Clean, white teeth are not only a pleasant sight, they are also a sign of good health. Many things can cause stained teeth, and though you may not realize it, children’s teeth can become stained just as easily as an adult’s can.
Causes of External Staining
Most often, if your child’s teeth are yellow, it’s due to what he or she eats or drinks. Some foods and beverages have staining qualities, and a young child’s teeth are particularly vulnerable to these. Soda and fruit drinks are big culprits, as are hard candy, tomato sauce and soy sauce. You can combat this by making sure children brush their teeth or rinse their mouth after eating.
Check your Oral Hygiene
Another cause of teeth staining in children is poor oral hygiene. As a parent you should develop healthy oral hygiene habits in your children. For the first two years of your child’s life you will be brushing their teeth for them. When they take over themselves, sometimes young children can be reluctant to brush their teeth, which is why it’s a good idea for the family to brush their teeth together and make it a fun activity. While they’re still young, it’s a good idea to re-brush those hard to reach areas to avoid plaque build-up.
Once your child reaches the age of 6, he or she is able to brush with a proper technique, though you will still need to supervise. As children are growing and their dentition is developing it is very important for them to maintain good habits. As they get older, as well as brushing they should use floss and rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
If your child’s teeth have become stained, one of the safest ways to whiten them is to use a whitening product from Crest. The toothpaste and strips work gently to improve stains by up to 90 percent within just a few days. They also work to fight tartar build up, cavities and refresh the mouth.
Keep an Eye on Fluoride
Sometimes discoloration of a child’s teeth is caused by a condition known as dental fluorosis. This is a condition caused by excessive fluoride intake, which leads to deformity in the enamel of the teeth. It early stages it shows as cloudy grey patches and streaks on the surface of the teeth. As it becomes more severe, the teeth appear to have brown or black stains. It can be caused when children use adult toothpaste or drink heavily fluoridated water. It is best to use a children’s toothpaste that does not contain this harmful chemical.
If your child has stained teeth, see your dentist to make sure that there is not an underlying health problem. The best way to prevent this from happening is to practice good oral hygiene habits. Use a soft-bristled tooth brush and remember to brush the gums as well as the teeth.
Danielle Wright is a Mom who writes about a wide range of kids health and wellness issues. She has a son aged 8 and a daughter aged 4.
I had no idea things like tomato and soy sauces could be responsible for tooth stains. Thanks for sharing.