Seeing a child's tooth change colour worries many parents. Each kind of colour change has a different cause; some just need careful cleaning, others need a dentist to look.
- Baby teeth can change colour from stain, plaque, decay, injury or enamel that has not developed well.
- A tooth that turns grey after a knock needs to be examined even if the child has no pain.
- Brown or black spots or a hole in a tooth should be checked early.
- Clean the teeth twice a day, limit sweets and do not let the child sleep with a bottle.
Healthy baby teeth are usually white or slightly ivory. When a tooth turns grey, yellow or brown, parents should note whether the change is in one tooth or several, and whether there is pain or swelling.
Common causes
- Surface stain and plaque: coloured food and drinks and plaque make teeth yellow or brown on the outside, and this can usually be cleaned off.
- Decay: chalky white, brown or black spots, often in the chewing grooves or between teeth. See do decayed baby teeth need filling.
- Injury: after a fall or knock, one tooth may slowly turn grey because the pulp has been damaged.
- Enamel that has not developed well, or the effect of some health conditions while the teeth were forming.
What can parents do?
- Clean the child's teeth twice a day, especially in the evening. See what age children should start toothpaste and how much.
- Limit sweets and do not let the child sleep with a bottle. See does night-time bottle feeding cause tooth decay in children.
- Watch whether the colour changes further.
When should you take the child to a dentist?
- One tooth turns grey after a knock, even if the child does not complain of pain.
- There are brown or black spots or a hole in the tooth.
- The gum around the tooth is swollen, has a pimple with pus, or the child has pain or fever.
- Many teeth change colour at once for no clear reason.
The dentist will examine to see whether the colour is from staining, decay or damage and advise a suitable direction. You can bring your child in person during working hours at 266A - 268, Đường 3 Tháng 2, Phường Hòa Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter hours. Parents may also read tooth decay in children and the baby tooth replacement schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Why has my child's baby tooth turned grey?
It is often seen after a knock that damaged the tooth pulp, so the tooth gradually turns grey. Take the child to a dentist for a check even if there is no pain.
Are yellow baby teeth a sign of a lack of nutrients?
Not always. Yellow teeth are often from stain, plaque or decay. The dentist will examine to find the cause.
Are brown or black spots on a baby tooth decay?
Very likely, especially in the chewing grooves or between the teeth. Take the child to a dentist early so it can be dealt with while it is small.