Livonia Dentist Discusses Causes for Tooth Discolorations in Kids

cute little girl with a great smileMany people pay a fairly high premium to have one visit teeth whitening procedures completed. In fact, teeth bleaching has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Yet, perhaps those treatments could have been avoided had their childhood dietary choices been different. Oftentimes, tooth stains, like those from fluorosis, follow patients throughout their lives. If you have children, then your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, offers some tips on how to keep your kid’s teeth bright and white and free of stains.

These Foods Can Stain Your Child’s Teeth

If you’ve noticed you child’s teeth have darkened recently, their diet and teeth cleaning habits might have something to do with it. Your Livonia one visit teeth whitening dentist suggests monitoring the consumption of the following items and their daily brushing routine to reduce the dental stains.

  • Early tooth decay. Children need guidance when brushing their teeth. An improper technique can increase the amount of plaque build-up, which leads to cavities. Plus, without a consistent teeth cleaning regimen, teeth begin to yellow and stain.
  • Sodas. Kids who drink too much soda tend to experience a weakening in the enamel. This allows two things to occur: stained teeth and tooth erosion. Try limiting their soda intake and encourage choosing water instead of soda or similar beverages.
  • Medications. Some antibiotics can cause dental staining, such as tetracycline. Mothers who take tetracycline during pregnancy make the baby more susceptible to tooth stains.
  • Multivitamins. Ensuring your kids have the vitamins they need to grow is essential. However, vitamins that contain higher levels of iron could leave them with dark spots on their teeth.
  • Hot beverages. Did you know that both your teeth and skin have porous qualities? Drinking a hot beverage is similar to taking a hot bath. When your skin is soaked in hot water, your pores open up; teeth function in a similar manner. With a hot beverage, your teeth’s natural pores open and become more susceptible to staining, especially kid’s teeth. If they’re enjoying a hot drink, wait a few minutes to allow some of the heat to dissipate.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Excellent Pediatric Dentistry

Your kids can have healthier smiles with the help of your Livonia one visit tooth whitening dentist. Establishing good oral habits and a healthy diet is the key to ensure your children has a life-long healthy smile. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.