My Child's Teeth Have Discolored!
Tooth discolorations can occur in both permanent and primary teeth. Particularly, discolorations in the front teeth can cause aesthetic concerns for both parents and children. Nowadays, with the increasing visual perception among children and teenagers, these discolorations can sometimes lead to negative impacts on their psychology, lack of self-confidence, and social withdrawal.
Discolorations can appear in brown-black, yellow-orange, or green-gray colors. Sometimes, these discolorations, which can be mistaken for decay, should be examined by a pediatric dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause, treatment, and necessary precautions.
What Causes Tooth Discolorations?
There can be many reasons for discolorations, but the most common ones include inadequate oral hygiene, the use of iron supplements, and an increase in certain pigmented bacteria in the oral cavity.
Why Do Black-Brown Discolorations Occur?
These are the most common discolorations in children. According to studies conducted in our country among children aged 5 to 13, the prevalence of such discolorations is approximately 17%. In other words, this condition is observed in about one out of every five school-aged children. They are generally seen near the gum line, parallel to the gum, in a punctate or band-like form. They are frequently observed in the upper front teeth, where the cleansing effect of saliva cannot be fully utilized. These discolorations occur due to the increase in pigmented bacteria in the oral cavity. These bacteria are called chromogenic bacteria. When the chemicals produced by chromogenic bacteria combine with iron in saliva or gum fluid, these types of discolorations occur. Therefore, the use of iron-containing medications increases the likelihood of discoloration.
Why Do Gray-Green Discolorations Occur?
These types of discolorations, which can be seen in gray, brown, or green colors, are generally encountered in the upper front primary teeth. This type of discoloration, which is seen twice as much in boys as in girls, is due to tissue remnants remaining on the tooth surfaces during the eruption of primary teeth. When this structure, called the Nasmyth membrane, which surrounds the tooth surfaces, does not completely detach from the tooth surface over time and chromogenic bacteria proliferate in the region, these types of discolorations occur.
Why Do Yellow-Orange Discolorations Occur?
This type of discoloration, seen near the gum line in cases of inadequate oral hygiene, is more common in the upper or lower front teeth. Generally, this type of discoloration is encountered in children with nutritional disorders.
How Are Tooth Discolorations Treated?
After determining the cause and type of external discolorations, treatment can be performed. Discolorations can often be removed with a detailed cleaning (polishing) using fluoride-containing pastes. In some cases, ultrasonic cleaning devices may also be used. However, for the treatment to be effective, attention should be paid to daily oral care afterwards. Necessary recommendations for eliminating the factors causing discoloration will be provided in detail by your dentist.
How Can I Take Preventive Measures?
Firstly, the child's oral hygiene should be ensured as best as possible. Detailed information on how oral care should be performed according to age will be provided during check-up examinations.
To prevent bacterial transmission from parents or siblings, shared items should not be used for eating and drinking, and attention should be paid to the hygiene of pacifiers or bottles. Habits such as kissing the child on the lips will also transmit these discoloration-causing bacteria.
To prevent discolorations caused by iron supplements from recurring, the child should be given water or mouthwash immediately after taking the medication, followed by brushing teeth. You can consult your dentist to see if changing the medication is possible.
Discoloration or Decay?
Especially in black discolorations, the appearance of these two conditions can often be confused. Especially when sensitivity or pain is present, it is necessary to consult a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Situations requiring decay treatment may arise.
What Should Be Done for Discolorations Inside the Tooth?
In addition to the external causes mentioned above, sometimes we can see different discolorations inside the tooth structure. These discolorations can develop due to the use of certain medications (especially tetracycline), high fluoride intake, genetic disorders, or other reasons. Detailed examination is required for diagnosis and treatment purposes.
Article Author: Dr. İdil Kızılırmak, Dentist
