What causes stains in upper teeth of a baby?

Question

Hello doctor,

My baby girl is 17 months old and started showing some stains on her top teeth. They also look a bit transparent in the part not stained. She is on Formula milk for a few months and was breastfed before that and also was late in eating. I am just worried that those stains might be a sign of a health issue or are they just milk bacteria accumulating.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The stains seem to be the onset of early childhood caries which usually starts on the four upper front teeth due to improper brushing (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Try to brush at least two times after feeding. If possible, wipe the front teeth after every feeding using wet cotton to remove all sticky milk from the teeth. As the babies usually drink milk in lying down posture, milk accumulates between upper lips and front four teeth causing milk sticking to them for a long time. It is better if you can go to a dentist and get a fluoride varnish to prevent the breakdown of those teeth in the near future.