Healthy teeth are associated with white, spotless teeth. But what if your child’s teeth appear black and uneven in texture?
The normal color of teeth generally varies from white to yellowish-white or whitish-gray. The whiteness of teeth typically depends on the calcium content in the enamel. Enamel is the hard outer layer of the teeth.
Children’s teeth usually appear whiter because they contain higher levels of calcium. However, for some children, their teeth may often appear black and uneven (grooved).
Causes of Black Teeth in Children
There are several factors that can cause a child’s teeth to turn black, including:
- Not maintaining oral hygiene Not brushing or rarely cleaning teeth can cause plaque and bacteria from food remnants to accumulate on the surface of the teeth. If left unchecked, the accumulating plaque can cause the child’s teeth to turn black over time.
- Drinking milk using a bottle Some children still drink milk from a bottle, even at night. Sometimes, the bottle is left in the child’s mouth until they fall asleep. This habit can cause sugar in the milk to stick to the child’s teeth and encourage bacterial growth. The bacteria then produce acids that can damage the teeth or cause cavities. This condition is known as nursing bottle caries.
- Trauma or impact Injuries to the teeth from impact while playing or engaging in physical activities can happen to children. This can result in cracked or broken teeth or even bleeding gums. Severe trauma may trigger bleeding in the pulp area and nerve death in the tooth. This can lead to the teeth changing color to black.
- Medication effects According to Klikdokter, certain medications can cause black teeth in children. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can affect the formation of a child’s tooth enamel if the child is under 8 years old. Additionally, mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine, antihistamines, antipsychotic medications, and antihypertensive drugs can cause discoloration of the teeth.
- Consumption of certain foods and drinks The discoloration of a child’s teeth into black can also be triggered by certain foods and drinks. Coloring agents in foods or beverages can leave pigments that may cause the teeth to darken.
- Genetics Discoloration of teeth can also be caused by genetic factors. Teeth can change color to yellow, brown, gray, or even black. Common genetic conditions include amelogenesis imperfecta, dentin dysplasia, and epidermolysis bullosa.
How to Prevent Black Teeth in Children
Black teeth in children can cause discomfort and even pain. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately to address any discoloration issues in your child’s teeth.
Additionally, it’s important to instill the habit of brushing teeth properly in your child to prevent their teeth from turning black. Don’t forget to reduce the consumption of sugary foods that can negatively affect your child’s teeth.
And equally important, encourage your child to have regular dental check-ups. Dental exams should be done every six months.
