What are some causes of stains and discoloration in children’s teeth?
• FOOD AND DRINK Organic compounds can leave stains on children’s teeth. Some of the worst culprits for children and adolescents are cola drinks, tea, and some fruits and vegetables, such as apples and potatoes. • MEDICATIONS Medications containing iron; mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride; antihistamines; and antipsychotic medications can stain or discolor teeth. The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline taken by a woman while pregnant or given to children whose tooth enamel is still developing—generally up to age 8—can discolor teeth. • DAMAGE Damage to an individual tooth, such as from a fall or other blow to the mouth, can discolor the tooth by interfering in the normal development of the enamel or causing bleeding in the tooth’s pulp—the soft, sensitive tissue at the tooth’s center. • ILLNESS Illness accompanied by a very high fever can discolor teeth by interrupting the normal growth and development of the tooth enamel. Malnutrition—the failure t
