By Dr. Drew Zima
It happens more than you might imagine. A concerned parent and their child visit my office with what they believe is a dental emergency. The child is in pain; specifically, their gums are extremely sore and red. Eating is difficult for them. And sometimes, a number of other symptoms may accompany the gum pain, including:

• Headaches
• Mild fevers (Below 102F)
• Swelling, especially around the face and gums
• Ear pain
• Running nose
  
• Sore throat
  

As a father, I totally understand their concern. Not being able to relieve (or diagnose) our children’s pain is among the most helpless feelings there is. But I’m often able to treat these situations right over the phone, without even scheduling an appointment. It’s often as simple as checking the child’s age, and if they’re between the 6-to-7 or 11-to-13-year age range, the diagnosis is almost always the same: their permanent molars are coming in. (Here is a table where you can find the schedule for all primary and permanent teeth).

The technical term for molars (or any teeth) coming in is “erupting.” And while it may sound dramatic to state that your first or second permanent molars are erupting, it makes perfect sense if symptoms are severe. That’s because it can hurt, something we forget about as we get older.
 
The good news is that there are a number of things you can do as a parent to help make the pain and various symptoms associated with erupting molars a bit more tolerable for your kiddos.
 
Food is a big one. Try softer foods if chewing is painful, such as soups and smoothies. Chilled or frozen foods, including fruits and vegetables, can also provide some cooling relief. You might also consider some ibuprofen, especially if there is a fever or headache present. Be sure to check the back of the bottle for the proper dosage.
 
At the end of the day, I can’t promise that molar eruption is the cause of your child’s pain and suffering. But if they’re in those aforementioned age ranges, and have one of more of these symptoms, there is a good chance that when those molars break the surface, your child will start feeling normal again.
 
In the meantime, feel free to give me a call and we can always take a look...

Maybe you’re sitting down at the kitchen table sneaking in a second cup of coffee while your kids smile at you in between heaping bites of cereal. Or you catch a glimpse of their teeth while they’re raising a rec league soccer trophy.

Bu you notice that… something looks different. It’s their smile, with what appears to be stained or yellow teeth, and you’re likely wondering if this is a temporary situation or something to worry about.
 
Are New Permanents to Blame for Yellow Teeth?
Like other phenomena in dental hygiene, the cause for concern could in fact be something totally normal. In the case of spying stained or yellow teeth in your kids, when adult teeth begin erupting and replacing baby teeth around age 6 or 7, they naturally have a different appearance. In fact, they can look yellow — especially when compared to baby teeth side by side. You’ll also notice that adult teeth will brighten over time, losing their yellow tint.
 
Can Yellow Teeth Be a Sign of Something More Serious?
In short, yes. Stained or yellow teeth could be caused by a number of issues that likely require attention from your pediatric dentist, including:

• Poor dental hygiene: There are a number of foods and beverages — from soda to candy — that have the ability to stain your children’s teeth if they don’t develop a consistent, effect routine of daily brushing and flossing.
• Cavities: Yes, tooth decay and cavities can produce a yellowing or even brown coloring effect on your kids’ teeth. So, while the above hygiene tips still work, there’s probably a filling or two in your children’s future.
• Enamel issues: Thin enamel can also produce a yellow coloring in your kiddos’ teeth. But the source for that lack of hard white exterior could be chalked up to a couple different reasons. If it’s discovered your pint-sized patients have enamel issues, it’s a topic worth discussing with your pediatric dentist.

 
You want your kids to have bold, bright smiles. And when you see stained or yellow teeth, it can be a cause for concern — we totally understand. But even if there is an underlying health or hygiene issue responsible, we can still get your children started down the bright path. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.