What are the Causes and Preventions for Discoloration of Baby Teeth?

If you are a proud mother of a little baby you must be obviously very much conscious about your little one's health. And perhaps it is one of the most pleasurable moments for you when you can see the first tooth of your baby coming up. If it is off-white or ivory, the tooth is normal and healthy. If it is not, then you have to be very careful about his tooth and should take necessary steps. But before that it is necessary to be aware of the causes of the discoloration of your baby's teeth.

Off-white or ivory colored teeth are normal for the primary teeth or baby teeth. Discoloration of baby teeth occurs for many reasons. Lack of proper brushing or cleaning is one of the main causes for teeth getting discolored. Inadequate brushing allows bacteria to form and develop a plaque on the teeth, which becomes stained with foodstuff. It can be removed by proper brushing. You can take a little bit of baking soda, blend it with your baby's tooth paste and scrub very well at least twice a day. After some days it will be completely removed. Liquid supplementary multivitamins, which have been given to the toddlers, contain iron and this results dark stains on their teeth. Dark stains due to iron are nothing to worry about, though it is very difficult to remove completely. Sometimes it needs professional scrubbing by the doctors.

There are many other causes of discoloration. Some of are given below.

• Taking tetracycline, Including minocycline, oxytetracyclin, and doxycycline during the time of pregnancy may cause the discoloration of a baby's teeth.
• Using of toothpaste containing excessive amount of fluorides causes bright white spot on the teeth.
• Spots can be the signs of injurious teeth.
• Newborn babies, who suffered from jaundice, may have spots on their teeth.
• If a baby suffers from a chronic disease or high recurring fever, his teeth become discolored.

If you take a little bit care, you can prevent your baby from the discoloration of teeth. Following preventive measures can be effective for your infants:

• Start brushing twice a day after the first tooth appears Always use baby tooth paste and baby brush with small head and soft bristle.
• After brushing their teeth at night, don't give them sugary drinks including milk.
• Don't add extra sugar to the baby's food or in the fruit juices. Avoid concentrated fruit juices.
• Sweetened fruit juices and squashes cause dental problems. Do not fill your baby's bottle with these.
• Foods having plenty of calcium, vitamins, minerals help to develop healthy teeth .So opt for a healthy diet.
• Give limited amount of fruit juices.
• Go for a regular dental check up.