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 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 dentist should be consulted. A procedure to remove the tissue from the
inside of the tooth (pulpectomy) may be necessary.
