Yellow Teeth

We've been seeing a pediatric dentist since my son was 18 months. It is about $75 a visit. If you go, I recommend a dentist specializing in kids. My regular dentist didn't want to see my son until he was 3. But he gets build up on his front teeth that needs cleaning so I'm glad we didn't wait.

My daughter had what your describing looked like yellow/orangish scum or junk stuck on her teeth didn't brush or scrape off and it was actually decay/cavity she needed crowns put on.

There are alot of free dental clinics going on right now for kids I get flyers from daughter's school all the time. WE have insurance so I don't even pay attention to where.

I would pick up the phone and call 211 United Way just say your looking for dental care for a child who is uninsured. They should beable to direct you in the right place.

Hi-
It will be around $75 depending on the dentist and I'm sure they could set up a payment plan.
You should take him. It's important to take care of gums and roots at this stage even if they have "baby teeth." The foundations of the mouth are with them for life. Also, it's never to early to introduce them to the dentist so they don't dread going as they get older. Good luck!

Antibiotics can cause teeth yellowing as well. Some dentists will let you bring your little one (especially since he is so young) along with your appointment and just check their teeth for a minute while they sit on your lap. This way you wouldn't have to pay for a seperate visit. Some will also give you a break if you ask and tell them you don't have dental insurance, or make payments. Good luck, it sounds like you are doing everything possible to take care of his dental health!

Hi S.,

What you are explaining sounds like plaque build up. I learned from our pediatric dentist that the salivary glands in children shoot at the inside of the bottom teeth. Therefore it's not uncommon for children to have yellow build up there as it's a difficult place to keep clean. We had our son's cleaned at the dentist and pay close attention to that area when brushing. Good luck!

When one of our sons was about 2 yrs his 4 front top and bottom teeth got yellow/brownish in color. We took him to the dentist. They did x-rays and a cleaning. The x-rays showed that the blood vessels in the teeth were no longer functioning causing the color to change. It also showed that the adult teeth were developing fine. The teeth did come out very early. It took many years till his adult teeth came in but in the end everything was fine for him. Hope things work out for your little one.

My son is almost two and at his first dentist apt he had a bit of yellowing as well (he was still getting a bottle at his last apt a year ago). They just used some gauze and wiped it off gently. I know you said you didn't get him dental insurance-they only charged us 30.00 for his first apt (we have a reimbursement plan so we have to pay in full up front). I would call your dentist and see how much they charge. They just look at the teeth, no fluoride, abrasive cleaning, etc. We thought 30.00 was great and he is able to get used to going to the dentist now.

Have it checked. It is probably just plaque but better to have the opinion of a pro and dental work on kids is not very expensive. Turns out my son (5 yo) has no enamel on his two bottom teeth coming in (his adult ones) and the dentist has been great in talking us through what he'll need.

One word of warning, a pediatric dentist is not necessarily the only route to go. I started with a pediatric dentist for my son that I picked through my insurance. It was a HORRIBLE experience (they were rude, impatient, didn't make allowances for my son's social-emotional needs, physically forced procedures on him, tried to push having him sedated, and then sent me a letter threatening to report me to CPS when I refused to bring my child back to them for more treatment). Then I switched to a general dentist that was recommended by a friend whose kids loved this dentist. What a difference! He doesn't specialize in kids but had a great manner that was so perfect for my son and his sensory issues. I just pay out of pocket because he doesn't take the insurance I used to have and now I have no dental insurance.

My boys have the same problem with yellow teeth even after a dental appointment, they get their teeth brushed twice a day first by them then I or my husband do a follow up. When we asked the dentist he said some people are just prone to yellow teeth. When I got a second opinion I was told the same thing. If there is 'gunk' on the teeth you may just need a thorough cleaning by a dentist if you can get one to see him. Dentists in this area don't see kids before 3 and a 1/2 preferably 4 unless there are dark spots noticed.

Bring him in to a pediatric dentist. I am a dental assistant and work in a peds office and the actual recommended age to bring them in is age 1. He may have some build up which happens. A peds office will go over brushing techniques with you. As far as $ I still wouldn't pay for insurance. You end up spending a lot more in premiums than out of pocket once or twice a year.

I think my son's first dental visit was free. You could just call a few dentists to find out how much they charge. Most are really willing to work with you in terms of how you pay. In the meantime, get a battery-powered toothbrush for him. It makes it way easier to get in that spot.

Hi S.. Check with your dental insurance or Human Resources (if it's through an employer) to see if you can your son. Some dental insurance policy will let you add a child anytime during the year (even outside the open/annual enrollment period) before they are 3 years old.

L.

Hi S.,
Yes, I've heard the same thing that you shouldn't need dental insurance for your child until they're 3, but I disagree. My cousins child took a nasty fall when she was a little over 2 outside playing. She was taken to the hospital but eventually was recommended to see a dentist. At that time neither parent had dental insurance for her. I have a 3 1/2 year old and have taken her twice already. Consulting with a dentist for your childs teeth asap is your best bet.

Take care-

Does the "scum" scrape off with your fingernail? If so, it's plaque. I often have to tell my parents to pull that lip out to be sure to get the plaque off. It's not easy if they don't like to get their teeth cleaned. But if it's the bottom front teeth, I'm guessing it's definitely not decay. That is usually on the back molars. If it would be on the front, we are usually seeing this as "bottle rot" and your little boy is off the bottle. Don't freak out -Just brush a little lower down there! Hope this helps!

Hi S.

I was wondering do you have city water? The problem could be to much fluoride. My daughter had the same problem and we switched to bottled water and that seems to have helped. She is now 12 so I have to remind her often to brush her teeth but they are whiter then when she was drinking the tap water. I also switched her toothpaste to one without fluoride in it.

If you are using city water find out if they are adding fluoride. If so I would advice switching to bottled water without fluoride in it. You want to protect his adult teeth from the fluoride if this is what is causing the problem.

You can go on the internet and find alot of info about to much fluoride in the water.

Hope this helps :)