months to a year old. Your baby will often have whiter teeth than adults as years of consuming food and drink have not spoiled the colour of their teeth. As they grow, you may begin noticing signs of discolouration but why?
Chromogenic bacteria
Baby teeth can develop a type of bacteria that causes brownish to black extrinsic stains on the surface of teeth. This discolouration usually goes away when permanent teeth come in but if it does not disappear then you should get your child to a dentist. This type of bacteria can only be treated by a dentist.
Medication and Vitamins
Liquid and chewable children’s medication is often filled with artificial colours and sugars. These two ingredients can discolour your child’s teeth with prolonged use. Vitamins are also known to stain a young one’s teeth due to the amount of iron in them. Be careful of the type of medication and vitamins you are providing your children and ask yourself if they really need it.
Weak Enamel
Do you have weak enamel in your genetics? This can cause your little one to have the same thing. Weak enamel can lead to tooth enamel loss and yellow discolouration. Eating a diet of calcium-rich foods such as cheese, sardines, and yogurt help keep your bones and teeth strong. Try to implement healthy foods into your child’s daily routine to help avoid with weak enamel issues.
Illness
If your little one is born with green or yellow-tinted teeth, this might be due to an illness such as hyperbilirubinemia. What is this? A condition where there is too much bilirubin in the blood, a substance that is formed when red blood cells break down. It is best to see your doctor and dentist if you suspect there may be an issue. Medical professionals will let you know what steps you should take to ensure your child has a healthy body and oral cavity.
Take a good look at your child’s teeth and examine them to identify any discolouration. Franklin Dental Centre knows how to treat your baby if they have unnatural stains on their teeth. Always check with your dentist before coming to any conclusions of your own on why your child’s teeth are oddly stained. Ensure you brush or clean your little one’s mouth twice a day to prevent any dental issues from occurring.
