Brown or White Spots on Kids' Teeth

Posted on 8/9/2021 by Fariba Mutschler

Seeing white or brown spots on your kid's teeth is sure to ring some alarm bells for every parent. It is not unusual for people to see minor blemishes on children's smiles. However, that doesn't mean it's safe to ignore them. Tiny white or brown spots on kids' teeth can be an early indication of tooth decay.

The pediatric dentists, Dr. Fariba Mutschler and Dr. Mark Mutschler at Great Grins for KIDS - Portland, can assist you in understanding the oral health needs of your little one. Here are some important things every parent must know about tooth stains and their child's dental health.

What Causes White Spots on Baby Teeth?

One or more of the following factors can be responsible for white stains on your child's teeth:

Tooth Cavities and Decay

Discoloration of the tooth enamel is usually the first sign of tooth decay. If your child has sore gums in addition to white, yellow, or cream-colored spots on the tooth surface, they might have a cavity or an ongoing decay.

Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis is another culprit of staining in baby teeth. Fluorosis is a cosmetic problem that stems from overexposure to fluoride. This problem is more common in children than adults as the chemical has a stronger effect on developing teeth. It's interesting to note that fluoride actually helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. This is why many types of toothpaste contain this ingredient. However, high concentrations of this chemical in drinking water supplies or your child's oral care products can have adverse effects on their teeth instead.

Calcium Deposits

White stains on your kid's teeth can be an effect of calcification as well. Calcification refers to the buildup of calcium in body tissue. In the oral cavity, these deposits usually form on the inner side of the lower front teeth. The lower front teeth are prone to calcification as they are close to the salivary ducts. If calcium deposits are responsible for the stains on your kid's teeth, we can suggest a cleaning method to get rid of the marks effectively.

What Causes Brown Spots on Baby Teeth?

Brown spots usually develop when kids do not follow a proper oral care routine. Typically, brown spots indicate a more advanced stage of tooth decay.
Simply put, brown and white spots on baby teeth are not normal. And they can lead to serious dental issues if not treated on time.
For immediate dental assistance on tooth stains in kids, visit us at Great Grins for KIDS - Portland or call now at (971) 470-0054.

My daughter was a little nervous to have her dental work done but everyone in the office was super friendly and very reassuring and that helped her nervousness go away. Thanks for the excellent dental experience. ~ Lilyana G.

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Our Dental Blog | Great Grins Pediatric Dentistry - Portland, OR
Dr. Fariba Mutschler & Dr. Mark Mutschler have created this informative blog to help educate the community. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please use the share it button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
Great Grins for KIDS Portland, 13908 SE Stark Street, Ste C, Portland, OR 97233-2161 / (971) 470-0054 / portlandchildrensdentist.com / 9/6/2024 / Key Phrases: pediatric dentist Portland /