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Dental Health Care: Discolored Primary Teeth

Discoloration of the primary (baby) incisors (front teeth) is most often noticed by parents. This discoloration may be extrinsic or intrinsic. Tooth brushing or a professional cleaning can remove extrinsic discolorations or stains. Intrinsic discoloration occurs within the tooth structure.

Some apple juices and grape juice may cause staining. This type of stain can usually be brushed off the teeth at home. If your child has a tendency to stain, try diluting the juice with water. Once the enamel begins to break down, the staining may be more difficult to remove because it is deep down in the tiny holes created by break down of the enamel. This could progress on to decay. If the teeth appear to be a dull, white color in some spots, discontinue juices completely or dilute the juice with water. Juice is twenty times more decay-causing than milk. Juices should be limited to mealtime only.

Liquid and chewable medicines have a high sugar content and most are colored with dye. A light yellow-brown film may cover the teeth. This occurs most often on the bottom front teeth. Bedtime tooth brushing is especially important when your child is taking liquid or chewable medicine. Tetracycline is the only antibiotic that could cause damage to the developing permanent teeth if given before eight years of age.

Iron in chewable or liquid vitamins may cause staining of the grooves of the primary (baby) molars. This is difficult to remove, but overall is harmless.

You must brush your child's teeth until six years of age. Bedtime brushing is the most important time of day. Staining may occur if plaque remains on teeth for a long period of time. Plaque is made up of cells from the inside of the mouth, bacteria, and food residues. Teeth may appear to be discolored, but a thorough brushing may remove this stain. Do not use toothpaste until two years of age. Baking soda toothpaste seems to be best for stain removal.

Bacteria called chromogenic (colored) bacteria may cause a dark green or brown stain on the teeth. This stain is usually along the gum line. These bacteria are harmless and will one day just disappear. We do not know why they grow in some mouths and not others. A professional cleaning is usually necessary to remove this stain.

Intrinsic discoloration cannot be removed by cleaning the teeth. This occurs because the enamel on the primary teeth did not form in the usual manner. This may be inherited from one or both parents. It does not necessarily mean that the primary teeth will be more susceptible to decay or that the permanent teeth will have the same appearance.

Trauma to a primary incisor (front tooth) may cause discoloration. If the blood vessels deep inside the tooth break, the blood may be absorbed into the tiny tubes that travel from the inside of the tooth to the outer enamel layer. This is similar to a black and blue mark on the skin. Enamel is translucent, so you can see the evidence of the damage. This may resolve without treatment, but your pediatric dentist should be consulted. A procedure to remove the tissue from the inside of the tooth (pulpectomy) may be necessary.

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Dental Disease And Children's Gums

If your child complains that his or her young gums are sore, tender, or bleed after brushing or flossing, these might be warning signs of gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. The word "periodontal" comes from the Greek meaning "around the tooth." Healthy gum tissue and bone support each tooth.

Young gum disease threatens the support system that healthy teeth need. If not treated, it can lead to serious problems including tooth loss.

What Causes Children's Gum Disease?

Certain types of bacteria found in plaque (that sticky film in the mouth) create toxins. This irritates the gums, causing tenderness and bleeding. As gums loosen around teeth, little pockets form and fill with plaque. If left untreated, the toxins destroy the tissues surrounding the teeth. This can lead to further complications, so it's important to treat young gum disease promptly.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Children's Gum Disease?

Good daily pediatric dental care is essential. If plaque isn't removed completely every 24 to 48 hours, it hardens into tartar, that can only be removed by pediatric dental care professionals.

Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth helps to remove plaque. If children are too young to brush themselves, they will need your help. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Clean between teeth with dental floss or interdental cleaners (special picks, brushes, or sticks) to remove food particles trapped between teeth and plaque. Anytime two teeth touch, they must be cleaned in between. Tooth decay and young gum disease often starts in these areas, so flossing is very important! Teach children how to floss and help them until they're old enough to do it themselves.

Teens, ages 12 or older, can use an anti-microbial mouth rinse approved by the American Dental Association. This helps in controlling the plaque that forms above the gum line. These rinses are available only by prescription from your pediatric dentist.

Regular pediatric dental care check-ups and cleanings, usually about twice a year, help to remove the plaque that hardens into tartar under the gum line. Tartar can only be removed professionally.

How Is Gingivitis Treated in Children?

In the early stages, proper pediatric dental care helps restore gum tissue along with plaque and tartar removal around the teeth. Your dentist will design a pediatric dental care program for your child's specific needs. Doing so will help prevent young gum disease.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.