Black Spots on Children’s Teeth: What Parents Should Know
For parents, maintaining their children’s oral health is a top priority. The black spots that appear on a child’s teeth can put a parent in an alarming situation. As we all know, the protection of a child’s health is the most important matter to the parents more than their health problems. They will do everything possible to avoid children’s health problems. In this scenario, the black spots appearing on children’s teeth can make them worry. Here, we are going to understand the causes of these black spots and know how to address them to protect children’s oral health.
What Are Black Spots on Children’s Teeth?
Black spots on teeth are visible discolorations that may appear on the surface of a child’s teeth. The black spots can be small, isolated dots or larger areas covering multiple teeth. This comes as a result of staining, decay, or dental issues.
Common Causes of Black Spots on Children’s Teeth
1.Poor Oral Hygiene
Irregular brushing can build -up plaque and tartar which causes discoloration. This hardened plaque can turn black and stain teeth over time.
2.Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Dental caries caused by sugary foods can create dark spots in the tooth enamel.
3.Fluorosis
Excessive fluoride intake, especially at the time of tooth development can cause discoloration.It can appear as black or brown streaks.
4.Iron Supplements
If a child takes iron supplements, then it can create black spots.
5.Chromogenic Bacteria
Some bacteria in the mouth produce pigment deposits on teeth which can create black spots.
6.Injury to Teeth
An injured tooth can turn black due to internal bleeding or nerve damage signalling the urgent need for dental action.
Are Black Spots Harmful?
Black spots may not always be harmful, but they can’t be ignored. Some black spots are developed due to cosmetics. Others could be the signs of tooth decay or health issues. You shouldn’t always ignore it as a small dental problem.
How to Prevent Black Spots on Children’s Teeth?
1.Regular Brushing and Flossing
Teach children to brush twice in a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss to remove food particles.
2.Limit Sugary Foods
Reduce the consumption of sugar foods like candies, sugary snacks etc. to get protection from cavities.
3.Visit Dentist Regularly
Visit the dentist regularly with your children to make dental check-ups.It will help to identify dental issues as early as possible.
4.Use Fluoride Wisely
Follow the recommendations of dentists to use fluoride to avoid fluorosis.
5.Rinse After Meals
Encourage children to rinse after taking meals to remove leftover food particles and bacteria.
Treatment Options for Black Spots on Children’s Teeth
1.Professional Cleaning
Visit the dentist to do professional cleaning to remove surface stains and tartar.
2.Tooth Filling
The black spots which create cavities can be eliminated through tooth filling.
3.Sealants
Using sealants can help to protect teeth from further decay.
4.Whitening Treatments
The whitening treatments performed by dentists can avoid black spots in your children’s teeth.
5.Addressing Injuries
If the black spot is due to a tooth injury, then visit dentists to get their recommendations about this injury. They will provide appropriate treatments.
When to Consult a Dentist?
You should consider a dentist if:
⦁ The black spot doesn’t fade with regular brushing.
⦁ Your child feels tooth pain or sensitivity.
⦁ The discoloration spreads to multiple teeth.
⦁ The tooth is broken or injured.
Conclusion
Black spots on children’s teeth are common. However, it should be managed with proper care and dental intervention. Living with a healthier child is the dream of many people. If you want your child to remain healthier then you should consider their oral health also. Many parents are not giving much care to dental issues of their children as compared to other body parts. Therefore, visiting your dentist regularly will help to protect your child’s oral health. It needs utmost care for making treatments on the black spots on your children’s teeth. Consider a trusted dental clinic like Share A Smile to help your children restore their bright smiles.