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Have you ever seen a child with brown marks on their teeth? Dark spots on teeth are a common issue, and can be caused by everything from poor children's dental care to oral trauma. Understanding the cause of the marks on your child’s teeth can help you decide whether to visit a dentist to review their dental hygiene. Here are some of the reasons you might spot marks on your little one’s teeth.

Reasons Behind Brown Spots on Children’s Teeth

1. Cavities

Most times you see brown dental spots on children, they’re due to cavities. Childhood cavities can be caused by poor nutrition, lack of brushing, or excessive snacking.

2. Excessive Fluoride

children's dental careWhile fluoride in water and toothpaste help fight cavities, too much of it can cause fluorosis in children whose teeth are still developing. This condition stains teeth a brownish color and, in severe cases, can cause erosion and attract bacteria and plaque.

3. Early Tooth Decay

Brown spots could also be a sign of poor children’s dental care. When teeth are neglected, they build up plaque and tartar, which can change the color and appearance of softer baby teeth, leaving them prone to decay.

4. Trauma or Illness

Injury to the mouth can darken the color of permanent teeth, even those that haven't grown in yet. If your child falls and hits their mouth area, it’s possible that their permanent teeth can emerge in a darker color. Tooth discoloration could also be caused by illnesses such as celiac disease.

5. Genetics

If you’ve ruled out all of the above issues, it’s possible that your child’s teeth are darker due to genetics. Teeth come in many different shades, so not every darker mark is a sign of poor children’s dental care.

 

To help you care for your little one’s teeth, visit Bert E. Bathiany IV, DMD in Florence, KY. Since 1980, Dr. Bathiany has made families’ and children’s dental care a priority, offering routine teeth cleanings, mouth guards, orthodontics, and other dental services in a fun and comfortable environment. Follow updates on Facebook, or call (859) 525-2100 to schedule an appointment.

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